10 tips for getting a job after 50
- Magalie AUGER
- May 2
- 5 min read
Do you think your age has become a barrier to finding a job?
Do you feel that the job market is closed to senior profiles?
Do you want to bounce back professionally but don't know where to start?
Then this article is for you!
Why is it essential to have a strategy for finding a job after 50?
With age, the barriers to hiring become more subtle but very real: prejudices about adaptability, reluctance regarding cost, stereotypes about digital proficiency, etc.
However, experience, stability, loyalty and professional maturity are real assets to be valued.
But we still need to know how.
An APEC study (September 2023) paints a clear picture: 33% of senior executive job seekers have been unemployed for more than a year, compared to 17% for all executives.
An inequality that can be explained by a gap between market expectations and research strategy.
Let's take the example of Marc, 57, a former sales director whom I supported.
After 18 months of fruitless research, he followed my support to reposition his service offering, develop his presence on LinkedIn and target sectors under pressure.
Three months later, he found a position aligned with his values.
Did you know?
In 2023, 58.4% of 55-64 year-olds were in employment, a rate that is increasing but still lower than the European average of 63.9% (source: DARES).
What are the risks if you don't change your strategy?
Continuing with the same tools and the same posture as at 35 means running the risk of coming up against closed doors.
Warning signs:
Mass sending of applications without response
Loss of self-confidence
Isolation
Defensive speech in an interview
The risks:
Long-term unemployment increases
Loss of hope and motivation
Devaluation of skills
Self-censorship of certain opportunities
Looking for a job at 50, as you did at 30, is like using a paper map in a world of GPS: you can get lost for a long time.
What are the benefits of having a market-adapted strategy when you are over 50?
Changing your approach means taking back control of your professional trajectory.
This allows you to turn your years of experience into a competitive advantage, regain confidence and attract the attention of recruiters.
In a constantly changing world, companies are more than ever looking for profiles that combine experience, adaptability and human leadership.
I accompanied Alain, 60 years old, an engineer in retraining.
By reactivating his old contacts and promoting his cross-functional skills, he landed a 6-month freelance assignment, which later turned into a permanent contract.
How to get a job after 50?
My 10 expert tips:
Tip #1: Redefine a professional project aligned with your current aspirations
After 50, it is essential to clarify your direction.
What you want to do, why you want to do it, and in what environment.
This strategic step allows you to target coherent opportunities, to value what you bring today and to move away from the reflex of automatically renewing your last position.
A fuzzy project gives a fuzzy image.
Tip #2: Modernize your professional communication
A CV or LinkedIn profile that looks dated reinforces age stereotypes.
Opt for a clean design, results-oriented wording and a dynamic tone.
Your communication is the first proof of your adaptability.
Avoid overly formal phrases, be concise, impactful and forward-looking.
Tip #3: Proactively activate and structure your network
The network is the preferred access channel for more than 70% of quality opportunities.
It's not about "asking for a job", but about entering into a logic of regular contact, constructive exchanges and visibility.
List your key contacts, establish a contact routine and participate in targeted professional events.
You don't have to do everything alone.
Tip #4: Work on your value pitch with precision
You must be able to express in a few sentences what you specifically bring to the table and what motivates you.
This pitch should combine skills, professional style and vision.
A good pitch is solution-oriented, fits in with current business needs and demonstrates your ability to project yourself into value-added missions.
Tip #5: Actively develop your cross-functional and digital skills
"A man begins to grow old when he stops learning." — Japanese proverb
Staying curious and active in your learning is a direct way to break down age-related prejudices.
Identify the key skills in your sector (project management, communication, collaborative tools, AI, etc.) and train regularly, even through micro-learning.
This is a strong signal sent to the market.
Tip #6: Explore alternative employment formats
Permanent contracts, transitional assignments, salary portage, freelance, part-time work… forms of employment are evolving.
A flexible posture allows you to regain an active role, stay connected to the market and create a springboard towards lasting opportunities.
Open your field of possibilities instead of restricting your criteria.
Tip #7: Target environments that value experience
Some structures are specifically looking for senior profiles: SMEs, start-ups in the structuring phase, associations, local authorities, sectors under pressure (health, industry, logistics, construction).
These are areas conducive to the transmission, supervision and security of projects.
Tip #8: Carry out a personal audit of your energy resources
At this stage of your career, it's helpful to become aware of what activities excite you and what tires you out.
Identify your areas of excellence, your motivators and organize your days accordingly.
An aligned posture is perceived as more charismatic and reassuring by recruiters.
Tip #9: Take care of your mental posture and your discourse on age
“One cannot prevent oneself from growing old, but one can prevent oneself from becoming old.” — Henri Matisse
Avoid justifying yourself or minimizing your skills.
Take on your journey with serenity and optimism.
The tone you use when talking about your age determines how others will perceive it.
Talk about your strengths without apologizing.
Tip #10: Get support to structure and accelerate your return to work
An outside perspective, a coach, a skills assessment or a peer group can help you overcome blockages, challenge your beliefs and define an effective strategy.
Surrounding yourself with the right people gives you the means to move forward faster, with more clarity and confidence.
Is it suitable for all senior profiles?
Yes, provided that you adjust the strategy to your context: level of responsibility, targeted sector, personal constraints.
Are there any prerequisites?
Yes,
Be willing to step out of your comfort zone,
Agree to question yourself,
Invest time and energy in your research.
What are the key success factors for getting a job after 50?
Have a clear vision of your professional project
Mastering current recruitment codes
Be visible and active on your network
Show an open and proactive posture
Get support to accelerate
What are the key skills or qualities needed to find a job after 50?
Self-confidence
Relational intelligence
Curiosity and agility
Clarity of communication
Mental endurance
In short: What do you need to know to get a job after 50?
✔ Redefine your professional project
✔ Modernize your CV and pitch
✔ Activate your network strategically
✔ Target sectors that are recruiting
✔ Work on your mental posture and open up the field of possibilities
Your age is an asset. You still need to use it as a strength in your communication, your posture, and your choices.
Need help bouncing back after 50?
I will guide you step by step to reveal your value, strengthen your confidence and accelerate your return to employment.
Book your free Discovery Appointment with me now:
Sources of the article:
APEC Study: Statistical Portrait of Senior Executives
Seniors on the job market in 2023: https://dares.travail-emploi.gouv.fr/publication/les-seniors-sur-le-marche-du-travail-en-2023
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