For those 60 and better, switching careers or finding an encore career after retirement can be challenging. With advances in modern medicine, people are living longer, healthier lives; and as Baby Boomers near retirement, many find that they can’t afford to or don’t want to retire.
Whether you are looking for a career change, are out of work, or are nearing retirement but looking for a new challenge, AgeWell Cincinnati and its partner organization JVS Career Services can help.
Your Job Search After 60
The job search can be daunting and overwhelming for those over 60. It can leave people feeling passed over by employers looking for younger talent. It is easy to get discouraged after sending out tons of résumés and sitting through numerous interviews without landing a job.
JVS Career Services has some tips that will familiarize you with the job market and use your age and experience as assets.
Let employers know you are interested not only in getting the job, but also in staying at that particular company for a long time by expressing your desire to grow and contribute to the company over time.- Research current wages to confirm that your salary requirements are appropriate, and be ready to communicate your enthusiasm to tackle the position offered, rather than a higher paying position.
- In your résumé and interviews, note technology training and skills. If this is not a strong suit of yours, explore resources to help you expand your skills and get up-to-date for the positions you seek.
- Limit your résumé to two pages and your work history to the last 10-15 years.
- List your college/university education without the corresponding education dates.
- Decide whether to keep your glasses on or off during the interview. Constantly putting on and taking off your glasses to read something may date you. Opting to wear contacts instead of glasses during an interview may give you a younger look.
- Stay away from saying “when I was your age” or “back then” during an interview.
- Stay positive! If you keep these tips in mind and are persistent, the right opportunity will find you.
Finding Your Encore Career
According to a recent study by Career Builder, nearly 60 percent of workers who are 60 or older anticipate looking for a new job after they retire. Baby boomers are looking for a second professional act that combines continued income, greater personal meaning, and social impact. They are looking for an encore career.
An encore career allows you to use your expertise in a different way or make a difference for others. While some people seek an encore career as an unpaid volunteer, others look for a new source of income. Encore careers can include full-time work in a nonprofit, part-time work in a new field, or starting a new business.
AgeWell Cincinnati’s partner organization, JVS Career Services, offers some advice for those looking to start developing an encore career plan. To begin, answer the following questions:
- What are you interested in or passionate about?
- What skills do you enjoy using?
- What is the market demand for those skills?
- How much do you want to work?
- What are your income requirements?
Then what? How do you actually find an encore career? Network; speak with co-workers, people in your target field, family members, and friends. Volunteer for a charity or organization you are interested in. Take courses to fill in gaps in your experience. And work with a Career Coach to help you plan and execute your search.
Redefine Retirement
To help plan your next career move or encore career, consider attending Redefine Retirement: The Power of CHOICE on April 22 at the Mayerson JCC. The event is geared to those 50 and older who want to plan for their personal, financial, and charitable goals.
Denise Yosafat, keynote speaker and author of The Power of CHOICE: Six Steps to Get What You Want out of Life, will give you step-by-step guidance on what needs to be done to move you forward no matter what kind of change you want to make in your professional or personal life. She will tackle what is key in each step and will give helpful exercises to move you forward.
Financial, legal, and career experts will lead six break-out sessions laying out strategies to best prepare for your future after fifty. JVS Career Services, with support from event chairs Jody Brant, Ken Heldman, and Ryan Small; the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati; and The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati; will bring the experts to you, so you can turn your vision of a successful future after fifty into a reality.
Whether it’s a career move or an encore career, AgeWell Cincinnati is able to help you make the transition to your next act as seamless as possible. Call AgeWell Cincinnati at 513-766-3333 or visit our website at agewellcincy.org.