What to avoid when job hunting – expert tips on improving your chances

If you're struggling to find a job despite having decades of experience, you’re certainly not alone. 

Hundreds of thousands of older workers are searching for jobs, according to the latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). 

Dr Emily Andrews, Deputy Director of Work at the Centre for Ageing Better, says: “Getting a job is never easy, but it can be even harder for people over the age of 50 because of ageist prejudices, internalised ageism, or the practical challenges we all juggle in middle-age. 

“But there are so many benefits to working, such as better mental health, sense of purpose, and social connections – not to mention the money. Our economy needs workers in their 50s, 60s, and beyond, and everyone who wants to work... should be able to.” 

If you’re finding the search tough, we’ve spoken to experts in recruitment to see how a few small tweaks to the way you approach your search can have a big impact. 

1. You’re underselling yourself 

Focus on what you bring to a new role. Remember, your perspective and proven track record can be powerful assets in the job market.  

Even if your experience isn’t directly relevant to the role you’re applying for, consider your transferable skills such as adaptability, dependability and time management. 

Amanda Reuben, a Dorset-based headhunter, says: “Don’t believe that no-one wants to employ you – they absolutely do! You have years of work and life experience, so think about how you frame this. 

“Highlighting how your skills and experiences may relate to the role can set you apart as a strong, mature candidate.” 

A good place to start is to speak to friends and old colleagues about your personal and professional strengths.  

Perhaps you’re great at problem-solving, or mentoring younger colleagues, which are skills you could prominently add to your CV’s personal profile section. 

2. Your CV has too much experience  

A mistake older job seekers may make on their CVs is including job details from decades ago. Employers are usually interested in your recent employment history, so focus on roles from the last 10 years – only add more detail if it’s strictly relevant.  

Reuben says: “You can consolidate older roles with a summary section without specific dates if you want, and I’d say keep your CV to a maximum of two pages. 

“This enables potential employers to quickly find the most relevant information without wading through unnecessary details. Ensure your CV includes your ‘sales pitch’ at the top too: this is your personal profile, giving the reader a quick outline of who you are and what you do.” 

You’re also under no obligation to include your age in your CV – if you’re asked for it (such as confirming you’re over 18) Age UK highlights how it should be kept separate from your application and cannot be a determining factor in the hiring process. 

You can find good examples of CVs along with online tutorials on how to improve your resumé on jobs and recruitment sites such as Indeed.com. 

3. You don’t realise the power of your network 

Networking is a powerful tool for boosting your job prospects, especially for older workers. You may well have built up a network of contacts throughout your working life you can now tap into for new opportunities.  

Michael O’Reilly, founder of the Age Diversity Network, which works with employers to highlight the benefits of older workers, says: “Networking is specifically pertinent for older workers, as you’ll probably have built up plenty of contacts through your personal and professional life. 

“Your younger contacts may also be able to recommend you for roles or to people they know in their network.”  

If you’re not personally connected with old colleagues, you could send them a message on professional networking sites, such as LinkedIn, to update them on your job search and skills.  

If you’re already using LinkedIn, take a moment to assess your list of connections, reconnect with former colleagues and contact companies you’d like to work for directly.  

You can also join specialised industry groups to stay up to date with news and share posts by companies you’d like to work for with your thoughts.  

Simply search for your chosen area of expertise or interest, and you’ll likely find plenty of options (although be prepared to do a little bit of sifting to find one that feels right for you). 

If you’re active and constantly posting fresh, relevant things around your professional interests, you’ll be giving yourself the best chance of being seen for a role that’s right for you. 

If you’re not already signed up, you can join LinkedIn for free and set up a profile within minutes. It’s easy to send out invitations to connect with people you know by importing your contacts from your email account.  

4. You think your skills are no longer desirable

Stopping working, even temporarily, can significantly affect the confidence those aged 50-59 have in their skills, according to a study by pension provider Aegon.  

It found that more than half (54%) of those in their 50s who have stopped working believe their skills are irrelevant in today’s workforce.  

Reuben says: “It’s important to focus on your strengths – even if you have gaps in your career.  

“Remember, you may have done things such as raising money for charity or run a marathon, and these can show valuable personal qualities such as dedication, perseverance and organisational skills.”  

You could add a section to your CV such as ‘additional experience’ to highlight these achievements in a way that shows how they can be applicable to the role you want.  

Your particular skills and qualities will eventually catch the right employer's attention. If you’re struggling, it may help to find a recruiter – one that mentions age diversity in its job postings - that understands and can help in your search.  

If you’ve previously left work for health reasons, you shouldn’t be asked about this during the recruitment process, except in a small set of circumstances.  

Age UK has guidance on when these should be and what can happen only when a job offer has been made. 

5. You’ve stopped learning 

One of the best ways to boost your employment chances is to update your skillset. Suzanne Noble, co-founder of the StartUp School for Seniors, says: “If you’re feeling like tech skills are holding you back, for example, there are plenty of opportunities to upskill.  

“You can find free courses on Google, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning and through your local authority. There are plenty of ways to learn new skills, such as artificial intelligence (AI), which are useful in today’s job market.” 

Remember to add any new certifications to your CV and mention these in interviews to show you’re keen on career development.  

6. You think you can only do a certain job 

You don’t have to do what you’ve always done. Your job search could be a chance to reflect on your life goals, and even start your own business.  

More people aged 50-64 are becoming self-employed, with around one in five workers (17.9%) now working for themselves, according to the latest figures from the DWP.  

Noble says: “We find that doing something that provides a purpose can be more important than money for people later in life. Many we help hope to turn their hobbies into businesses, or that their passions point them in a new direction.  

“We had a guy with a corporate background who was passionate about diversity and inclusion and got a new role in this area, for example, despite having no formal qualifications. He was over the moon.”  

If you’re looking to follow your passion, see if there are any relevant courses online to get you started – again, through places such as Google, Coursera or LinkedIn Learning – and use this as a springboard to start researching how to turn your interests into a career.