Boomers bring experience and energy to hourly and part-time jobs

You have many names: seniors, boomers, and even the 50+ crowd. But no matter what name you prefer to use, one thing is for sure: savvy veterans in today’s workplace are staying at the water cooler a little longer, and if you’re already retired, you’re often making your way back into the job market. and saddling up once more.

Thanks to modern medicine and inspiration from the likes of Jane Fonda and the “godfather of fitness,” Jack LaLanne, today’s 50+ population is healthier, more fashionable, and earning more than ever. In fact, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20 percent of Americans age 55 and older will be working by 2015. In 2000, that number was just 13 percent. And nearly 70 percent of workers not yet recently retired told AARP that they plan to work well into their traditional retirement years, or never plan to retire at all!

Some over 50 need to work to pay bills. Many are looking for high-end jobs for a little extra money to fuel their leisure activities, while others simply want a productive outlet for their free time.

So if you’re over 50 and looking for an hourly job, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some tips for a successful job search for people over 50:

Update your work profile

Re-entering the job market as over 50 is a great opportunity to express your strengths when applying for a job. For example, age translates into experience and maturity. While it may take some training to get up to speed on some technology gaps if you’ve been absent from the market for a while, it’s never necessary to dust off other skills. Emphasize attributes such as communication skills, responsibility, and trustworthiness. In other words, don’t underestimate yourself when you get back on the road to work.

Aim for your comfort zone

Before you sign up for a 40-hour workweek, ask yourself a few questions: Will taking on fewer hours, and balancing hobbies and a part-time job, lead to a more fulfilling life? (If you can afford it, of course). Can you accept receiving a paycheck that may be substantially less than what you earned in your most recent career? And what about the work environment itself: If the employees are mainly teenagers and 20-somethings, are you okay with that? There are no right or wrong answers to these questions; you just need to ensure that you are re-entering the workforce with care and comfort, and be aware of all the possibilities that may arise in your new work environment.

have a little patience

In fact, we’re stealing this job search tip from SnagAJob.com job seeker Cindy F. of Colorado. But instead of prattling on and on, we’ll let you hear it directly from her:

“I had been looking for a job for over six months and was desperate. I received an alert from SnagAJob.com directing me to apply online for a sales associate position at Home Depot and after an interview last week I was just told that I’m hired. I got a position at the Home Depot in Littleton, Co., just a 15-minute drive from my house. I applied for a position in the landscaping department and that’s where I’ll be working. It’s really hard to be 56 and look for a job afterward. that my career had been wiped out by computers, and your website has been very helpful with job opportunities when I had given up all hope. Thanks again!”

If you’re a boomer worker with great tips for finding and excelling at work, visit us at: http://www.snagajob.com like Cindy did. We would love to hear from you!