Finding a Job After Turning 50

There are several reasons you may be looking for a job after turning 50. Perhaps you find retirement boring, and want to do something new and exciting. Maybe you need some extra money on the side, so taking on some nights and weekend shifts is necessary. Or there's the chance, unfortunately, you have been laid off and need to find a way to make an income.

It can be complicated for even the most accomplished workers to find steady employment after they turn 50. The job market tends to favor workers who have a strong understanding of current technologies and are willing to work for lower salaries, two qualities that can be tougher for older job applicants to fulfill. Unless you are starting your own company, finding the ideal job at that age is tricky - but it's not impossible.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 78.2 percent of Americans  between the ages 50 and 54 have jobs. However, that total drops to 64.1 percent of the population when the age spectrum jumps up to people aged 55 to 64. Finding new employment is complicated for workers of that age, which is why having a strategy is helpful.

Follow your interests
A helpful way to find the right job in that stage of life is to start by following your interests. While you may not be up on all of the latest trends, the advantages you have over some of the younger job seekers on the market include decades of experience and intelligence. By pursuing a position in a field that you know very well, you can differentiate yourself from others. Search for companies in the areas of business you have worked in previously or have a strong knowledge of.

Forbes contributor Kerry Hannon said that a strong way to start this process istaking small steps to better familiarize  yourself with the industry you are looking to enter. Calling up professionals in the industry or going to networking events take time, but can help you get a foot in the door. Personal contacts are also valuable, because these people can vouch for the work you are capable of. Knowing where you want to end up is also helpful, so that you can stay focused on how to get the career you desire.

Oftentimes, even if you have experience or knowledge of a specific field, you may need to take additional classes or get a new certification in order to measure up with the other interested job seekers in your industry.

Don't stress your age
No matter if it's a full- or part-time position you are seeking, your age should not matter in the job application process. Age discrimination is illegal, as business leaders are expected to hire the best candidate for an open position, regardless of how old she or he is.

That said, you don't need to highlight the fact you are 50 or older. Tidy up your resume so that it only lists your most important previous work experience, instead of listing every single thing you've ever done. In interviews and cover letters, don't mention your age; let your work speak for itself.

You also don't want to give the impression you are overqualified , U.S. News & World Report stated. Explain in the interview process why you are right for the job and how you could be an ideal fit for a business, using your age as an asset instead of something that holds you back.

If you have more questions about how to manage your finances while taking on new work at that age, contact a professional at Vectra Bank.