Careers for seniors: Benefits, tips and job search strategies

Career opportunities for seniors are an endless source of benefits that enrich not only their wallets for the future, but also their lives in general. Here are a few benefits of careers for seniors:

• Additional income: A new career for seniors can be an important source of additional income. Studies show that one in five workers don't plan to retire due to financial hardship, so an additional source of income can help keep financial well-being in good shape.
• Social engagement: A career for older adults encourages active socialising and interaction with the community. Studies show that delaying retirement by just a year can significantly reduce the risk of premature death, so an active career for seniors has a positive impact on quality of life.
• Mental alertness: Work keeps the mind sharp, encourages the acquisition of new skills and knowledge, and provides opportunities to socialise with others.
• Improved quality of life: Many retirees enjoy an improved quality of life due to a successful career. Working helps them feel younger and enriches their lives with new experiences.
• Health Insurance: A full-time job provides access to various types of health insurance, which helps with complex medical needs not covered by regular health insurance.
• Social engagement: A career for seniors avoids loneliness, a common problem among retirees. Interacting with new people and building social connections helps improve quality of life.
• Increase savings: An additional source of income in adulthood can strengthen financial independence and provide funds for retirement savings or for fun activities such as travelling.

Tips for retirees looking for a second job

As you begin your search for a second career as an older adult, you may face age discrimination or other challenges, but don't give up hope. Plenty of companies and businesses are realising the value of experienced older workers.

According to an AARP study, younger employees see their older colleagues as valuable teachers with unique perspectives. Retirees, when they enter the workplace, bring with them a special perspective that contributes to business growth and many other aspects.

Despite the many benefits of employing older workers in today's labour market, age discrimination can still be an issue. Around 60% of workers over the age of 45 report that they have experienced such discrimination during their career.

When looking for a job, it's important to recognise and highlight your unique strengths that you can bring to the company. Don't hesitate to speak openly about your wealth of experience, knowledge, and ability to make an impact on the team.

To start your search for a second career for seniors, here are our favourite tips:

Network

Use your connections and network to find available positions when you, as a former employee, begin your retirement job search. By notifying friends and family of your desire to return to work, you can open up new opportunities. Because you are retired, your loved ones may not realise that you are interested in a new career, so it is important to be open and honest to see what opportunities may arise.

Build your CV

Creating an updated CV is one of the key steps in your job search. If you've been working for a number of years, it's best to focus on the last 10-15 years of your experience - as work or achievements of an older date are often considered less relevant due to changes in requirements and trends. Also, listing older positions may unwantedly give away your age, which may be information you would prefer to save until later in the process.

Do not list your graduation year

Unless you have graduated from college or earned a degree in recent years, it is recommended that you do not list your college or school graduation date on your resume. Sometimes, recruiters may skip over your resume due to possible age discrimination, so it's best not to disclose this information.

Share your knowledge of technology

As a newcomer to the professional world after graduation, it will be important for you to demonstrate your confidence in handling technology. If you are applying for jobs that require a good grasp of technology or computer literacy, include your technology skills on your CV and emphasise your expertise in this area.

If you feel that your knowledge of computers or technology could be enhanced, that's fine. This might be a good time to contact your local library or an organisation that offers tech literacy programmes - this way you can strengthen your skills before your new job and feel fully prepared.

Be strategic with your CV

With the advancement of technology, the hiring process has changed a lot. It's important to remember that in most cases, your CV will be reviewed by a computer program before it is reviewed by an actual hiring manager.

To get through this filter, make sure your cover letter and CV contain keywords from the job adverts. If you notice that certain words or phrases are often repeated in job adverts that interest you, make sure you include them in your CV and cover letter.

Talk about your mentoring skills

One effective way to get the attention of potential employers is to position yourself as an experienced mentor. As many younger workers value the life experience and knowledge of older colleagues, the role of a mentor can be a valuable strategic approach to get ahead in the job market.

As you review your CV, it's worth thinking about whether you have had successful mentors or partners amongst younger colleagues? Have you given them some support during their career that might have caught the eye of potential employers?

Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse

Preparing for an interview is important, regardless of your age, and remember that the person interviewing you may be younger than you are. Potential employers are not allowed to ask about your age during an interview, but may ask how you would feel if you had to report to a younger supervisor. It will be helpful to think about this question ahead of time and formulate your thoughts.

Ultimately, when preparing for an interview, remember to be yourself. You have unique skills and perspectives on the job that may differ from younger employees, so be confident in yourself and your abilities when you go into an interview.

Regardless of your reasons for deciding to pursue a career in older age, rest assured that there are many options that will satisfy your goals and fit your lifestyle.