Tips for older job seekers

The recession has affected many U.S. citizens, and older adults may be among the hardest hit, especially if their retirement savings run out. SmartMoney.com reports that more senior citizens are undertaking a working retirement than ever before.

A study conducted by the Urban Institute found that 26 percent of men and 29 percent of women born between 1933 and 1937 are working in full-time or almost full-time positions this year, up from 20 percent and 22 percent in 1990.

The news source claims that retirement is being complicated by many different factors, such as employers reducing health benefits, the age of retirement being higher and job loss. Many boomers fear that they haven’t saved enough to retire.

So what should older adults do when looking for a new job? Age discrimination in the work place can be a problem, so seniors may want to revamp their resume to emphasize skills and experience. These can be serious benefits to any workplace. It may also be a good idea to be familiar with new technology by reading self-help books.

It can be important to rebuild a network of contacts as well. Try to get in touch with old co-workers and friends who can help you obtain an interview or information about a position. Online resumes on websites such as Monster.com or LinkedIn can be beneficial, and attending job fairs might also put you back in the working world.

Another possibility is for retirees to seek temporary employment. These jobs are numerous and can offer some distinctive benefits from more rigid positions – they can give you valuable experience and financial support, but are also very flexible. Some companies even specialize in work-at-home positions, which can especially be handy for seniors who have difficulty leaving the house. A small employment position might also qualify for senior citizen discounts, something to be on the lookout for.

If you are already working through retirement age, one way to retain your position is to refuse to resign. The news provider suggests that employees can instead draft a detailed plan for part-time responsibilities, which will provide flexibility to both parties.

According to The Epoch Times, there are also many baby boomers who are currently working and taking care of an elderly parent, which can have a significant impact on their working life. One way to guarantee that a senior is safe at home while you are working is to use a personal emergency response system, which will allow the parent to contact you if there an unexpected injury.