Has anyone found a new job in their 60s?

[ArcticBells]

I'm just interested to know if it's possible at any level as I have several friends looking for work in their 60s but having no luck . I'd love to change mine but their experience has put me off.

I have a very positive story which I hope will encourage you. I'll be 60 this summer, and I started a new office job a few weeks ago. I was surprised but so happy to get it. It's in a sector totally new to me, too. My DH is over 60 and also started a new job recently - his is a fixed term contract in a senior, professional role.

At first I wasn't getting anywhere and I thought it might be down to my age so I changed tack. I took nearly all dates off my CV. Only my last two jobs (covering 15 years) now show the dates, the rest I just summarised. I put my educational qualifications on, but not the date I got them, and obviously no date of birth.

I started off with a summary about me, my general areas of experience amd what I was looking for, then put in a section highlighting my skills.

It worked. With the new CV I started getting interest immediately and actually got the first job I interviewed for. It's a sideways move for me, on similar money than my last job, but there is scope for progression.

That's really good to hear. Well done you and thank you for the tips

My MIL was headhunted for a role a few months ago.

She didn’t enjoy the role and applied for 2 more roles, got offered both.

I'm not in my 60's, but I do have experience from a hiring manager point of view, and I'd always say if you have the skills, you should go for the job.

Interview panels should have had training on unconscious bias (if public sector at least), and decent interviewers will just be trying to get the right person for the job. Age was not on my radar when I was hiring and actually older people often have more life experience and wisdom to bring.

Last time I was hiring (given it was about 2 years ago), some jobs we only got one applicant who was interviewable and we were just crossing our fingers they'd be OK!

What job/ sector do you want to work in? It will partly depend on that, and how competitive it is?

I needed an extra job after a relationship breakdown. I started a job in retail at age 64 . I have a number of colleagues older than me .

I would echo this point about there being many roles difficult to recruit for because there simply aren’t enough good candidates. This has been my experience within my own work. Age won’t play factor especially if the person is good at interview.

A close friend was head hunted at the age of 60 for a job as a commissioning editor for a major publisher. Ten years later is still in the same job they working part-time.

I’m on my third career: I changed in my late 30s and qualified in my 40s.I ‘retired’ aged 58, took a small part time role in a different sector, as well as volunteering. 2 years later I am working full time in a managerial role and love it. What I have learned is self care-look after yourself physically and mentally and ensure you have a work/life balance.

Yes I worked in the civil service for 38 years (admin role). Had enough of bureaucracy and departmental changes. Applied for admin role in small family business and was offered it on the spot. It was the first job I had applied for, I was 63 at the time. Ive been there 10 months now, very pleased I moved. I live in a high unemployment area too. Good luck.

Yes...I will be 64 on Sunday. I start a new job at the end of April 😀

This is giving me hope. Almost 60 and applied for hundreds of jobs permanant, contract and temporary and had only one interview. CV has been assessed abd condensed and dates removed etc.

Never had a problem finding job before - any tips on how I can succeed like you?

I feel so inspired hearing these stories!

I need to re jig my CV clearly. I'm only looking for an admin/office job but the problem is that I've done 2 very long term jobs (20 years each). How do I present them on my CV without giving my age away?!

ArcticBells I gave up trying to hide my age. Anyone with a basic grasp of maths would see that I left school in 1976 so am no spring chicken!

The right company won't care, they will value your experience.

Good luck :)

We’ve had several over 60s start at our school recently. Full and part time. Conversely we also have several who are opting to completely retire!
But yes there is hope.

Well done you