Jobs for Seniors

Why Are So Many Seniors Working?

Unfortunately, most seniors seek work out of financial necessity. A staggering 17 million Americans who are 65 years old or older are economically insecure, according to the National Council on Aging. No wonder over 11 million older adults are working or actively seeking employment.2

Yet we can’t forget about the hordes of other seniors who choose to work for other reasons, like to remain active. Many want to stay mentally engaged and feel productive. They take pride and find personal fulfillment in working. A number of seniors want to stay socially connected through working. It’s reassuring to know that you are among many other older adults in the same situation.

Must You Use Technology to Find a Job?

Because you’ve landed here, we know you’re at least comfortable using the internet. Did you know you’re ahead of most of your peers? According to a Pew Research Center study, only 22 percent of those aged 50 to 64 and only 8 percent of those aged 65 and older use the internet frequently.3

If you’ve been out of the workforce for quite a while, remember that most jobs require basic computer knowledge. If you think you’ll just operate a cash register or simply answer phones in a local office, know that almost every position nowadays requires some tech skills. Build your skillset in this area to become more marketable before you even start applying for jobs.

Using Online Job Search

The good news is that you’ll find thousands of jobs listed online. The bad news? You’ll find thousands of jobs listed online. Many ask: what is the best website to find jobs for those who are 60 and older? No one answer will apply to everybody. Candidates have found success on LinkedIn, Indeed, and senior-friendly sites like AARP Job Boards.

At some point, you might not hear back after sending out tons of applications. You may begin to wonder why you aren’t in demand after decades of experience. Many older adults ask, “Do companies still hire 60-year-olds?” Ageism is a tough topic, but it certainly exists.

The important thing is not to let that get you down. Be strategic, and figure out what is working for other older adults. That’s why you’re here! If you’re smart about the current employment climate and how things work, you’ll increase the odds that you get a job.

Assessing and Preparing Yourself for the Job Market

Before diving into your job search, ask yourself what you want from a job. Here are some questions that will help you reflect so that you can narrow down your job search from the start.

• Do you have to work because of financial reasons?
• Do you want or need a part-time or full-time job?
• How much do you need to earn?
• Do you need benefits?
• How flexible are you? Can you work nights and weekends? On-call?
• Are you willing to learn a new industry or type of job?
• What don’t you want to do?
• Do you want to work with the public?
• Do you want to work remotely?
• Would you consider self-employment?

If you’re a little rusty about searching for a job, that’s okay. Maybe you raised your children and now have to go back to work to supplement your retirement during your golden years. Maybe you were laid off, had to move, are returning to the workplace after a long sabbatical, or your company was sold. Rather than feel nervous, let’s empower you and help you navigate through the maze of searching for jobs and focus on actions to take.

What Should You Look For In a Job?

You might not know what to look for in a good company. In an AARP survey of pre-retirees and those who are retired and still working, respondents selected these employer features as being “very important” when working for a company.5

• Value employee opinions
• Allow older employers to work as long as they want
• Enable employees to take time off to care for relatives
• Give employees the ability to set their own hours
• Offer health benefits

Not all companies offer these benefits of course. When assessing the company, remember to consider the number of hours you want to work. Choose from regular employment, independent contractor, self-employed, part-time, full-time, or seasonal status. Determine which type of work situation best suits your needs to help you better focus your search.

Is The Perfect Job Down The Street?

Having a quick commute and contributing to your community are pluses. So, you might want to make a list of places you would like to work in your area. Then start cold calling or emailing. Perhaps someone will create a position for you. It happens!

Get started by asking yourself:

• Is there a company you’ve always wanted to work for in your community?
• Do you have a hobby that employs people in your area? For example, if you love reading books, hit up the library or bookstore.
• Can you let your neighbor, family, and friends know that you are searching?
• Can you pitch yourself as a volunteer, contractor or part-time employee and use the opportunity to learn more skills or new skills?
• Is there a college nearby? Local community colleges, colleges, and universities often have employment centers that can help in your search.

Which Methods Work Best for Getting Jobs?

Typically, people apply for positions that are advertised online. Remember that employers are often required to post jobs despite already slotting in-house employees for these spots. Besides directly applying for advertised positions, the most fruitful strategies seniors use to land a job include:

• Networking is one of the best ways to learn about current and upcoming job openings. Ask your personal and professional networks on social media. Many older adults find jobs through the hidden job market— or unadvertised positions. That’s why you should be sure to tell family, friends, and people in your circle about your employment search.
• Online job boards are also great for older adults. Seniors should especially look at AARP’s well-respected platform. More than 1000 companies like Microsoft, Marriott International, and McDonald’s work with AARP. They are dedicated to valuing older workers and creating an age-diverse workforce. The AARP Job Board matches experienced workers with these great companies.
• Cold calling, job fairs, and volunteering are other avenues through which seniors enhance their job search, but generate fewer results. You could cold call local businesses, attend job fairs for seniors, or volunteer for an organization you respect where you can learn skills on-the-job and maybe even persuade the boss to hire you.
• Employment and temp agencies like Kelly Services, Adecco, or Robert Half offer jobs ranging from temporary one-day assignments to one-year contracts. However, note that walking into a staffing firm or temp agency in town with a resume and interviewing in person has become pretty much a thing of the past.

Current temporary, full-time, and part-time jobs are usually posted online on job sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, FlexJobs, or the like. Just filter for what you’re looking for. Executive recruiting firms and headhunters, however, still place high level, experienced career candidates, but again, mainly through online communications.

Overall, effective job-seeking strategies for seniors combine some traditional approaches as well as the use of updated technology and communication skills.

Part-time Jobs for Seniors Over 65 Near Me

Whether it’s due to chronic conditions, not having the stamina after working for 30 or 40 years, having to also be a caregiver for an ill spouse, or because they desire more free time, many seniors seek part-time jobs.

Retired workers are more likely to work on a part-time status than their non-retired peers. Interestingly, 45 percent of older adults who are working consider themselves retired. Many of these retired seniors need to add extra income to their social security earnings, pension, and modest savings.7

Use the methods we’ve outlined above to find part-time jobs near you. To recap, the most productive approaches are to reflect, learn about the market and update your skills. Then you can spread the word and search online for open positions in your town on job boards and employment sites (especially senior-friendly ones).

Popular part-time job placements for retirees without degrees include jobs as a data entry clerk, customer service rep, home health aide, driver, nanny, and tutor.8

Employ Yourself. Yes —Start a Business!

Consider turning a hobby or skill into a business. Think about what you enjoy doing or what you’re good at. Also consider how to start up a business with little investment.

Here are some suggestions to get you thinking:

• Are you good at fixing things? Start a handyman business for friends and neighbors.
• Do you like staying up to date on the latest technology? Assist other seniors and make some good money.
• Are you a retired teacher or educator? Consider starting a blog. Find a topic you love, write about it, and sell advertising on the site or do affiliate marketing. Or maybe you can tutor in person or online
• Do you like animals? Consider a pet sitting or dog walking business. People also need in-home care for their pets when they’re out of town.
• Do you collect anything or like to shop for luxury goods? Start an eBay business.
• Are you a retired corporate accountant? Maybe you can now start your own accounting business.

Great Resources for You

Here are the best websites we’ve found that specifically help seniors regarding careers, training, education and more:

• AARP offers a wealth of information regarding education, training, networking, and more. The AARP Foundation Back to Work 50+ Program offers free workshops, coaching, and resources to specifically help older job seekers. Things have changed so fast when it comes to employment. Resumes are often screened by machines and job seekers really must use LinkedIn as a primary tool.
• The senior workforce solutions website experienceworks.org has a useful questionnaire on preparing yourself for the job market: “Soft Skills, Character Traits and Personality Traits Desired By Most Employers!” Here’s another great resource for assessing yourself.
• The U.S. Department of Labor has a helpful toolkit at CareerOneStop to research careers, training, and jobs.
• The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) helps low-income 55+ adults through paid training in community service. Jobs include working as a teachers' aide and maintenance worker.
• Some good websites that post jobs for older workers include the AARP Job Board, RetirementJobs and others.
• Kiplinger says these are the best jobs for retirees in 2024 who want to do something that they always wanted to do. Jobs include teacher/professor, tour guide, usher, and shopper.
• RetiredBrains.com features resources, advice, and senior job opportunities as well as information on starting your own business and working remotely