Six tips for getting a job after age 50 – 02/19/2023 – Market

Finding a job after age 50 can be a huge challenge. In part, because recruitment and human resources companies have a preference for young professionals.

Hiring older people, despite the experience they have, remains a taboo around the world — and this ended up gaining momentum during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the elderly being considered “risk groups”.

In Brazil, a survey carried out in August last year showed that one in four professionals was dismissed because of age. The survey, which had the participation of 252 human resources professionals, was carried out by the companies Vagas.com, Colettivo and Talento Sênior.

If you are over 50, have been fired and want to return to the job market or just change jobs, check out the following six tips:

1. Focus on your ability, not age

Unfortunately, “old phobia” (also called “ageism,” the prejudice against the elderly) is still a problem, says James Reed, chief executive of recruitment firm Reed.

“Older candidates can still face prejudice,” he admits.

He suggests, whenever possible, focusing on your abilities rather than age.

“While you shouldn’t lie about your age, there’s no need to highlight it either,” he says.

“Consider streamlining your resume and eliminating older experiences that go back more than 10 years or omitting the dates where you list your educational background.”

2. Be honest about any relevant health issues

If your health is the reason you left your last job, it could be an obstacle to reentering the workforce.

But you don’t have to mention this in the interview unless you know your health problem could affect your performance in the future.

Petra Tagg, director of multinational recruitment firm Manpower, says it’s up to you to decide how much information you want to share.

“There is no need to disclose a history of illness if it does not affect your ability to perform your duties,” he says.

However, she recommends being upfront about health issues that might affect your ability to do a job or if you need to take time off.

Laura Reilly, director of recruitment firm Taurus HR, advises talking about why you left your previous job in a “relatively light and positive” way.

“Once a job offer is received, you can say whatever you want — including whether reasonable adjustments need to be made for you,” he notes.

Yvonne Smyth of recruitment firm Hays says that if you are asked to complete a workplace assessment or adaptation form, now is the time to disclose any health information that you feel is relevant and could impact your career. work. But that usually happens a little later in the interview process.

3. Update your knowledge

Older workers can often be the target of bias, especially around digital skills, says James Reed.

Therefore, he says that it is worth improving skills in areas valued by employers.

According to Reed, using news alerts to keep up with what’s happening in your field, for example, can help you stand out during the selection process.

Taking advantage of unpaid work opportunities can also broaden your skill set as you effectively learn new technologies, says Stuart Lewis, chief executive of Rest Less, a website that provides job and volunteer resources for people over 50. years.

He also advises making it clear in the application that you are interested in new challenges and learning new skills.

4. Don’t be nervous about asking to work flexibly

Some older people find they don’t have the energy to work full time, or need to care for other family members, or simply prefer to work part time.

But you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for flexibility at work.

Companies are increasingly realizing that offering flexible working helps retain older workers, according to Tracy Riddell of the Center for Aging Better, a UK-based NGO that supports older people in the workforce.

5. Reinvent Yourself

James Reed says older candidates shouldn’t rule out gaining new professional qualifications.

This can demonstrate to potential employers your ability to adapt and learn new skills, or even be the start of an entirely new career.

Internships, for example, are not just for young people. Older professionals who are changing careers can also do it.

And think about your “transferable skills,” those that can be leveraged across professions or careers, says Clare McCartney of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, an association for human resource management professionals based in England.

If you’re a good communicator or have a lot of leadership experience, for example, it’s worth considering applying for jobs in different industries, she says.

6. Don’t underestimate yourself

Finally, don’t fall into the trap of underestimating yourself, warns Petra Tagg of Manpower.

She says that often the advantage for older professionals is the vast experience they have.

“In circumstances where other younger candidates seem to have more to offer, remember what makes you stand out from the crowd. This is a quick and effective way to boost your self-confidence,” he says.

Tagg recommends that applicants thoroughly review a job description “listing with practical examples how your skills can meet the requested requirements, rather than focusing on those where you don’t have experience.”

This text was originally published in