The National Careers Service (NCS) is a free nationwide service offering information on careers, training and work. Its advisors are available online, over the phone or in person, seven days a week.
# For the over-50s, technology is often a skills gap, so get on some courses.
# To find the hidden job market, network friends, colleagues and join an organisation. And join a social media website - some employers fill 75% of jobs from sites like Linked In.
# Prepare and practise for job interviews. Research the company, and the role. Google the top 10 interview questions - then work your skills, qualities, knowledge and examples into your answers.
# If we are all working till we are 70, we can have several careers. If you don't have A-levels or a degree apply anyway, as some places accept you based on your life experience.
Being your own boss. The Prince's Initiative for Mature Enterprise (PRIME) was set up to help anyone over 50 start a business. It offers courses teaching business skills, and once you've completed those, pairs you with a business mentor for ongoing advice.
If you are wanting to return to work after a career break, try a Career MoT course run by Women Like Us, who offer free online career support and advice packs, a series of wporkshops and a recruitment agency, Timewise Recruitment.
Some key points from Sophie Giles, a chartered occupational psychologist, are:
- Know yourself. Start by writing down the highs and lows in your personal and work life. Look at when you were at your best. Step back and make a frank assessment - and be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. What should you address?
- Be curious and brave. Pursue leads and possibilities, even while you worry about rejection. Go online, pursue work by keywords and links. Answers don't fall into your lap - you need to find them.
- Bin the self-deprecating humour. In order to interview confidently and convince an employer of your merits, you have to see them yourself. List all your talents and truly believe them.
- Build a social support network around you - partner, peers, family. Be generous with them in your thoughts and actions, and the support that comes back will give you strength. Conversely, know who sucks you dry and leave them behind.
