Heading back into workforce at age 57.

19 Comments

1. AnonymousMay 1,2023 at 3:13PM UTC

   Job boards are probably not where you will be finding a new job. I would consider temporary jobs and contract positions. Build out your network and try and mine those connections. The job market is very tight right now.

2. AnonymousMay 3,2023 at 6:20AM UTC

   I agree with pursuing the temporary jobs and contract positions, but I found mine by posting on job boards and a recruiter saw my resume and reached out to me. Had an initial interview on a Tuesday, two on Friday, and was hired by the end of the day on Friday. Don't give up on the job boards.

   Do, however, be sure to research the recruiter and make sure that they have a Linked In presence that corresponds with their signature block. Also, do verify that they are really employed by the company they claim to represent. There are some cockroaches out there, but don't let their presence keep you from responding to a legitimate opening that may fit your skill set really well.

3. AnonymousMay 1,2023 at 3:55PM UTC

   AARP, if you have not already.

4. Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterMay 1,2023 at 4:57PM UTC

   I can't imagine that you are finding 50 jobs every week you are a) at least 75% qualified for, and b) very excited about - ?

   Going for quantity over quality is very discouraging because you'll get even more rejections (for positions you didn't even really want in the first place!)

   Make sure at least 50% of your job search time is networking-based.

5. KatMay 1,2023 at 7:43PM UTC

   Have you thought about upgrading/updating/expanding your skill set? It would enhance your resume and show companies you're willing and able to learn new technology/software. There are online courses (many for free) that can teach you the basics of popular software programs that are in demand. Look at your local job center (usually a state agency that offers placement/employment assistance) or library for classes and assessments as well. If you're physically able, have you thought about doing foundry work, warehousing, or truck driving? Those areas are always in demand and pay pretty well without requiring a lot of education or technical skills. If you've got a CostCo in your area, see if they're hiring. They pay very well and have good benefits.

6. Veronica Appleby-RyanMay 5,2023 at 6:08PM UTC

   What areas/skills are in demand currently?

7. Kristin BurnsMay 1,2023 at 7:43PM UTC

   Talk to friends in fields you are interested in. Chances are, if they have stayed in the workforce, they are not looking for the same level of role and will be so excited to help you out. Even a more junior role in a field you care about or find interesting can have enough pay and benefits and be a great place to learn the ropes and add to your resume.

8. AnonymousMay 1,2023 at 8:20PM UTC

   Welcome back! Level up your skills by bringing them current with new certifications that align with the roles you're looking for. Join professional organizations in the industries you want to work in.

   Finally, use those contacts made with recruiters and members of those organizations to build your network.

9. AnonymousMay 2,2023 at 12:33AM UTC

   Check out sample resumes to be sure you aren't sending out one that screams "out of touch." Also, do something as a volunteer or take a class to beef up those job skills. You're competing against people who currently have jobs, so you need to show your willingness to learn new things.

10. AnonymousMay 2,2023 at 12:14PM UTC

    Hire a resume writer to review your resume and LinkedIn profile. Well worth the cost. Made a huge difference for me.

11. AnonymousMay 2,2023 at 12:16PM UTC

    Also, search jobs on Google. They hit all the job boards. LinkedIn can be limited at times for job search.

12. AnonymousMay 2,2023 at 12:30PM UTC

    Depending on your state of residence, and your current situation, you may be eligible to participate in a career assistance program designed for those whose primary role involved caring for family/home - in MN the program is named the MN Family Resiliency Partnership program, federally it is known as the Displaced Homemaker program - you can connect with your local job center (another commenter noted this in their comment) to find out about program eligibility or potentially other assistance available to you for funding for upskilling/retraining, etc., as well as assistance with your job search:

    For women and men who have spent much or all their work life caring for family and home, returning to the workplace or entering it for the first time can be a difficult transition.

    That's especially true if the necessity to return to work is brought on by the loss of the family's primary financial support through some unexpected or urgent circumstances.

    Through our MN Family Resiliency Partnership (MFRP) - federally known as Displaced Homemaker Program (DHP), we help individuals who have worked the primary caregiver for home and family develop the marketable skills you'll need to find and maintain a job.

13. Diane McDevittMay 2,2023 at 12:33PM UTC

    Glassdoor is great for researching companies. You indicate that your skillset is soft - Coursera.com offers a wide range of courses that could benefit your compensation aspirations. Keep at it. Try temp agencies and contract work to get a foothold in a company that you really want to work for or one that pays you well enough to make ends meet until the dream job shows up - they do, eventually.

14. Veronica Appleby-RyanMay 5,2023 at 6:05PM UTC

    You mention Coursera.com, can you recommend Courses in specific for someone with soft skills wanting to return to work force. What areas are being focused on by HR?

15. AnonymousMay 2,2023 at 1:08PM UTC

    Some larger companies have programs for returning workers. I know Amazon does so check and see if they have an opportunity that interests you.

16. AnonymousMay 2,2023 at 1:08PM UTC

    Check out temporary agencies that offer temp-to-hire positions. If you get placed in one of these positions, consider it an interview that lasts the same time as the assignment, meaning always be on time, dress and act professionally, absorb every bit of knowledge you can, and do your very best. It would be good to brush up on tech skills, like word processing and spreadsheets. Those are very important for most positions, even if they don't state them in the job requirements.

17. Cynthia Armistead NewmanMay 2,2023 at 1:20PM UTC

    I believe Elpha (another networking board for women) has a good return to work program. Check it out - https://elpha.com/

18. Laura BrennanMay 3,2023 at 2:31AM UTC

    Don't neglect your network! Let everyone know you are looking for work, and specifically what kind of work you're looking for. Phrase it as a quest or a new adventure. Don't ask for anything specific (ie: what job boards you should use) -- that will limit their thinking. Instead, just let them know you're looking and see what they offer; people will always offer from their deepest well. Say yes to all of it: Yes, thank you, I'd love to meet your friend/shadow you for a day/take the class you recommended... Report back in a couple of weeks with good news.

    When someone invests in you with advice or help, you want to show you're a good investment. Taking the advice/help, showing appreciation, and letting them know that they made a positive difference in your life and job search does exactly that. And having a team of people on your side, wishing you well even if they're not helping directly, can make your job search much easier.

    Good luck! You've got this!

19. Elisabeth HooperMay 3,2023 at 5:31PM UTC

    Check out irelaunch - it is for people returning to work after career breaks: https://jobs.irelaunch.com/