Unless you work in a highly specialized field where only a few people have the knowledge and skills to succeed, it's certainly not easy to find a job these days. For October 2015, the nation's unemployment rate is 8.3 percent, indicating a lack of job openings for qualified workers. If you need a job to carry you through retirement, follow these tips to ensure you have a fighting chance.
A modern resume is a must if you want to find a job quickly. Sending a four-page resume that lists every job you've had since college is a good way to ruin your chances of getting hired. Your resume should be easy to read and take up no more than two pages. For every job you include, add a few bullet points outlining your responsibilities and achievements. If you are not confident in your resume-writing skills, hire a resume service to produce a strong resume on your behalf.
Be prepared to sell yourself if you want to find a job that pays well. Some hiring managers are hesitant to hire baby boomers and other older workers because of persistent, inaccurate stereotypes. One of these stereotypes is that baby boomers are not good at using technology in the workplace. Such assumptions are far from true, but you still need to be prepared to overcome them when you meet with interviewers. Keep your skills fresh by taking classes or completing professional certifications during your retirement.
If you can't find a job that fits your qualifications, check with the temporary staffing agencies in your area. Temp work is a great way to break into a new industry or pay the bills while you wait for a full-time job to open up. If you are hired for a temp position, perform every task to the best of your ability. With the right skills, you might be able to turn a temporary gig into a full-time job.
Don't discount the idea of starting your own business if you can't find a job within a few months. A lot of retirees keep their skills current by acting as consultants or doing a little work on the side. If you worked as an accountant before you retired, for example, you might be able to make some extra money by starting a tax-preparation business. If you decide to start your own business, make sure you comply with all state and local laws regarding business licenses and corporate structure.
If you do not have enough retirement savings to make ends meet, you might need to find a job to fill in the gaps. Finding the right position is not as easy as it used to be, but you can improve your chances by following these tips.
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