Navigating a job search can be stressful and exhausting at any age. However, older individuals face an added challenge: the job market often favors youth.
As of this past November, there were approximately 7.1 million job openings nationwide. In theory, this could create a wealth of opportunities for adults over 50 seeking a new job or exploring a different career path. Yet, for many of these workers, the reality of ageism hits home. Skepticism about a job-specific skill set, technology aptitude and expectations for pay can keep older workers on the sidelines when, in fact, they are itching to get back into the game.
The BLS also reports that among 55- to 64-year-olds, an impressive 65.9% are still active in the workforce, with projections showing a rise to around 68.6% by 2034, partly due to slowly phasing out of work or delaying retirement. From traditional full-time positions and hybrid settings to remote roles and freelance gigs, older workers are staying on the job or returning to the labor market.
It's illegal for employers to discriminate against applicants due to their age, thanks to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. However, the challenge remains for someone in their 50s or 60s to get a job.
Here is a look at seven tips for getting hired after 50.
1. Age-proof your resume (assuming you still have one)
Your experience may span decades, but it’s probably best to focus on the last 10-15 years and omit older roles unless they are relevant to the new role. Remove graduation dates but include your achievements and tailor your resume to the position you’re seeking. It's fine to mention earlier positions when appropriate, but try to focus on the more recent past.
Dr. Kyle Elliott, Founder, Tech Career Coach, & Mental Health Expert at CaffeinatedKyle.com, offers this advice. “If you're an older job seeker, you typically want to limit your resume to the past 10 years," he says. "Highlight your most relevant experience, but don't stop there. Emphasize what sets you apart from other candidates."
2. Target a few roles instead of dozens
Although it seems logical to apply for as many jobs as possible with hopes that at least one turns out well, it's best to target only one to three specific roles, instead of splattering applications everywhere. Pick a "target" role that matches your strengths and experience, then tailor your resume and cover letter (if needed) to show exactly why you're the best fit. Quality over quantity wins every time.
3. Leverage your network
Former colleagues and bosses can be your biggest advocates, so reach out to them for job leads and referrals. Utilize social media platforms or attend webinars and virtual events to expand your professional network.
Elliott also acknowledges that, as a more experienced worker, you've had more time to develop your professional network than someone earlier in their career. He says, “Now is the time to leverage it. Don't be afraid to reach out to former colleagues, clients and vendors at your target companies to set up informational interviews, learn about company culture and see how they might benefit from your background and skills.”
4. Upskill your knowledge
Taking online classes, some of which are free or nearly free, can give you a head start on learning new technologies and combating stereotypes about older workers. Earning certificates that are relevant to a particular position can also help demonstrate your versatility and willingness to go the extra mile.
“For those over 50, one powerful differentiator is your deep industry expertise,” Elliot says. He adds that it is always best to demonstrate you’re adaptable and committed to continuous learning.
In fact, in a 2025 randomized clinical trial, researchers aimed to determine whether older adults could still learn new things, even after age 65.
They recruited a group of people aged 65 and older and had them play challenging computer-based brain-training games for about 30 minutes each day. After 10 weeks, these older adults showed vast improvement in that part of the brain that handles attention and memory. It’s never too late to learn new things or improve your brain.
5. Write a targeted cover letter
A cover letter is nearly always required when applying for a job and gives you the chance to elaborate on your skills and abilities, while explaining why you want the position. It can also be used to address a hiring manager’s concerns about any potential over-qualifications. Keep it to one page only, but focus on why you’re a good fit for the role.
6. Prepare for interviews
Interviews can be tricky, as hiring managers sometimes prefer to conduct them in person or online through platforms that use your computer’s camera for video conferencing. If you find yourself in this position, address ageism tactfully by emphasizing your skills and expertise, as well as your eagerness to learn from younger colleagues.
JW Heflin, partner and recruiter with ThinkingAhead, spins this new narrative. “It’s not about age. It’s about value. Employers aren’t asking how old you are; they’re asking, ‘Can you solve our problems?’ If you’ve ‘been there, done that and got the T-shirt,’ show it off, but only if it’s relevant to the role today. Skip the war stories from 1997 and highlight instead how your recent wins align with their needs.”
7. Explore flexible roles
Already retired? Returning to work doesn’t have to be burdensome. Consider freelance, work-from-home, side gigs or contract work that will bring in a paycheck while also giving you the freedom to enjoy your retirement.
To start, check out the AARP Job Board using filters like flexible/remote/part-time from age-friendly employers. Go to FlexJobs or Workforce50.com for jobs curated for 50+ workers. You can also find age-friendly employer lists via the Age-Friendly Institute for companies committed to older workers.
Here are a few more:
Why people age 50 and over are returning to work
More and more older adults are returning to work, with 37.9% of those 55+ in the labor force in December 2025, per the latest BLS Employment Situation report and AARP digest. In contrast, the BLS reports that only 19% of people 65 and older were in the labor force in 1983. Although reasons vary, returning to work for some is simply to fortify their retirement savings. Especially since the 2025 Planning & Progress Study by Northwestern Mutual puts the figure for a comfortable retirement at $1.26 million.
Although you may be able to (or think you can) live off Social Security as your only source of income, it likely won’t be enough to replace your pre-retirement standard of living and pay all of your expenses.
A September 2025 Bankrate survey found that more than half of American workers feel behind on their retirement savings, with confidence in reaching their goals declining year-over-year. Another study by Allianz Life, released in January 2026, reported that 51% of Americans have stopped or reduced their retirement contributions in the past six months due to economic pressures. In a recent update from Resume Builder, one in eight retired senior citizens is expected to return to work in 2025. Why? To pay their expenses.
Although having enough money for a comfortable retirement isn’t the only reason why people over 50 are returning to work, it certainly ranks as a top contender.
Landing a job over 50 is hard, but not impossible
Figuring out how to generate enough retirement income and replace that old paycheck can be challenging — even more so if you’re over 50. Work on your resume, connect with old colleagues, and stay positive, then check out Kiplinger’s Retirement Calculator to estimate the future value of your retirement savings and determine how much you need to save (or earn) each month to stay ahead of the game and enjoy a financially secure retirement.
