What careers advice is available for over 50s?
Much of the current growth in the employment market is in the over-50s and regardless of your reasons for looking for a new job, we have plenty of advice we can share with you - how to get your CV noticed, developing a career action plan, improving your employability skills or advice on suitable courses.
Remember the skills and experience of people over 50 are attractive to employers and a positive frame of mind and a plan of action will give you a great head start.
Perhaps you’ve been in the same job for a long time or are thinking about partial retirement and you’re not sure how to approach job hunting or perhaps you’re just not sure where to access the training that you might need for your next move. You’re in the right place.
8 top tips to help you find a job in your 50s
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Brainstorm your skillsets
The very fact that you’re 50 means that you will have many skills and attributes that have developed over time – it may just be that you’re not entirely aware of all of them.
This is a good opportunity to sit down and wok out your transferrable skills so that you can show an employer what an asset you could be. Think reliability, creative thinking, problem-solving skills, critical thinking, leadership skills, communication, willingness to learn.
Also think about the positive impact and successes you have had in previous roles – how you helped increase sales, cut costs or improved how something worked for example.
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Do your homework
It can be worthwhile to do a bit of homework around any local companies you would like to work for. Find out whether they ever recruit for the kinds of role you’re interested in, then start to think about why you would be a good match for them.
Consider what it is from all of your experience that would be of benefit to them. Don’t simply send your CV, consider the job spec carefully and set about demonstrating your qualities and attributes telling them why you would be suited to the role.
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Maintain a positive frame of mind
Approaching your job search with a positive frame of mind and with a focus on the right things, can make a big difference and get you back in a job sooner than you know it. It’s important not to get side-tracked by the age discrimination debate when you’re applying for jobs.
Don’t take it personally if your job search takes longer than you expect. If you get a rejection, stay positive and move on to the next opportunity. Remember you have a lot to offer.
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Have a plan
Having a plan for anything in life makes you more likely to succeed, and a plan for your job search is no exception.
Outlining what you want to do and how you might get there will be a key tool to landing your next role. Your plan should include things like what kind of role you’re looking for; who you know that could help you; identifying any gaps in your skills that may be holding you back; making sure you know the best places to look for the job you want; taking a look at your finances and budgeting accordingly.
Our advisers can help you put together a skills action plan that sets out the steps you need to complete to achieve your goal.
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Make sure your CV stands out
Dust off your CV and think about what it might take for yours to stand out.
Depending on your experience and the number of roles you’ve had over the years, your CV could extend to being a few pages long. It is advisable however to keep it succinct and focus your efforts on writing a summary highlighting your career successes and the attributes you can bring to a role. And remember you’re not expected to show your age.
Learn how to write a CV that will get you noticed.
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Learn how to write an eye-catching covering letter
A covering letter is the perfect opportunity to sell yourself to the employer and it’s here that first impressions count. Focus on your most recent experience by highlighting your achievements, the skills you learned and your personal qualities and why these put you ahead of the rest.
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Brush up on your interview skills
If you haven’t had an interview in a number of years, it’s really important you brush up on your interview skills. Do your homework on the company so that you can show an interest in their business and impress with your knowledge. Prepare for the types of questions you may be asked so that you can rehearse beforehand and be ready on the day.
Check out our blog on 10 of the most asked interview questions and how to answer them
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Build your online network
It has always been important to use your network of friends and colleagues to help you find your next job and now social media platforms, especially LinkedIn can help too. Just like on your CV, use your Linkedin profile to highlight all of your skills and keep a look out for job posts. There are also sector relevant groups and forums worth joining and an employer would like to see you being proactive online.
Where can I get careers advice?
Inspira can help you if you live in Cumbria or Lancashire, you are over 50 and need help finding your next job.
We have specialist advisers to help older jobseekers, and when you’re ready we’re here and waiting to help you begin to take action.
We can offer practical advice and help you find the right courses and programmes so that you become better equipped to succeed in your job search.
We can help you in lots of ways –
- find an online course
- help you improve your CV
- help to ensure you know where to look for jobs
- help to set up a LinkedIn profile
- help with interview skills.
Read our latest blog post from Inspira CEO Mark Bowman about changing careers over 50.
Let us help you Be Bold, Be Resilient, and Be Relevant.
To book a free 1:1 appointment with one of our advisers - email, call us or use our form and we will arrange an online or phone appointment with you.
⮞ Call us on 0345 658 8647
⮞ Email us at info@inspira.org.uk
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