AARP Hearing Center
Jo Ann Jenkins
Photo by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders
As the states begin the process of reopening their economies, many people who have lost their jobs worry about finding work. For older adults, a job is not just a way to make money. It’s an opportunity to share decades of valuable experience, stay active physically and mentally, and both mentor and learn from colleagues of all ages.
These are some of the reasons the news of the 13.6 percent unemployment rate for adults age 55 and older is especially troubling. Before the pandemic hit, there were 37.8 million people age 55 and older in the nation’s workforce, a share that had been growing steadily for two decades. These adults stay on the job because they value the fulfillment that comes from using their skills and interacting with their coworkers. The income they earn while working enables them to meet financial responsibilities and enjoy life now, while also saving for their future retirement.
As we all respond to unexpected difficulties the pandemic has created, rest assured that AARP is maintaining its commitment to helping you find employment that meets your needs. That’s why we provide a number of tools and resources to help people age 50 and older build careers with companies that welcome their talents. If you are looking for work, our online Job Board can help connect you to full-time and part-time openings. Many of these positions are with companies that have signed AARP’s Employer Pledge, in which they acknowledge the value of experienced workers and promise to recruit across diverse age groups.
Using the Job Board, you can look for work without leaving home, something that’s especially beneficial during the pandemic. You may have fewer opportunities to meet with recruiters face-to-face at this time, so it’s even more important to highlight your skills and achievements effectively when you apply for jobs online. If you haven’t updated your résumé recently, make sure it’s polished. Through AARP’s Resume Advisor tool, you can get a critique of your résumé for free.
Social distancing also means that if you land a job interview, that conversation may happen remotely rather than in person. Many of you may be using Zoom, Skype or other videoconferencing platforms to stay in touch with your loved ones. If you haven’t tried these technologies yet, AARP has tips from experts that can help you look and sound your best when you log on for your interview.
