Six tips for getting a job if you're in your 50's

 Six tips for getting a job if you're in your 50's

Britain requires you.

That was Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's message last month when he urged people who had retired early to return to work to help the economy.

Mr Hunt promised that the government would make it worthwhile for anyone looking to return to work.

While we await the details of the measures, the BBC has asked recruiters and charities for advice for anyone looking to return to work.

1. Concentrate on ability rather than age.

Unfortunately, ageism remains a problem, according to James Reed, CEO of recruitment firm Reed.

"Despite age discrimination legislation, older job seekers may still face bias," he admits.

He advises shifting the emphasis away from your age and towards your ability wherever possible.

"While you should never lie about your age, there is no reason to exaggerate it," he says.

"Think about streamlining your CV and removing older experience that is more than ten years old, or omit dates in the section listing your education."

Employers are permitted to request your date of birth in order to determine whether they are attracting a diverse pool of candidates, for example. According to Age UK, they should keep this separate from the application.

2. Be forthcoming about any relevant health issues.

It can be difficult if you left your previous job due to health reasons. However, you are not required to mention it during the interview unless it may have an impact on your future work.

According to Petra Tagg, director at Manpower, you have complete control over how much information you share.

"There is no reason to disclose a history of illness if it will not interfere with your ability to perform your duties," she says.

However, she advises being honest about any health issues that may impair your ability to perform your job or necessitate time off.

Taurus HR director Laura Reilly advises keeping the reasons for leaving previous employment light and positive.

"Once an offer is received, any disclosures can be made, including whether reasonable adjustments are required for you," she says.

According to Yvonne Smyth of recruitment firm Hays, if you are asked to complete a workplace adjustment assessment or form, that is the time to disclose any health information that you believe may have an impact on your work. However, this is usually done later in the interview process.

3. Improve your abilities

According to James Reed, older workers are frequently subjected to prejudicial questions about their digital literacy and skills.

As a result, he believes it is worthwhile to hone skills in areas valued by employers.

He claims that using news alerts to stay up to date on developments in any given field can help you stand out during the interview process.

Volunteering can also improve your skills because you get on-the-job training in whatever technology is used, according to Stuart Lewis, CEO of Rest Less, a website that provides resources for jobs and volunteering for the over-50s.

He also suggests emphasising in your application that you want to take on new challenges and learn new skills.

4. Do not be afraid to request flexible working hours.

Some older people lack the energy to work full-time, have caring responsibilities, or simply prefer to work part-time.

However, you should not be afraid to request flexible work. Employers may even expect it.

According to Tracy Riddell of the Centre for Ageing Better, businesses are increasingly realising that offering flexible working helps retain older workers.

More information on flexible working requests can be found on the Acas website.

5. Recreate yourself

According to James Reed, older job seekers should not rule out obtaining new professional qualifications. It can show prospective employers your ability to adapt and learn new skills, or it can even be the start of a completely new career.

Apprenticeships, for example, are not just for teenagers. They are also accessible to older workers and career changers.

Consider your "transferable skills," suggests Clare McCartney of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

If you are a good communicator or have a lot of leadership experience, for example, she suggests applying for jobs in various industries.

More information on support for older workers is available from the UK government here.

6. Never undersell yourself.

According to Petra Tagg of Manpower, older workers should avoid the trap of undervaluing themselves.

She claims that the breadth of experience that older workers bring is often an advantage.

"In situations where other, younger candidates appear to have more to offer, reminding yourself of what sets you apart from the crowd is a quick and effective way to build awareness and confidence in yourself and your own worth," she says.

People can use a job description to "pull out all the things you can do and give real examples, rather than focusing on those you don't have experience in," she says.