How to get hired as an older person? Navigating the modern job market with experience

According to a 2024 survey from the AARP, 64% of workers over 50 have experienced or witnessed age discrimination in the workplace. The good news is that with the right approach and strategy, it is entirely possible to succeed. Learning how to get hired as an older person involves leveraging your unique assets—your deep experience, proven work ethic, and invaluable soft skills—to thrive in the modern job market.

Quick Summary

This guide provides practical strategies for mature job seekers to update their resume, master interview techniques, and effectively network to overcome age-related biases. It focuses on modernizing your professional brand, highlighting relevant skills and accomplishments, and demonstrating your long-term value to potential employers.

Key Points

• Modernize Your Resume: Limit work history to the last 10-15 years, omit graduation dates, and use a clean, professional format that is ATS-friendly.

• Showcase Your Experience as an Asset: Frame your decades of experience as a unique strength, focusing on problem-solving, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.

• Leverage Your Network: Expand your professional connections, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, and utilize both older and younger contacts for referrals and insights.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Explicitly list your comfort with modern software and tools on your resume and be prepared to discuss it in interviews to counter stereotypes.

• Master Interview Questions: Practice answering common questions about career goals, working with different generations, and perceived overqualification by emphasizing your passion and commitment.

Reframe Your Experience and Mindset

Older workers bring a wealth of experience, reliability, and emotional intelligence that younger candidates simply haven't had the time to develop. The key is not to hide your experience but to frame it as a major asset that offers unique value. Instead of apologizing for decades of work, showcase how that history has prepared you to solve the company's specific problems. Don't be bogged down by limiting beliefs about your age; reframe them as strengths. Approach your job search with a positive and confident attitude, focusing on what you bring to the table today.

Modernize Your Resume

Your resume is the first impression you make. An outdated format or too much irrelevant history can send the wrong signal. Here are the steps to modernize it for a competitive edge:

• Focus on the last 10-15 years: Limit the detailed work history section to your most recent and relevant roles. You can summarize earlier positions briefly in an “Additional Experience” section without dates.
• Omit graduation dates: Leaving off dates from degrees and certifications earned long ago prevents assumptions about your age.
• Use a modern format: Opt for clean, sans-serif fonts (like Arial or Geneva) and a simple, scannable layout. Avoid older formats that may not be compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• Create a professional summary: Replace the outdated “objective” with a strong professional summary highlighting your key skills and achievements upfront. This is your chance to shine and immediately capture the hiring manager’s attention.
• Showcase relevant skills: Have a dedicated section for technical and soft skills. Be sure to include modern software and platforms relevant to the industry, such as Microsoft 365, Slack, or project management tools.

Master the Interview with Confidence

In-person or virtual interviews are your chance to address any potential age-related concerns head-on. With preparation, you can turn your maturity into an advantage.

Comparison Table: Leveraging Your Experience in an Interview

Aspect	Counterproductive Approach	Effective Strategy for Older Workers
Focus	Dwelling on long-past achievements or how things were done before.	Emphasizing recent successes and leveraging past wisdom to inform current strategies.
Energy Level	Seeming bored, complacent, or resistant to change.	Demonstrating enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to learn new methods.
Technology	Making assumptions or admitting discomfort with modern tools.	Highlighting proficiency with current technology and being open to learning new platforms.
Attitude	Appearing overqualified or unwilling to take direction from younger managers.	Showcasing adaptability and the ability to collaborate effectively with people of all generations.
Career Goals	Not having a clear answer about long-term goals.	Articulating a desire for continued challenge, growth, and commitment to the role.

Expand Your Network and Online Presence

Most jobs are filled through networking, and leveraging your existing network is one of the most powerful tools you have.

• Update your LinkedIn profile: Create or polish your profile to reflect a modern, professional image. Use a recent headshot, write a compelling summary with relevant keywords, and request recommendations from former colleagues.
• Connect with younger professionals: Expand your professional circle to include people from different generations. Younger colleagues can provide fresh insights, while you can offer mentorship and wisdom.
• Utilize online resources: Use job boards tailored for experienced workers, such as Workforce50 or the AARP Job Board. Stay active in professional online communities and forums relevant to your field.
• Proactive outreach: Instead of only applying to advertised jobs, use your network to identify specific hiring managers and reach out directly with a tailored message. A strong referral can bypass automated screening systems.

Conclusion

While ageism can be a real barrier, older job seekers possess significant assets that make them highly valuable. By strategically reframing your narrative, modernizing your resume, and confidently navigating interviews, you can effectively showcase your experience and adaptability. Leveraging a strong, multigenerational network and staying current with industry trends will further enhance your candidacy. Approach your job search with confidence, highlight your unique contributions, and remember that your accumulated wisdom is an undeniable strength in any workplace.

Optional Outbound Link: The National Council on Aging (NCOA) offers resources specifically for older adults entering the workforce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I handle perceived 'overqualification'?

If an interviewer suggests you are overqualified, explain that you are intentionally seeking a role where you can contribute your expertise in a focused way. Emphasize that you are motivated by the work itself and are committed to staying long-term.

Should I include all my work history on my resume?

No, it is best to limit your detailed work history to the last 10-15 years. This ensures your resume is concise and focused on your most relevant experience. You can summarize earlier, less relevant roles in a dedicated section.

What's the best way to address an employment gap?

Be brief and honest in your cover letter or interview. Frame the break positively, mentioning personal growth, caregiving, or retraining. If you did any volunteering or contract work, include that to show continued engagement.

Is it important to have a LinkedIn profile?

Yes, a polished and up-to-date LinkedIn profile is essential. It demonstrates your engagement with modern networking and provides recruiters with more detailed information and recommendations, which can be crucial for an older job seeker.

How can I prove I am tech-savvy?

List current, relevant software and platforms you've used in your skills section. In interviews, offer specific examples of how you have used technology to achieve positive results. Mention any recent training or certifications.

How do I work with a younger manager?

Express your willingness to collaborate and learn from team members of all ages and backgrounds. Frame your experience not as a hindrance but as an asset that can mentor others while still respecting a new leader's direction.

Should I attend job fairs?

Yes, job fairs are a valuable opportunity for older job seekers to make a direct, in-person impression. They can help you bypass automated screening systems and get face-to-face time with hiring managers.