Retirement doesn’t have to mean the end of life, nor the end of work. Though you may be surprised to see the words job and retirement in the same sentence, many are opting to work past the traditional retirement age.
The benefits of working through retirement are plenty, it’ll help you take off any financial strain of retirement, but it can also help you stimulate your mind, make new friends, stay part of the community, and establish purpose.
But it’s easier said than done…
Luckily, we’ve developed this step-by-step guide on how to find a job after retirement.
1. Decide what you want
In order to find the right job after retirement, it’s important to think about exactly what you’d like to do.
Now that you have the advantage of finding a new position that’s exciting and different from your previous career path, it’s a great idea to consider exactly what will boost your energy, confidence, and sense of purpose in this new stage of life.
Find clarity on why you are finding a job after retirement, so you can figure out whether you’d like:
- To work part-time or full-time, in-person or from home
- To help a not-for-profit as a paid volunteer
- To give your previous industry another try
- To find a job, start a business, or invest in your passion project
Remember: the more time you spend making these decisions before you start your job search, the more enjoyable it (and your job) will be!
2. List your strengths, qualities and skills
Once you’ve figured out what you want from your job in retirement, it’s also a good idea to write down all the skills, qualities and strengths that you possess. It’ll help you tailor your search.
But we’re not just talking about work skills… make a list of your interests, passions and hobbies and see if they line up with any possible careers, if you’d like to keep your options open. It’s a great way to continue growing and challenging yourself in life after retirement.
3. Network
Turns out a shocking 85% of jobs are secured through networking meaning you’ll need to network and market yourself to find the job you want.
If you’re continuing your previous career, reach out to previous employers and co-workers to let them know you’re returning to the workforce.
But if you’ve decided to make a complete career change? You can still benefit from reaching out to people in your network.
There really is no way to know which connections are the most valuable, so be sure to stay open in your community and let everyone know you’re looking.
Feel free to network on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and, if you’re going into business on your own, create your own website to gain visibility!
4. Tailor your resume
Your CV is the first impression you make on a potential employer, so it’s important to get it in shape. Remember that recruiters only usually scan a resume to decide whether you’d be a good fit, so keep it timeless.
Here’s how:
- Make it short and precise – only include relevant and recent work and experiences
- Eliminate graduation dates
- Update your email address if needed – have an address that displays your first and last name and use a current domain like gmail.com
- Use your cell number, not your landline – it’ll give you an equal chance
- Include your social media info – especially your LinkedIn
- Stand out with an appealing design – check out Canva for free templates
- Write a personalised cover letter highlighting why you’re the perfect candidate
5. Be patient & consistent
Looking for a job nowadays can be a tricky process that requires dedication, effort and a bit of luck. It’s about taking it one step at a time and working toward your goal incrementally and consistently.
Chip away at your goal daily (even if just for a few minutes) until you find a role you’re excited about.
Where to look for a job after retirement?
Though you can still go in-person to some jobs to look for employment, there are a vast variety of new ways to find work online.
Job services like Older Workers, Coat, atWork and Work Force 50 make it easy to get online and find your next job.
Remember to start perusing only once you get a clear idea of what you want though. It’ll save you from the blind-scroll through every site.
Feel free to glance at these 7 creative ways to make money in retirement to inspire your thoughts if this doesn’t sound like the direction you want to go in… there are so many unorthodox ways to get back into business!
Working after retirement is a great way to continue living your best life, but it’s easy to feel unsure of what to do next. The key is to be clear and persistent, because there are plenty of opportunities out there and your skills could be more in demand than you think.
We hope that this guide on how to find a job after retirement will help make your transition a smooth, easy and enjoyable one!
