Top Tips for Mature Job Seekers

If you’re an older candidate, and believe your age is a barrier to employment, you are not alone. Regrettably, more than one third of workers aged between 50 and 70 feel overlooked or ‘shut out’ when applying for new roles, according to the UK’s Centre for Ageing Better.

There’s scarce evidence to support the damaging stereotype that older people are poor performers when measured against their younger colleagues.

And, as an older person, it’s possible you may be overlooking the many competitive advantages you have over younger applicants.

You’re likely to have a breadth of experience, knowledge and maturity that would be an asset to your prospective employer.

Older workers typically bring well-honed communication skills, emotional regulation skills and a knack for problem solving, having been exposed to a wider range of experiences, situations, and people than their younger counterparts.

Harness your unique strengths, and position yourself for the best chance of success, with the following practical suggestions:

• Use a skills-based CV, that draws attention to your skills, relevant experience, and qualifications. You do not need to list your age and may opt to ‘downplay’ dates. (Be sure to update your online presence, e.g., LinkedIn, too! Consult with a friend, family member or professional if you need assistance with this task.)

• Sell your transferrable skills. Throughout your career, you have likely finetuned your communication skills, adaptability, and leadership qualities. These are highly transferrable skills for a variety of roles.

• Demonstrate your capacity to learn and adapt. Willingness to learn new technologies, and adopt new ways of working, will serve both you and your prospective employer.

• Keep an open mind, exploring different industries and fields. You might find the thing you’ve always done is not aligned with your future plans. Consider flexible working arrangements and flexible hours. Be open to different working styles, e.g. part time, contract, or temporary work.

• Cultivate your network. Get to know other professionals in your chosen industry, as well as organisations and groups focused on employing older workers.

• Keep your skills up to date by volunteering or joining professional organisations in your local community. You never know who you might meet, or what opportunities might come your way.

• Don’t get discouraged! It may take some time to find the right opportunity. Job searching can be a lengthy process for candidates of all ages.