Master job-seeking at 30, 40, 50 and 60

Let’s face it: looking for work can be challenging – especially in a post-pandemic world. But given it’s a new year and many people are seeking a fresh start, we thought we’d share some tips on getting your CV onto the short-list pile – no matter what age you’re at.

This is a great time to build your expertise and your reputation. You can afford to take calculated risks with the roles you do take on, especially if you can see them as stepping stones to something better.

Create a 10-year plan. The average Aussie will have three jobs per decade and 17 employers by the time they retire – so know your worth and put a career strategy in place early! It’ll mark you as driven and ambitious to employers, which isn’t a bad thing.

Be proactive and ready to move. You don’t want to sit in the same role for years on end, because the market changes fast. If there’s a chance for promotion or a new challenge, jump at it. This is the time to learn, make mistakes and train up to get ahead.

Get the right advice. Now’s a great time to get a mentor and start creating a network that’ll stand you in good stead in the years to come.

Research suggests that your 40s are the most productive (and lucrative) decade of your career – and it makes sense: you spent your 30s getting skilled up and building your reputation, and now it’s all about leveraging that and boosting your earning potential.

Highlight your specialties. If you’re an undisputed expert in your field, don’t be shy about tooting your horn! Your specialist skills may well be able to plug the gap in an organisation, meaning you’ll be in greater demand by employers.

Be flexible. This includes everything from be open to your superiors being younger than you, to understanding you may have to work odd hours or learn different skills.

Tap into the hidden jobs market. Alongside applying for roles on jobs boards local to you, realise your connections are invaluable when it comes to learning about jobs that may not be advertised. Reach out to companies you want to work for, too – before they post roles – so you can get the jump on other job-seekers.

Yes, job-seeking can be harder when you’re older – but the great news is, you bring experience, maturity and a strong work ethic to the workplace that other, younger job-seekers may not.

Do a skills audit Do the roles you’re looking at require skills you don’t have? Train up! You’re not alone – nearly half of current workers need to learn new skills to remain in their roles for the next 5 years, according to research. Find out more in our Toolkit.

Be open and approachable Share success stories of working / collaborating with younger colleagues and bosses to prove you’re a cultural fit. In a post-Covid world, workers with great communication and collaboration skills are prized.

Create a consistent LinkedIn profile A whopping 58 percent of employers conduct ‘social screenings’ of candidates. So ensure your LinkedIn is a professional, error-free snapshot of you and what you do, focusing on the past decade of your career.

Once upon a time, 65-year-olds were thrown a party, given a gold watch and sent home to enjoy their retirement – but those days are changing fast. Many 60-somethings still work, either out of necessity or because they want the mental and / or physical stimulation.

Nurture your network. Jobs boards are essential but when you’re older it’s all about who you know. Form relationships with recruiters, join professional associations, attend meet-ups and tap into your existing network to see what opportunities are out there.

Realise your worth. Believe it or not, age and expertise is hugely valuable for many businesses! It’s all about demonstrating the real-world outcomes you can bring to an organisation – start by doing this on your application and also in the interivew.

Get help. If you’re finding the job hunt challenging, a chat with a careers coach can help with everything from fixing up your CV and online profile, to giving you tips and strategies for nailing the interview.