Career advice for over 50s

Have you been out of work for some time? Maybe you are simply wanting to change careers? People over 50 can have a wide range of experiences in looking for a job. The most important thing to remember is to be persistent, and use your experience to your advantage. Here is some career advice if you find yourself around the 50 years age mark and are looking for something new.

Network

Reach out to old contacts. Do you have friends you used to work with? Are there people you see on a regular basis who might know someone? What about that other mother you remember from the swim team? When you are looking for a career switch, or have been out of work for a bit of time, there is no problem in talking to who you know and learning what types of jobs are out there that interest you.

List your achievements

No achievement is too small. You might even find that you remember some things you did from many years ago that are still relevant. When you are over 50, your experience is a key factor when applying for any new job, or opportunity. Write down what you have done. What are you proud of? What have you had to overcome? All of these things will amplify any resume and give you a spark of confidence.

Get new skills

Consider what you have always wanted to do. Are you doing it now? What has stopped you? In many instances people have shied away from new things because they are scared, or even unsure of how they will perform. If you are looking to get into a new industry, or refresh your skills in something you already know, think about enrolling in a training course. You can learn and practice new skills that will help you consider your next steps. Organisations like Careers Australia offer a range of training courses geared towards a plethora of interests.

Embrace social media

The world is lived through social media. A lot of recruiters do their work through social media. Enlist the help of your kids to show you what the hype is all about. Social media is the way much of the world now communicates and expresses ideas. By embracing social media you can become more connected to potential networks, former colleagues, and the current job market.

Appreciate your age

Your age is a gift, not a burden. There is no use in downplaying the breadth of your experience. The truth is that you might be competing for roles against 20-somethings, but you have a different world view that might be vital to a new team. Even if you have been out of the workforce for some time, the time you spent away can still be of use to a potential employer – you just need to show them.

Have you recently changed careers or decided to re-enter the workforce? What has been your experience? Share your experiences and thoughts by commenting below.