Advice for mature workers in their job search

World-famous chef Julia Child made her debut on “The French Chef” at the age of 51, Laura Ingalls Wilder (of “Little House on the Prairie” fame) published her first book at age 65, and the late actor John Mahoney was 53 when he landed the role as Martin Crane on “Frasier” that would make him a star.

Success can come at any age, but that doesn’t make starting a career after 50 any easier. If you’re over 50, a successful job search may include disproving negative stereotypes and showing employers how your extra years of experience can benefit them. Read on as we share key tips for finding a rewarding career after 50.

Refresh your resume and cover letter

Refreshing your resume lets you trim down your document to information that shows employers why you’re the best fit for the role. Don’t allow employers to dismiss you immediately because of “age-proofing” your resume. There’s no need to mention every job you’ve ever had. Limit your work experience to the last 10 to 15 years and keep it relevant to the job you’re hoping to land. If you have a professional degree, leave the dates off your resume.

You can upload your resume on CareerBuilder or get help building a new one in five minutes or less. Your cover letter is also critical because it lets you showcase your skills and market your candidacy to employers. CareerBuilder has many cover letter templates for specific jobs; simply cut and paste, then include the details relevant to your desired role.

Highlight what sets you apart

Your experience and years in the workforce give you critical life skills, talents, and abilities that younger workers don’t have. Emphasizing these strengths can set you apart. They include (but certainly aren’t limited to) your problem-solving skills, work ethic, good judgment, and leadership. List concrete examples of times you’ve displayed these skills to help prove that your experience is an asset.

Address employers’ concerns

When interviewing, address any concerns an employer might have about hiring someone over 50. Talk about your flexible management style, technological proficiency, ability to learn new skills, and willingness to work for a younger boss. Even discussing your five or 10-year plan with the company can help alleviate any concerns they may have about you filling the role. Before going into an interview, prepare to discuss concrete examples of how you’ve mastered new technologies and worked with and for younger generations. Explain how your management style has developed through the years.

“Your experience and years in the workforce give you critical life skills, talents, and abilities that younger workers don’t have.”

Tips for conducting a successful job search

Many starting or reinventing their career after 50 find themselves in a job search for the first time. If you fall into this category and are unsure how to go about your job search, there are several ways to find the perfect role.

Expand your network

While a lot about the workplace has changed since mature workers first entered the workforce, one thing remains true. It’s not what you know but who you know. The benefit of being a job seeker over 50 is that you probably have a well-developed professional network. Reach out to your network to let them know you’re looking for work, ask for referrals, and be open to making new connections. Take advantage of social media to build your network and accelerate your job search.

Focus on small companies

If you’re over 50, you might find more opportunities by focusing your search on a small company. Not only are there more small companies around, but they tend to be less concerned with age and more focused on finding experienced individuals who can help them grow. Another benefit of small companies is that the hiring process doesn’t feel like you’re just another cog in the machine. You’re more likely to interview and connect with a person rather than an automated inbox.

Focus on growing fields

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports on many things related to occupations and industries. One of these reports includes information on the most in-demand roles between 2022 and 2032. More jobs may be available, leading to a higher chance of landing your desired role. The BLS lists some of the fastest-growing occupations with their projected growth rate, including the following:

• Data scientists: 35% job growth rate
• Information security analysts: 32% job growth rate
• Medical and health services managers: 28% job growth rate
• Physical therapist assistants: 26% job growth rate
• Actuaries: 23% job growth rate
• Home health and personal care aides: 22% job growth rate
• Taxi drivers: 21% job growth rate
• Personal care and service workers, all other: 21% job growth rate
• Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers: 20% job growth rate

As you pursue a career after 50, stay motivated. Asking for feedback from job posters and seeking reassurance from your support group can help you move forward as you find your next career. With current unemployment rates sitting around 3.8%, it’s a job seeker market out there, making your next role ripe for the taking.

More tips on job searching as a mature worker

Have you received a job promotion? Knowing how to show promotion on your resume can help potential employers understand your professional growth.

Are you searching for something to pass the time after retirement? Many low-stress jobs are available that can enrich your life and bring in a moderate income.

Are you looking for a career change? Just because you’re farther along in your career journey doesn’t mean you can’t try something new.

Do you want to test the waters before leaping into a full-time job as a mature worker? Part-time jobs offer just that, letting you get a foot in the door on your next full-time gig.