The Not So Final Frontier: Seniors C.V's

As a retired person it is possible that it's been years, possibly decades since you've last had to write a C.V and been job hunting, so the plan comes in two parts, first what to write and secondly what type of jobs you are or should be aiming for. You may be looking for work to top up your pension, or to assist you through an expensive time of year such as Christmas, or just to keep yourself busy.

Seasonal work is often where retirees find the most opportunities for work, the holidays being an obvious example, less obvious are opportunities such as the fruit picking season, seasonal work in parks and gardens, stewarding at events etc. As is usually the case the early bird catches the worm, and so start looking as far ahead of the time of year you're aiming to get that job that suits your talents. However if you are hoping for something more permanent, the you could be looking at a more uphill battle than looking at seasonal work, it's generally what's been called the "Silver ceiling".

In an interview it's wise to get a clear idea of what contract span and how many years they expect of you, it may not be the perfect answer you were hoping for, but it is better to know up front than feel let down a year or two into a position. With that in mind, it is a good idea to check and see if the company you are applying to say they are senior friendly. Often companies take pride in their reputation when it comes to breaking the silver ceiling. In fact in many professions it is seen as an advantage to be more mature, even in a fast paced sales environment, products or services that appeal to a more mature audience are often better represented by those of a similar age to the customer. For instance financial services such as pensions, or over 50's life insurance, are often better represented by a mature executive with relevant experience of life. .

So how's the best way to get to the interview stage? A strong C.V of course! A C.V should be no more than 2 pages long and easy to read short to the point bullets under different sections is the best approach.

Play up on how age means more wisdom and people skills, this is one of the major advantages the mature have over the youth.

Not to mention decades of experience you have, fill your resume with references to your wide ranging experience, as well as skills, knowledge etc.

You could leave some things in reserve for the interview, allude to experiences on your curriculum vitae so you have something to talk about and use in an interview which you can expand on.

Tailor each resume to the company or position you are applying for, a one size fits all curriculum vitae may not cut the mustard and HR managers are looking for certain things in each resume which they hope will add to their workforce.

Be flexible, the more flexible and available you are to work will boost your prospects of being successful, the hours you wish to and can work should be front and centre in a curriculum vitae.

If you succeed to the interview stage, preparation is the key:

Prepare for questions you should expect, like the preemptive talking points you should have embedded in your curriculum vitae

Research the company and have questions to ask them, which shows you are interested and active in wanting to know more.



It's best to have thought about the type of job you would like, are you looking for something new or a job in the same sector you have previously worked in? Be true to yourself about your health, retail jobs can be physical , and gardening involves a lot of activity, will you be able to take it? If looking for inspiration, many recruitment agencies have specialist staff for retirees and will know which companies are open or even actively seeking older workers. There are also a number of charities that help people with management and professional experience looking to do voluntary work, either as an advisor, teaching or helping people and companies by using their past experience and expertise.

Writing - It is possible to make cash online writing articles whilst at the same time building a profile for yourself on these sites. If you wish to practice your writing first, Amazon reviews or using free article websites like Ezinearticles would be best. Article sites where you can make money include Hubpages, Xomba and Suite101 among others.

Teaching - If you used to be a teacher, you may be horrified at the thought, but advertising in the local press as an extra curricular tutor might help bring in some extra money. There are short teaching courses available which take no more than a few weeks to complete if you so desire, tutoring and teaching can be extended to doing it over the internet as well, there is a growing appetite for online tutors, the bonus is the lesson plans are provided, meaning less work. So if you know you're way around a computer and would like to try out teaching from the comfort of your home, this could be a good avenue.

Voluntary Sector - Some voluntary jobs pay, some just not a normal wage, you might get expenses for example. So if keeping busy is your objective, this might just be your sector. Examples include manning the phones at Citizens Advice or the Samaritans, or helping the disabled around such as driving, can be a rewarding experience.


------

Just Life Insurance specialise in over 50's
life insurance, their website provides free life insurance advice as well as market leading life insurance quotes.