How AARP Helps You Keep or Find a Job

Navigating the world of employment has always been a challenge for older Americans. Most have felt age bias in the workplace — from a preference in hiring younger workers to the subtle and sometimes not-so-subtle hints that the field has passed you by.

And the rapid pace at which technology changes can be daunting. That all comes as more people look to stretch their work lives past “traditional” retirement age or start a new job at 50, 60 or even 70.

AARP knows these issues. Here’s a look at some of our efforts and how we can help you.

Finding a job

The AARP Job Board was specifically designed to match older workers’ priceless experience with employers who value it and who have made a commitment to age-diverse workplaces. People looking for work can sign up for free. More than 500 companies, with hundreds of available jobs all across the country, enter those opportunities into an easy-to-use database. Check it out at aarp.org/jobs.

Honing skills

The technical abilities needed in today’s workplace constantly change. AARP Skills Builder for Work offers everyone who registers a free online course to get started. This service also offers special discounts on all other courses offered by MindEdge. AARP members get even bigger discounts. Learn more about it at aarp.org/workskills.

Résumé writing

Your résumé needs a facelift. You have valuable experience from years of working, but the way you show those skills on your résumé can be the difference between getting hired or seeming “too old.” AARP has helpful guidance on how to age-proof your résumé, explain time off from working and other résumé-writing advice specifically designed for people age 50 and older. Visit aarp.org/resume for more information.

Webinars worth watching

AARP’s Learn@50+ programming offers free customized webinars on topics such as how to improve your interview skills and how to revamp your career. To view the schedule, go to learn.aarp.org.

Staying current

The AARP digital team posts daily fresh information and advice from experts in all areas of finding and keeping a job, and in the shifting forces shaping today’s economy. Visit aarp.org/work.

Getting back to work

People over 50 who decide to change jobs — or even careers — can tap AARP Foundation’s Back to Work 50+ program. It can provide the training, coaching and other skills needed to navigate the job-hunting waters. Go to aarpfoundation.org/register.

Helping veterans

The AARP Veterans & Military Spouses Job Center is a free digital platform with tools and info to help jump-start a new career by leveraging the experiences and skills veterans learned while in uniform. Go to aarp​.org/vetsjobcenter.

Working with employers

Many employers say that they value and want to hire older workers. The AARP Employer Pledge is a public declaration of a company’s willingness to hire people 50 and older. More than 1,700 organizations have signed the pledge. To find out who they are — and how to get others to take the pledge — visit aarp.org/employerpledge.

Protecting older workers

AARP is pushing for stronger age discrimination laws and regulations in the courts and at state and federal levels. AARP Foundation’s litigation team has sued employers on behalf of workers who faced illegal discrimination.