Working past 65 can be an excellent way to get out of the house. It’s also great for financial security, mental stimulation, and social activity.
Finding a job as a senior can be a bit different from working when you were younger. Medicare, social security, and simply being out of interview practice can all come together for a confusing and stressful job search. This is why we’ve curated a guide to help you navigate the job hunting process in your golden years.
4 Considerations and Tips for Working Past 65
Take these 4 considerations and tips into account when beginning your job search.
- Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile
If you’re over 65, chances are you worked your last job for many years and your resume is likely outdated. Update your resume with new skills and experience from the last ten years and remove specific dates.
Be sure to update your skills and experiences on LinkedIn as well to give yourself the best chance of standing out to recruiters and hiring managers. LinkedIn is also a great way to grow your network and find job opportunities.
- Practice Your Interviewing Skills
If it’s been a while since you’ve been interviewed for a job, practice your skills with yourself or with a friend. Be sure to address the question of being overqualified during your mock interview. Also, show your willingness to work with a younger team and leadership.
- Volunteer to Gain Skills and Improve Your Networking
Volunteering is not only a great way to give back to your community, but also a way to gain skills to add to your resume. Whether it be communication skills or physical skills, volunteering can make you a more marketable job seeker.
Volunteering is also great for networking. The new people you meet may know of a job opportunity that is perfect for you.
- Avoid Common Medicare Mistakes
Even if you work past 65, you are still eligible to receive Medicare benefits, but you don’t necessarily have to if your company has 20 or more employees.Talk with your employer’s benefits specialist or a Medicare expert to better understand how Medicare will work with your employer’s insurance plan.
Not getting all the information you need may cause you to make some Medicare mistakes you’ll later regret, such as:
- Missing the enrollment deadline
- Continuing contributions to a health savings account
- Not asking enough questions about private health insurance
- Delaying Medicare enrollment
Whether you decide to work full-time, part-time, or do freelance work on the side, earning some extra income during your golden years can go a long way. The social and cognitive benefits are also good reasons to work during your retirement years. Look through the visual below for additional tips to finding a job after 65.
