Job Hunting for Older Workers

Some of the common reasons older job seekers hear as to why they can't be hired for a job are that they have the wrong or outdated skills, are overqualified, or have been out of work too long. They are just not the right fit (interpretation: not young enough), and that seems even truer if the interviewer is 30 or 40 years younger. Finding a job over age 50 is a challenge, but here are some options.

Temp agencies, staffing firms, and recruiters are always a good place to start. Even if you want full time but begin working temporarily somewhere, you will be able to show your capabilities, and that can lead to a permanent position.

On www.linkedin.com you can network with other professionals without ever leaving your house. Tory Johnson who appears on Good Morning America lists job opportunities daily on www.twitter.com/toryjohnson and also posts jobs on her website: www.womenforhire.com.

Places that hire in the spring are Home Depot and Lowes . You may have the right skills if you have maintained a lawn, painted or wallpapered a room, or built or installed anything. CVS Pharmacy also hires older workers. Older caregivers are often preferred over younger workers. You could check at nanny services, nursing homes, hospices, or child care centers (working with infants). And, the health care industry seems to always be hiring: hospitals, pharmacies, medical groups, and insurance providers . Try www.aetna.com.

 Finding a job over age 50 can be hard if you don't have the computer skills of the younger generations.  Many people get so attached to their computers that they sometimes forget to check their local newspapers . In fact, when I was job hunting, I got more interviews from newspaper advertised jobs than from online applications. It is a lot easier to click a button than it is to pick up the telephone, so a phone call will set you apart.

If you have computer skills, there are options that will allow you to stay home and work.  Try www.hiremymom.com to become a professional blogger, or www.1800flowers.com, or www.alpineaccess.com. If you'd like to get out a little, try www.nationalshoppingservice.com. Being a "secret shopper" is actually a lot easier if you don't have children to drag along.

Are you organized? There are people who are not! Start your own business. Many people who move just can't deal with the overwhelming task of packing or unpacking boxes and organizing their home. You could also become a closet organizer on your own or through a closet organizing company. It is easy to get a DBA (Doing Business As) and costs nothing. Are you a good cook? Start a small catering business. That's how Martha Stewart got her start. How about pet care? Dog walking is a good form of exercise, and there are many, many pet owners out there. My son was paying $75 a week for his tiny dog to be walked.

• Moving to a New Home and Getting Organized. Unpacking boxes can be chaos! Prepare for the moving day event by planning how to unpack and organize your home.

 Where does your experience lie? Could you do consulting or become a recruiter in your field? Have you ever had a job interview by an interviewer who had no concept of what the job actually entailed? Market yourself to companies in your field and explain why you would be a good choice for them to hire you as an interviewer.

Finding a job over age 50 can be a challenge, but there are options.  I hope that this information is helpful to you in your job search. Good luck!

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