A larger number of us over 50 are finding ourselves looking for a job when we were sure we would be in our current position until we retired. Job hunting is not something we planned to ever do again. Don’t panic. I gave myself a few days to adjust to my new reality before I began job hunting over 50. You don’t want to be looking for a job, when you are currently feeling any bitterness or irritation, instead of excited and friendly.
If you are qualified to receive it, apply for unemployment as soon as possible so that your benefits come as soon as possible. If you wait a few weeks, that can be a few weeks without pay.
What Comes First
The first thing you will need to do is update your resume, after applying for unemployment. This means not only your recent job history but the format of your resume. AARP members can get a free review of their resume from AARP. I found my review to be overwhelming. I don’t think I was doing anything correctly. They will then help you create a better one, for a fee.
Another item you may need is a list of references and possibly recommendation letters, so now would be the best time to start getting those. You don’t want to accept an interview for tomorrow and then see that they require three reference letters that you don’t have. I’ve done that before and it’s not fun. It’s really not nice to expect someone to drop everything to write you a quality letter, especially when you are the one that waited until the last minute.
If you are applying for a job that might require a typing test, start practicing now. Some employers will ask you to take one on site. Most employers will ask you to turn one in that you took in a supervised situation. The California Employment Development Department will test you at no cost. An employment agency will also be able to test you. Check your area to see what is available and the cost.
Where to apply
Depending on your skills, you will find different places to apply. There are very few ads in the newspaper anymore, like there were when I looked for my first few jobs.
Your local unemployment department will most likely have a site where you can see job listings. I will admit that last year when I was going through this period of my life, most of the positions they had were for warehouse positions. That wasn’t the position I desired. Since I was receiving unemployment, I had to look for jobs every week. I kept motivated to keep trying other places.
If you want a job in a school district they usually have a special website. In my area it is EdJoin. You can search by county, by position or other options. Government positions may require you to apply through your local city hall or police station.
Craigslist also carries job positions in your area. Check each job type for which you may qualify. Quite often these jobs do not come with a pay rate. Honestly, if the pay is too low, I don’t want to waste my time and theirs by applying.
When job hunting over 50 expand your horizons
AARP has jobs available in your area on their website. I found a perfect job and when I started the application process, it was already filled. The job had been posted over a month ago. So be careful to see how long ago the position was added to their website. Don’t assume that the information is up to date.
Employment agencies have temporary positions that may help keep you busy while you are searching. In the past, I have been able to go from temporary to hire through an employment agency temporary position. The positive I found in doing temp work is you have an opportunity to work in a different environment, without committing to stay. Once you have started working there you could be offered a permanent position, in which you already have the inside view of the position.
There are many other organizations that may also have positions available for you like Monster.com, Simplyhired.com, and Indeed.com. I would go with the names you have heard of before. I recently applied for a job with an employment agency I have never heard of, but I was interested in the job they were offering. It turned that that company shared my information with many other agencies. They found jobs for me, but not in my city. I wasn’t interested in a commute. Even though I hadn’t signed up with these companies, I had to unsubscribe from each of them.
Think outside the box
You never know when a job opportunity might present itself. I found a job once while attending college in my forties. I became friends with someone in one of my accounting classes. She said her employer was hiring. Even though I was not actively looking, I was able to interview and I was offered the position. It included a raise, which I wasn’t out there searching to find.
LinkedIn may be a way to connect with someone who is hiring or let others know you’re in the market for a new job.
Do not be afraid of applying for a position you don’t feel you are 100% qualified. I have applied for positions that require certain skills I didn’t have that, in the end, weren’t such a major consideration. In a perfect world that would be their preference. In reality, maybe people with that skill are not currently looking for a job. On the other hand, don’t apply for jobs that you don’t even come close to qualifying for. It’s wasting your time and theirs. It’s likely your application may not make the cut for an interview.
The interview
As I’ve aged, I find job interviews have become harder. However, if you are serious about looking for a job, you need to make your best impression at the interview. Be punctual. Arrive at least 5 to 10 minutes early. Arriving late due to traffic is a big no-no. Do not show up too early, like 30 minutes early, it makes you look a little too anxious and most likely won’t get you into the interview any earlier.
Your attire needs to be appropriate for the job, or a step up. Flip flops and jeans should never be worn. I would suggest regular office attire, not casual Friday attire. I would wear nice pants and a blouse, a suit or dress. Men might want to wear a suit and tie. It depends on the position.
Be prepared to be interviewed by a single person or a panel of employees. Be sure to make eye contact with all the interviewers. Don’t forget to smile and try to appear relaxed. Be friendly and warm to everyone, even to others that are waiting for their interview. Wish them luck as if you mean it.
Preparation is important
Bring a copy of your resume, even if they already have one, just in case you need to refer to it. Also, I try to bring my list of references, in case they want it. I suggest bringing a notebook and pen so you can take notes as needed. Also, in your notebook, you should have a list of a few questions that you will ask when they ask if you have any questions. Do not ask what they will be paying or where your office will be. Wait with those kinds of questions until they hire you.
Also, be prepared for any questions they may ask you. You can find lists of potential questions on the internet. If you do not understand the questions, ask them to repeat it. It’s better to ask than to give an answer that doesn’t match the question. In some interviews, I have been given a list of the questions, in case I needed to reread them. That’s a plus, but don’t expect it.
Looking for a job over 50 is not fun, in my opinion. However, look on the bright side, you get to meet a lot of different people when you interview. Hopefully one of those people will end up hiring you, and you will once again be employed. Be patient. Be prepared to spend months looking for your future position, and be happy if you are hired sooner.
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