Finding a job when you're over 50

The British workforce is slowly getting older. A third of UK workers will be aged over 50 by 2020, according to the report "Managing an ageing workforce" by CMI and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). But at the same time, this is the one of the age groups who is struggling the most on the labour market. They are most likely to be made redundant and least likely to find a new job. According to the latest numbers by the Office for National Statistics, there are currently nearly 400,000 people over the age of 50 unemployed and 41.5 per cent of them are long-term unemployed, which means they have been out of work longer than 12 months.

Public sector job cuts hit older workers
The research "Ageism in the public sector" conducted by Wise Owls, the leading over 50s support agency, found that older workers across the country are being disproportionately targeted by local councils for redundancy and overlooked for recruitment. The results revealed that the over 50s made up on average over 66% of all redundancies within the UK's County councils. The over 50s are also least likely to find re-employment.

As an older professional you have a wealth of experience which is highly valuable in the workplace. If you are looking for new employment, try the following tips.

Keep your professional skills current.
One of the myths about older workers is that they are not as technologically savvy as the younger generations. If you are proficient with a computer, put that in your CV. List what software packages you can use. Consider taking a computer class to learn new programmes or brush up on your skills. Continuing education is vital, no matter how old you are.

Conduct market research.
You can use your knowledge and skills to find employment. Search for job ads in newspapers and on the internet, e.g. here and then try to identify organizations that will view your experience and skills as relevant to their business equation.

Use your professional network.
Positions at upper levels are not as likely to be advertised, so networking is particularly important for the older professional in the job market. Seek out professional organisations, former colleagues and employees at companies you are interested in. Volunteering in your community or joining a board of a local organisation can provide the opportunity to meet your peers and showcase your skills and abilities.

Focus on your accomplishments, not your age.
You can turn around perceived hurdles regarding your age by demonstrating your vitality, experience and work ethic. Focus on your strengths. Position yourself as someone who can bring a great deal to the table with your unique qualifications. Allow all your experience, skills and wisdom to shine.

Ever thought of relocating or emigrating?
It may not be the first thought crossing your mind, but emigrating may be an option for you. Maybe you have children or other family members living abroad where also you could find a job. Also if you are mobile within the UK, you raise your chances of finding work.