Job Tips for People Over 40

Older workers, those aged 40+, face unique considerations in the job market. This group of workers are members of a protected class under federal employment laws, which protects older workers from discrimination in the workplace.

Despite these laws, age bias exists in many industries including the technology and legal fields. Some employers are reluctant to hire older workers for a variety of reasons. In addition to a tough job market, older workers—members of Generation X, Baby Boomers, and The Silent Generation (aka the Traditionalists)—face additional challenges in finding employment.

However, there are ways to turn age into an asset, and the articles below offer tips, strategies, and solutions to individuals seeking work in their mid-life years and beyond.

Going to Law School at a Later Age

Thinking of a second career in law? If you are over 40, you may assume you are too old for law school. However, it's never too late to go back to school. It's possible now to take advantage of flexible and online course offerings, and your work experience might give you an edge over others when you are applying to law programs. Be sure to also review these drawbacks of attending law school at a later age.

Job Tips for Older Workers

The economy has pushed more people over age 40 back into the workforce. If you have reached your midlife years or beyond, you may feel that it is hard to compete against a sea of younger workers? How can you highlight your years of experience while downplaying your age? How can you combat age discrimination? Here are some answers.

Resume Tips for Older Workers

As a 40+ job-seeker, you must take special care in crafting your resume. While you never want to lie or exaggerate on your resume, you can take steps to de-emphasize your age. For example, remove dates of graduation from high school or college and any work history from more than 15 years in the past. You can also use industry buzzwords to show that your knowledge is up to date. These resume tips for older workers provide some additional tips and tricks to help you downplay your age and highlight your years of experience.

Networking Tips for Older Workers

Networking is a key way to expand your circle of contacts and learn about job opportunities. The key to effective networking is to focus on what work you can do to assist others rather than focusing on yourself. Career experts across the country were interviewed for their best networking tips for older workers. One recommendation is to set a goal of attending one or two professional or networking events per week. Another is to perform a reverse LinkedIn search to connect with employees of firms that you would like to work for. Employees typically get a referral bonus, and a quick connection to them can get you the "in" you need.

Interview Tips for Older Workers

You may be happy to land an interview in today's competitive job market, but the job search does not end there: You must wow employers and explain why you are a perfect fit for the position. If you are over 40, ageism can sometimes hinder an interviewer's perception and your chances during an interview. These interview tips for older workers show you how you can stand out from the large pool of younger workers. They include emphasizing your interest in the job and assuring the interviewer that you are committed for a reasonable period of time and not just for the short term.

The 40+ Job Search: Tips from the Experts

Career experts, recruiters, executives, HR professionals, career coaches, and workplace experts were polled for their best tips for the 40+ job search. They include writing a blog or enhancing your web presence by contributing to discussions so that you are more visible; considering telecommute jobs because they typically require more experience, and staying current in your industry. The tips, both unconventional and tried-and-true, have been narrowed down to the best of the bunch. If you're over 40 and searching for a job, you won't want to miss these strategies for the 40+ job search.

Returning to School at a Later Age: Personal Success Stories

Many older workers return to school to update their skills or train for a new career. If you are over 35 and thinking of returning to school, you may feel uncertain of the prospect of sharing a classroom with students who are decades younger. If you're unsure about returning to school in your mid-life years or beyond, these personal stories might inspire you. In this collection of return-to-school stories, students and grads across the country who returned to school after age 35 are interviewed. Older students candidly shared their challenges and triumphs and offered tips for going back to school later in life.