While some people see retirement as a time to sleep in, play golf or tackle projects around the house, not everyone wants to — or can — stop working when they’ve hit their senior years.
If you’re considering rejoining the workforce after retirement, follow these tips to land a part-time, full-time or temporary job.
1. Know your assets
Retirees have a major advantage over younger job seekers: flexibility. While many young job hunters are looking for a full-time position with benefits, older workers often can be more flexible. If you’re willing to take a part-time, seasonal or contract job without benefits, you might have a leg up over other applicants.
You also have another powerful asset: the knowledge you’ve gained from decades in the workforce. In your field, that know-how quite likely qualifies you as an expert, which can also open doors to related jobs. For example:
- A former marketing agent could teach marketing and copywriting at a local community college.
- A former police officer could find work as a security guard or consultant.
- A former human resources professional could work in a staffing agency.
When you’re searching, use these assets to your advantage. Your flexibility and knowledge make you very attractive to employers.
2. Update your resume
Before you can begin applying for jobs, you’ll need to update your resume. Remember to keep your resume short — one page is best — and only include detailed information from the last 10 years.
Almost all resume templates have a section on objectives, but they are often either too generic or overdone. Skip this section or use it to spotlight your skills. Finally, remember to highlight achievements. Don’t just mention past positions and their respective dates. Weave in your greatest achievements and quantify your accomplishments.
For more tips, check out “7 Things You Should Never Put on Your Resume.”
3. Keep up with technology
Both jobs and job hunting have gone digital. If you feel a bit out of touch with technology, consider signing up for classes at your local continuing education center or take some of the many free online courses.
4. Network
Networking — both in person and online — will greatly increase your chance of finding a job. Start by signing up for social networking sites and connecting with friends, former co-workers and other professionals you know. Try LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.
5. Search for jobs and apply, apply, apply
Look for jobs and also post your resume on online job boards, such as Monster, CareerBuilder and Indeed. You’ll also find jobs listed on LinkUp, Simply Hired and US.jobs.
Offline, you can search your local newspaper’s classified listings or visit companies and ask for an application. This works especially well if you’re looking for part-time or seasonal work.
6. Follow up
Some people apply online for as many jobs as possible and never contact the employer again. Luckily, you know better — or you should.
Three to seven days after you apply for a job, send a quick email or make a phone call to follow up.
7. Interview well
Preparation is essential, particularly to counteract the nervousness everyone feels during a job interview.
Make a list of your attributes and achievements, and read over them before the interview. It also can’t hurt to hold a mock interview. Have a friend or family member interview you and give you style and presentation tips.
For more tips, check out:
- “20 Bizarre Job Interview Questions, and How to Answer Them“
- “70 Percent of Successful Job Candidates Wear This Color“
Got some tips of your own that might help others? Share your insights and experiences on our Facebook page.
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