5 Secrets to Landing a Job after 50

o matter your age, it's never too late to find your dream job. The secret is having the right attitude and proving that you're still relevant—and we've got tips on how to do just that!

Here are 5 tips to help you land the job you've always wanted:

1. Age proof your resume.

Many job seekers over 50 are worried they will be passed over because of their age. While it's true that a lot of companies want younger employees, there are some simple steps you can take to make sure your resume doesn't turn off potential employers.

Here's how to age-proof your resume:

1. Include relevant experience in your resume. Don't leave out all the great things you did at past jobs just because they were a long time ago. If it's pertinent to the position you're applying for, include it!
2. Use numbers when possible.
3. Be specific about your achievements and responsibilities at past jobs, especially if those responsibilities are what make you qualified for the position you're applying for now.
4. Make sure there is no visible dirt on your resume—no typos or grammatical errors that could make an employer think you have poor attention to detail or lack focus on details in general (even if this is not true).

2. Showcase your skills.

When it comes to landing a job after 50, the biggest mistake you can make is not showcasing your job skills.

The first thing you need to do when applying for a new job is to tailor your resume to the position. Use keywords and phrases from the job description in both your resume and cover letter. This will help hiring managers find your application and give them an idea of what kind of skills you have that would be useful for their company.

Once you've submitted your application, don't just wait for them to call—call them! This gives you the opportunity to explain why you're the perfect fit for their company and shows them that you're interested in working there. It also shows that you have initiative and are willing to go above and beyond what's expected of applicants.

3. Learn how to network wisely and effectively.

Networking is not just about getting a job, it’s about building relationships and making connections. It’s critical to your future career success and will help you get in touch with people who can help put you on the path to finding new opportunities.

The key is to network strategically, so that you can build relationships with people over time that can help support your goals. Most importantly, never try to get something for nothing; always offer value first in any interaction with someone new and then ask for what you want later.

It may take months or even years before someone comes up with something that could be of interest to you—but don’t give up too quickly! Keep networking until then!

Here's how to tap into the hidden job market by connecting with others:

• Connect with people you know: You may have friends, family and colleagues who can help you find a new job. Ask them to introduce you to people in their network who work in the field you are looking for, as well as those who might know about internal openings at their organization.
• Connect with people you don’t know yet: Social media can be an excellent resource for finding opportunities that aren’t advertised publicly. Sign up for LinkedIn and search the site for job listings in your area or industry of interest; then reach out directly to employers through their careers page or via email to learn more about what they offer employees beyond just compensation.

4. Take charge of your interview narrative.

When you're interviewing for a job after 50, it's important to have a story about your career that is both personal and professional. While your resume should include all of the details about your responsibilities at each job, don't forget to talk about the results of those responsibilities. In other words, what did you accomplish at each job?

For example: "At Company A, I was responsible for implementing new software to help us track our inventory better. That way we could ensure that we had enough product on hand when orders came in." Or: "I developed an online training program so current and future employees could learn essential skills without having to spend time away from their desks."

These accomplishments show how much value you've brought to previous employers—and why they would want you working with them again!

5. Interviewers want to know what you offer them, not the other way around.

One of the most common mistakes people make when applying for a job is assuming that the interviewer is interested in learning about you and your past experiences. This is not always correct. Often times the interviewer has already done their homework on you and knows everything they need to know about who you are and what value (if any) you can bring to the table.

What they are looking for during an interview is how well you can communicate how this company’s needs align with your skills, experience, knowledge and interests. They want to know how much value add YOU will bring to THEIR company if hired.

You must learn how to think like an employer:

• What do they want?
• How do my skills and experience match up?
• Can I provide value here?

You may find work in a way or place you hadn't expected.

It's a great idea to keep your eyes open for opportunities that are different from your previous experience. If you've been in the same field for 20 or 30 years, it may feel like it's time for a change.

Look around and see what else is out there:

• A new company could offer a position that's just right for you, especially if they're aware of your skills and talents
• You can find work in another industry as long as there's some overlap between their needs and yours
• There may be an opening in another location where you can use your experience and skills

There are plenty of opportunities out there if you know where to look. Keep your resume updated, network with others, and learn how to interview well.

Learn More:

• Career Opportunities for Older Adults: Exploring Your Options
• How Older Workers Aren’t Quietly Quitting but Quietly Returning
• Take a class on GetSetUp and gain skills to land your next job!