8 Jobs for 50-Year-Olds With No Experience (And Tips on How to Get One)

Many roles require candidates to have a solid work history to be considered—which can make jobs for 50-year-olds with no experience feel hard to come by. But don't be discouraged: Even if you don’t have traditional work experience, by the time you hit your 50s, you've accumulated an incredible amount of life experience—and that can be a huge asset to companies.

Although it might seem challenging at first, there are opportunities out there for middle-aged women entering the job market. You just have to know where to look and how to approach your job search.

We’ve compiled some of the best jobs for a 50-year-old woman with no experience—as well as tips on how to find and land your perfect fit.

Need more encouragement? 7 Powerful Reasons We Need Older Women in the Workplace

Finding a job when you’re 50 and lack experience

Before delving into the list of good jobs for 50-year-olds without experience, let’s explore exactly how you can showcase your strengths and increase your chances of getting hired.

Assess your skills

It’s important to understand what kind of skills you bring to the table—and which ones you may want to develop before jumping into your job search.

“Begin with a realistic assessment of transferable skills followed by targeted training,” says Cody Thomas Rounds, a Clinical Psychologist-Master who specializes in career transitions. Then, consider what kind of job you might want, identify any skill gaps, and look to external resources to fill those gaps. “Community colleges and online platforms offer accessible courses that can provide certifications or update skills relevant to the desired job sector.”

“Don’t only think about technical or hard skill sets, either,” says Matt Erhard, Managing Partner of recruiting firm Summit Search Group. “Consider the valuable soft skills that you’ve developed—for example, if you’re a parent, you’ve likely honed skills like organization and time management, and likely also have some experience with things like conflict resolution and teaching/coaching that can make you an excellent mentor or manager.”

This might also help: 6 Soft Skills That Matter More Than Hard Work

He notes that it’s also crucial to strategize how you’re going to present your skills to potential employers. “Preparing to articulate clearly how life experiences translate into job skills is key,” he says. “Practicing responses to typical interview questions can boost confidence and fluency.”

Look for jobs in the right sectors

There are certain roles and industries where having experience and a degree are an absolute must; for example, you’re not going to find any civil engineering jobs for 50-year-olds with no degree. But there are plenty of fields and opportunities for entry-level candidates in their 50s—and that's where you’ll want to focus your search.

“Areas such as customer service, real estate, and community support offer viable opportunities for those who may not have formal job experience but possess valuable life skills,” Rounds says. “These sectors value soft skills such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving, which are often well-developed by midlife.”

And because these types of roles are more reliant on soft skills vs. hard skills, they are some of the best jobs for a 50-year-old woman, man, or non-binary person.

Leverage online job search platforms

If you’ve been out of the job market for years (or were never in it to begin with), it’s important to get up to speed on the newest ways to find a job.

“Understanding and utilizing online job search tools and social media platforms like LinkedIn for job hunting is essential,” says Rounds.

Research different job search platforms (like Fairygodboss!) and make a list of some of the most relevant—then practice navigating and using those to find your perfect fit.

Tap into your network

A great way to find a job—particularly if you’re an untraditional candidate—is to leverage your network and actively participate in community and professional events. (If it doesn't come naturally for you, these networking tips for people who hate networking might be helpful.)

Put it out to friends, family, and community connections that you’re looking for a new position. Ask them to keep their eyes and ears open for any opportunities that might be a good fit. “This can uncover hidden job opportunities that aren’t advertised,” Rounds says. 

Erhart suggests expanding your network, too. ”Make personal connections with recruiters, hiring managers, and business leaders in the industry you’re trying to break into,” he says. “If you can connect with people at job fairs, conferences, and similar industry and networking events, you can get a chance to explain why you’re a more valuable hire than someone might think from a glance at your resume.”

Consider volunteer-to-paid positions

It may sound counterintuitive, but while you’re looking for a job, one thing that may help you eventually land one is to volunteer.

Not only will it help you build your network—which could lead to later job opportunities—but “engaging in volunteer work can often lead to paid positions,” Rounds says. “Nonprofits and social services value the maturity and reliability that older individuals bring, making this a fruitful pathway for gaining experience and employment.”

Not sure where to start? Search for organizations within your community that align with your passions, interests, and values—or use a tool like VolunteerMatch to get paired with an organization that could use your skills and time.

Consider gig work

Gig work isn’t right for everyone. Generally speaking, you’re not considered a full-time employee—which can come with its own challenges (like no access to health insurance and having to make quarterly estimated tax payments).

But if you haven’t found any jobs as a 50-year-old woman with no degree or work experience, gigs can be a great way to gain experience, generate income, and establish some work history before applying to more traditional full-time roles.

“The sharing economy offers a unique advantage for individuals over 50 with no prior work history, providing a seamless pathway into the workforce,” Rounds says. “This model empowers them to leverage personal assets and skills in a flexible, low-barrier environment, allowing them to generate income on their own terms and schedules. It’s an effective approach for those who might face challenges in traditional job markets but possess valuable resources and experiences to offer.”

8 jobs for 50 year olds with no experience

So, what specific jobs might be a good fit for a 50-year-old without any work experience? Here are some of our top picks:

1. Retail sales associate

Retail sales associates work at a retail store—like a grocery chain or clothing store. They may help with a variety of customer service-centered tasks, including greeting customers when they enter the store, ringing up customers during check out, and providing help and support throughout the customers’ shopping experience. 

They may also perform tasks required to keep the retail store up and running, including cleaning, restocking items, and opening and/or closing the store. 

“Retail offers flexible schedules and does not typically require previous experience, making it an excellent entry point for older adults looking to step into the workforce,” says Rounds. “Retail jobs also provide valuable opportunities to develop customer service skills and interact with a diverse range of people.”

Check out retail sales associate jobs on Fairygodboss

2. Library assistant

A library assistant works in a library, supporting the head librarian in a variety of tasks, including keeping the library clean and organized, finding books for patrons, assisting patrons in checking out books, and returning books to shelves when guests are finished with them.

“Working as a library assistant can be ideal for those who enjoy a quieter, structured environment,” Rounds says. “This role allows individuals to utilize organizational skills and engage with the community through assisting with library operations and public events.”

3. Real estate agent

If you’re an organized “people person” who's not afraid to work on a commission basis, you might consider becoming a real estate agent.

Real estate agents support people as they buy or sell their home. If they’re working with buyers, they may help with tasks like finding properties and submitting offers. On the seller's side, real estate agents may help with getting the home ready for sale, listing the property, advising on listing and marketing strategy, and helping with closing paperwork.

“The real estate sector provides training opportunities, and success often comes from the maturity and interpersonal skills that many older individuals possess,” Rounds says. “This career allows for independence and flexibility in scheduling, which can be appealing for those starting a new career later in life.”

Keep in mind that in order to practice real estate, you’ll need to pass an exam and obtain a real estate license in the state/s you plan to practice.

Check out real estate agent jobs on Fairygodboss

4. Home health or personal aide

Positions in the home health and personal aide sector are projected to grow 22 percent between 2022 and 2024—significantly faster than other occupations. With more jobs to fill, the need for workers will only increase. 

Plus, some home health and personal aide companies are willing to hire employees that are new to the job market and train them once they’re hired—making it a great option for a 50-year-old person with no degree or experience.

“As a personal or home care aide, you can provide companionship and essential assistance to the elderly or disabled,” Rounds says. “This job requires empathy and patience rather than prior experience—both qualities that often increase with age.”

Check out home health jobs on Fairygodboss

5. Administrative assistant

Administrative assistants provide administrative support to businesses—for example, answering phones, filing paperwork, maintaining records, and managing schedules. Many administrative assistant jobs are entry-level—and in entry-level roles, having no experience shouldn’t hold you back from landing a job.

“This role suits those who are organized and possess strong communication skills,” Rounds says. “Many positions provide on-the-job training, making it a good option for older adults entering the workforce who can bring their life skills to the office environment.”

Check out administrative assistant jobs on Fairygodboss

6. Rideshare driver

As mentioned, gig work can be a good way to generate income while looking for a more traditional, full-time position—and one of the most common jobs in the gig economy is being a rideshare driver.

“Becoming a driver for services like Uber or Lyft offers flexibility and the opportunity to earn based on your schedule, which can be especially appealing for someone looking to ease into the workforce,” Rounds says. “This role requires good driving skills and an approachable demeanor, making the most of interpersonal skills developed over a lifetime.”

Check out rideshare driver jobs on Fairygodboss

7. Pet sitter/dog walker

Do you love animals? Then you might consider offering pet sitting and/or dog walking services—either independently (for example, telling family and friends) or through a pet services app.

“For animal lovers, offering pet sitting or dog walking services can be a fulfilling and flexible job option,” Rounds says. “This can be done through established platforms like Rover or Wag, or independently, and it capitalizes on reliability and a nurturing nature.”

The only requirements for being a pet sitter or dog walker is a love of animals and an understanding of how to take care of them—making it an ideal option for a 50-year-old with no traditional job experience.

8. Local experience guide

Another great way to turn your talents into a job? Become an experience guide.

“Utilizing platforms like Airbnb Experiences, you can offer guided tours or unique local experiences based on your hobbies or expertise—be it culinary tours, photography walks, or crafting classes,” Rounds says. “This role suits those who are passionate about sharing their interests with others.”

You could also contact your local tourism board and ask if there are any guide opportunities that would match your expertise. For example, if you’ve been a resident for 50 years and are passionate about local history, you might ask to be a local tour guide.