How over-50s can find smart ways back into the job market
THERE’S good news if you’re over 50 and looking for work – employers are crying out for your skills and experience.
With job vacancies available in industries across the country, it’s a great time to find a job that works for you and fits around your current commitments.
There are lots of reasons why you could be looking to return to work or make a move in your career.
Maybe you’ve retired early or have more time on your hands now the kids have flown the nest.
Perhaps you have caring responsibilities or a health condition and need a role that fits around you.
Or maybe you just want to try something new that offers more flexibility or comes with less stress.
Whatever your situation, taking the first step towards finding that new role could put you on the path to more financial security, open up a new social circle, and provide the sense of wellbeing that comes from working in a fulfilling role.
A range of employers are increasingly offering flexible working options – and other ways to help you work in a way that works for you.
Whether you’re looking to return to work or are on the hunt for a change of role, now’s the time to start your search.
And don’t worry if you feel you don’t have the right experience – your transferable skills make you a prime candidate for many of the opportunities out there right now.
John Townley, 62, group head of recruitment for Alcedo Care, a family-run care company with branches across the north of England, says: “We absolutely want older workers. We look for life skills.
“People can come from a range of different job backgrounds and not realise that they’ve got transferable skills.
“They might have been in a management position or caring for children, grandchildren or an elderly mum or dad. They might be thinking what do I do now? I don’t feel useful.
“Age isn’t a problem because all those skills can be transferred back into the community.
“And if some people can only work certain days and times, again, don’t worry, that’s great.”
The message is: don’t underestimate what you have to offer.
Raised a family? Employers see great organisation and negotiating skills.
Been in a manual role like construction but perhaps had to leave because of illness? How about putting your experience to good use by becoming a health and safety adviser?
Tafi, a Jobcentre team leader from Greater Manchester, runs a two-part workshop called Experience Counts, delivered with support from work coaches.
“We explore the jobs market and what’s out there,” she says.
“There are all sorts of opportunities – for instance, we offer a four-week course backed by an employer with a guaranteed interview at the end.”
Tafi’s tips for boosting your confidence and getting back into work are:
1. Take a look at the Job Help website. “It has lots of practical advice and tips to help get your job search started, and could help you think about careers you might not have considered before,” she says.
2. Volunteer. Voluntary work is a great way to get some experience and decide if a job is for you.
3. Put together a CV. “Tailor your CV to the actual job,” she says.
4. Identify the industries in your area with openings. “Check out what’s needed in your area and target those opportunities,” says Tafi. “Local newspapers, libraries, council websites, and online networking and recruitment sites are all great places to look.”
Look at roles and sectors where career development opportunities are good, such as: childcare assistants, health and social care, logistics like delivery drivers, bus drivers, facilities management, plus jobs in IT.
‘I wish I’d done it years ago’
Christian Hepburn, 51, from Bury, recently switched careers – and regrets not doing it sooner.
Christian swapped his job in customer care for a job caring for others.
In November he joined Alcedo Care. He says: “I used to work for a manufacturer supplying PPE to the NHS. We even won a Covid award.
“But I thought the people wearing it were the real heroes. I wanted something different, I was done with an office.”
Time spent helping to look after his father-in-law had given Christian a fresh perspective.
“I found it rewarding. He had carers coming in but they didn’t have much time. It wasn’t their fault – it was like 15 minutes, bang, there’s your tea.”
When Christian’s wife spotted the advert for Alcedo, he applied and got the job.
“They give extra time to talk to your clients and get to know them so it’s not a mad rush.”
He has already been Carer of the Month, an accolade of which he is very proud.
“I feel like I’m making a difference, I love it,” Christian says.
“One of my clients is very aware of his dementia. He knows he’s told you a story again and again.
“When he apologises, it’s nice to be able to just go ‘you tell me again, I want to hear it’.
“I can see it puts a smile on his face. It’s being cared about as well as being cared for.”
Christian insists age is no barrier to making a change.
“People were surprised I’d got to 50 and wanted to do something else. I still feel like I’ve got a lot to offer.
“Some of my mates do a particular job, like driving, and they think that’s all they can do. But it’s not. I wish I’d done it years ago.
“I can honestly look in the mirror and say ‘you’re ace at this!’ And I am,” he laughs.
“My daughter is 18 and I’m at the stage of my life where I can work evenings or weekends. It’s totally flexible.”
He adds: “There’s an old proverb: if you find a job you like doing, you never have to work a day in your life – that’s how I feel now.”
If you want to get back into work in 2023, go to gov.uk/jobhelp for useful tips, links and resources – and find out more about the sectors that are hiring right now