7 Tips to Find a Job in Retirement

While enjoying your Golden Years should be the primary focus of retirement it's not always possible or desirable. Some retirees miss having a daily job to give them purpose while others may need additional income to supplement increased expenses like medication. Regardless of the reason, use the following tips to assist you in finding the job you're after.

1. Update Your Resume

If you had a job for 20 years and then retired then your resume may be a tad out of date and in need of updating. Highlight your three most recent jobs you had and the tasks you were responsible for while employed. Focus on any achievements or skills gained during this time and their relevance to the job you're applying for.

2. Know Your Strengths

Retirees bring years of experience and expertise to many different types of jobs. Focus on what you did at your previous employers and how it may be applied in new environments. A former comptroller or CPA could do seasonal taxes or small business bookkeeping. A former journalist could offer copywriting services or teach writing at a community college. Don't think about what you did but what you can do with your existing skill set.

3. Network With Others

Building networks with other like-minded individuals is easier than ever with Internet-based tools like LinkedIn and Facebook. Using social networking websites to stay connected with former coworkers and friends may be the first and only step necessary to finding a job in retirement. Letting others know you're looking for part-time work will sometimes open the floodgates of suggestions and leads.

4. Interview Well

If you haven't had to interview for a position in a number of years, take the opportunity to work on your interview technique and review the typical interview process. This can include reviewing potential interview questions, analyzing body language and knowing when to show up for an interview. Practice interviewing with friends or family so you become more comfortable and are more likely to do well.

5. Keep On Applying

Today's job environment is highly competitive and it is likely you will need to apply for dozens of different positions. This increases your odds of landing interviews and is a necessary evil given the current hiring process. Hiring managers may see hundreds of resumes for a single job opening so the more resumes you submit the better chance you have of getting a job.

6. Sharpen Your Skills

If you had either long-term employment or have been retired for a while you may need to brush up on some of your existing skills or learn new skills to stay competitive. Technological advancement moves at breakneck speeds and requires constant learning for employees stay relevant in the workplace. Fortunately, there are a multitude of online educational resources available which provide training and tutorials for job seekers.

7. Follow Up

Resumes can get lost in the shuffle of hectic day-to-day workplaces. Follow-up with a business 7 to 10 days after mailing your resume to verify that it was received and ask if you are being considered. Send a thank you e-mail or letter two to three days after an interview to leave a good impression and separate yourself from other potential hires. It's little steps like these which make you stand out when companies are filling positions.