@10 Jobs That Hire Older Workers

Explore types of employment that are looking for older workers.

The Great Resignation may bring good news for jobseekers over age 50: Many companies are actively seeking new workers and are willing to offer flexible, accommodating schedules. When making hiring decisions, many employers particularly value skills and experience, according to a 2021 AARP survey of human resources employees. Companies particularly value workers who are 50 or older for their professionalism and problem solving skills, the survey found.

Some of the jobs that are recruiting seniors include:

• Customer service agent.
• Companion to those in need.
• Event usher or attendant.
• Grocery store greeter or clerk.
• Home mortgage underwriter.
• On-demand driver.
• Real estate agent.
• Temporary office worker.
• Tour guide.
• Tutor.

Here’s a breakdown of the jobs that are actively seeking seniors.

Customer Service Agent

For those who have extensive experience working with people, along with an eye for etiquette, helping customers work through different scenarios and fulfilling their requests might be a solid fit. As commerce moves increasingly online, there is a need for workers to be able to get on the phone or chat online to discuss orders with clients. Technology presents another perk: Many of these positions have moved to a remote setting, meaning you can take calls from the comfortable chair in your living room.

Median pay: $17 an hour

Companion to Those in Need

If you have a passion for helping others, sitting beside aging adults in a care facility could generate a sense of purpose. You might play games with an elderly individual, take them on a walk or read to them. Households that have a family member with a disability might also be looking for an extra set of hands. To find a part-time position, ask at local senior facilities or contact support groups.

Median pay: $13 an hour

Event Usher or Attendant

If you get a thrill from live performances or enjoy being involved in entertainment, a job at a local auditorium or theater could bring multiple benefits. In addition to accepting tickets and directing attendees to their seat, you’ll catch glimpses of the performances taking place. You might even review the events and suggest future happenings. The pay may not be as high as what you’ll find in other positions, but the performance perks could make up for it.

Median pay: $12 an hour

Grocery Store Greeter or Clerk

If you enjoy interacting with a variety of customers, getting involved at a local supermarket could bring in extra cash and a chance to chat. Some grocery stores offer discounts to their workers, and many are looking to fill positions at the door and the checkout counter. For places with self-checkout, your job may cater toward monitoring shoppers and jumping in when someone has a question about an item or transaction.

Median pay: $12 an hour

Home Mortgage Underwriter

For those with a bachelor’s degree and the necessary certifications, underwriting can be a great way to generate income and stay active. Companies value reliable, hardworking employees in this area who can carry out a detailed background check and be thorough in their work. You might have the chance to set your own hours and work remotely.

Median pay: $31 an hour

On-Demand Driver

If you have a qualifying vehicle and license and appreciate the chance to chat and connect with others, you might consider driving for a ride service like Uber or Lyft. Food delivery is another way to make use of your car. You’ll need to keep the interior and exterior of the vehicle in good shape and cover some expenses like fuel. In many instances the hours are flexible and you can work as little or as much as you like during hours that are convenient.

Median pay: $17 an hour

Real Estate Agent

Newcomers looking for a place to buy and individuals who want to sell will likely appreciate the steadfast voice of someone who has life experience. Look into state requirements for licensing before you begin. Once you are eligible, you will get a chance to stay active, communicate with others, help clients during their transitions and set your own hours.

Median pay: $25 an hour

Temporary Office Worker

As employers design hybrid working environments, they’re looking for reliable workers to help fill in the gaps. If you take on a temporary position, you might work in a building, at home or both. A temporary arrangement gives you a chance to bring in some extra cash during a set time, and if the position becomes permanent you can consider extending your stay. Ask about benefits and work-from-home versus work-from-office expectations when applying.

Median pay: $17 an hour

Tour Guide

As tourism picks up in some places and organizations look to fill positions that were dropped or paused due to the pandemic, your insight about local destinations could be put to good use. These jobs typically come with the chance to walk regularly, interact with visitors and reap the rewards of helping others learn about a new place. Start with what you know best and look for part-time or seasonal positions in your area.

Median pay: $14 an hour

Tutor

Many students are looking for direction as they prepare for tests like the SAT, ACT and other exams. Lean on your background and area of expertise when setting up tutoring arrangements. While some students may prefer to meet in person, others could be open to video conferences.

Median pay: $20 an hour

How to Write a Professional Thank-You Email After an Interview

A thank-you email after an interview demonstrates your interest and communication skills.

By Robin Reshwan and Arnie Fertig 

Did you know that thank-you notes are so important that they have their own "National Day" on Dec. 26? This sleeper of a December holiday may not be well known, but the significance of expressing thanks, especially after an interview, continues to be a much appreciated courtesy. The thank-you letter has evolved since its handwritten roots in the 1400s, but the purpose remains the same – to politely express sincere gratitude.

Why Send a Thank-You Email?

• Polite is a professional superpower. A recent 2022 survey by Zety found that employers look for conscientiousness and agreeableness in potential new hires and job candidates. In a world where there is more automation and distance, it is interesting (and not surprising) that employers want to work with genuine and thoughtful humans. A thank-you email after any interaction during the hiring process is an excellent way to demonstrate these traits.

• Demonstrated interest. Although it doesn't always feel that way during the hiring process, interviewing is a two-way process where mutual interest is important to a successful outcome. Given the volume of applicants and the volume of roles that many candidates are pursuing, a thank-you email makes it clear that you are indeed interested in continuing in the interview process after each step. It also enables you to stand out, since most applicants do not send thank-you messages. It is a simple, but high-impact way to distinguish yourself.

When Should a Thank-You Letter Be Sent?

Interview processes have become more involved; candidates may meet with a range of employees across the organization, some on multiple occasions. Should you send a thank-you note after each exchange?

In general, send one to each new person you meet after the first time you interact with them. Also, send a thank-you email after each substantive interaction, like a second or third interview, even if it is with a person you have met (and thanked) in the past. If possible, send the email on the same day, especially if you know they are making swift decisions. However, only send an email if you have enough time to make sure it is well written and error-free. A poorly written email will do more harm than good – so don't rush if it means sacrificing quality.

What to Include in a Thank-You Email

Start with an authentic expression of appreciation for the opportunity and/or the time that was spent with you. You will get bonus points if you include any unique insights you gained or additional details that support your candidacy. Close by expressing your continued interest in moving forward in the process. Some managers will share your notes with others, so vary your content slightly to avoid looking like you just cut and paste the same message. Send each person their own professional thank-you letter, customizing each based on the person's title, department, interests and hiring criteria.

The ability to write clear, grammatically-correct, properly formatted and professional correspondence is important for almost every role. Your thank-you email demonstrates your written communication skills – so be sure to make a great impression every time you send an email. It is always helpful to have a trusted contact review your messages to ensure the email is as compelling as possible.

Professional Thank-You Email Samples

At every stage of your interactions with a potential employer, it is important to keep the momentum moving forward, and employers may look for you to do that with timely, individualized follow-up thank-you notes. If you need inspiration before crafting your own thank-you emails following different stages of the interview process, refer to these examples.

Thank-You Email After a Phone Screen

After an initial phone screening interview with a recruiter who may be moving you to the next stage in the process, try a template like this:

• "Hi Rick,
  Thank you for spending time with me today to discuss the analyst role. I was pleased to hear that my background seems to be an ideal match for the team, and I look forward to the next steps in the process."
• Dear Ms. Smith,
  Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today about my application to join X Company as an (insert job title). I know that you likely speak to many applicants, but I want you to know I appreciate you wanting to get to know me and review my background.
  Again, I believe that my experience in the areas of A, B and C relate well to the position requirements, and I hope that I'll be able to make substantial contributions to your company.
  I remain very interested in this position and look forward to taking the next step of an in-person interview. Please don't hesitate to be in touch if you would like any further information."

Thank-You Email After an Interview

No matter how well or poorly you think you did in an interview, a follow-up email is necessary, both as a matter of common etiquette and to demonstrate your real interest. Moreover, it is an opportunity to take one more bite out of the apple if you feel that you omitted something or didn't answer a question you know you should have in retrospect. After an interview with a hiring manager or the hiring team, try a template like this:

• "Hi Mary,
  Thank you for your time today. I really enjoyed hearing more about the growth of the ABC team at Awesome Co. I would be thrilled to leverage the lessons learned when my current company experienced a similar expansion in 2019. If I can provide any additional information, please let me know. I am very interested in continuing in the interview process and appreciate your ongoing consideration."
• "Dear Mr. Smith,
  It was a pleasure meeting you today at X Company. I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule so that we could get to know each other. Your question about A was excellent, and I am thankful it gave me an opportunity to speak about B.
  As I was reflecting on our time together, it occurred to me that I responded to a question about C without mentioning D. I hope that this further information will aid in your deliberations and evaluation of my candidacy.
  It was exciting to see X Company firsthand, and to learn more about the position and your expectations. I hope you will conclude that my experience doing A, B and C will enable me to provide exceptional value to your company.
  Again, I want you to know how excited I am about the prospect of becoming part of your team and I thank you again for your consideration. Please don't hesitate to be in touch if I can provide any other information that will help to make an appropriate evaluation of my candidacy."
• "Hi Mary,
  It was great to see you today. I really appreciated meeting the team and learning more about the upcoming software transformation. As a user of your future software, I would love to help with the transition and play a role in maintaining productivity during a challenging time. My interest in Awesome Co. has never been stronger. Please let me know if I can answer any questions or provide additional information to demonstrate my interest and qualifications."

Professional Email for a Status Update:

Inquiring just to keep yourself in front of people, especially when done too often, can be seen as a sign of desperation and a turnoff to employers. However, if you are truly interested in the position and have something to say that can be relevant, go for it. For example, if you are going in for a second interview someplace else, but you really would rather work at a place at which you've already interviewed, you can try checking on the status.

• "Dear Ms. Smith,
  I really enjoyed meeting with you on (add date), and was very impressed by you and the potential role that I can fill in your company. Because I'm most interested in working with you, I wanted to keep you up to date with my job search. Another company with which I've interviewed has invited me back for a second interview next week, and has indicated that if that goes well, a job offer will not be far behind.
  In truth, there are a few reasons why I would prefer working at your company, including A, B and C. I hope you can give me a better insight as to where I stand with your company. Anything you can do to expedite progress on my application or information you can provide would be very much appreciated. I certainly hope that I won't lose the opportunity to work with you because our timing is out of sync.
  Again, thank you for your consideration. I hope to hear from you soon!"

Check Your Work

Remember to double-check the spelling of each recipient's name and the company name. You can look back at any calendar invites, emails, the company webpage or LinkedIn to confirm email addresses and spelling. If full names, correct spelling or contact information were not given to you, it is always OK to contact the recruiter or interview coordinator to ask for those details. In summary, an effective thank-you email after an interview does not need to be long or painful to write. A succinct, sincere and error-free message is the best way to go.

How to use the STAR method for your next job interview

 

The STAR method can help you nail your next interview once you learn to master it with this definitive guide that includes examples and how to use the method.

When it's time for your next interview, you want to be prepared. The working world is competitive and always changing, and it's more important than ever to stand out to an employer. The interview is your first opportunity to make a good impression. The interview helps employers connect the person behind the application to the job's necessities and company culture. Some of the top employers in the nation use the STAR method to filter the best talent from candidate pools.

It might help to find out if your interviewer uses the STAR method by doing some research. You can ask current employees about the interview process or go online to learn more from discussion forums and the company website. You might also want to rehearse STAR answers to anticipate this kind of interview. So, now that you understand how to use it, let's explore what it is and how it works. Upload a resume, take a seat, and get ready to learn all about the STAR interview method.

The STAR interview method: What is it?

The STAR method is an interview technique that helps applicants answer behavioral interview questions. These kinds of questions explore an applicant's potential behavioral responses to difficult situations or how you might have handled specific situations at work in previous positions. These questions are important to an employer because they showcase the applicant's reactions to stress and working conditions and how they interact with other people in the workplace.

STAR is an acronym that stands for:

• Situation
• Task
• Action
• Result

Why the STAR method works

The STAR method is effective because it can help you plan for and perform well during an interview by focusing on your core strengths more organically with more direct, focused answers. Breaking up an anecdote in this way can make it more digestible for your interviewer, which can be key to impressing them. Let's say you're giving an example of a time when you volunteered to stay after your shift to help close a retail store. It's not enough to just say you stayed late, because that doesn't provide any helpful context or explore your motivations.

The STAR method works because it allows you to describe the situation, providing important situational information, the task you performed, showcasing your skills, the actions you took, showing initiative and work ethic, and the specific results of your efforts, which show competency. With such a complete answer, employers are better able to draw accurate conclusions about who you are as a person and a prospective employee.

Answering interview questions with STAR

Let's talk about actually answering questions with the STAR method. The example you choose can be the deciding factor in whether an interviewer finds value in your answer, so the first step is to choose a suitable example. For example, if an employer asks you to describe a time you reacted poorly to a workplace incident, telling them about the time you tipped over a table might not be the best idea. Choose something that showcases some of your best qualities instead, like patience or compassion.

Once you choose a suitable example, it's important to describe the situation effectively. Give only necessary details to paint a picture of the situation and why you might have reacted the way you did. Keep details to a minimum while describing the situation as best you can. For example, if you want to talk about a time when you exceeded expectations, you don't have to talk about all the praise you received afterward or how you were the only one to do so. Focus on what contributed to your decision to exceed expectations, like staff shortages.

Describing how you can fit the role

With situational context established, you can begin describing exactly how you fit in your example. Highlight your specific role and objective and how it affected the situation. It's important to focus on the positives here–after all, you're trying to impress the employer and earn the position you're applying for. Describe your specific responsibilities in the scenario and the goals or objectives you wanted to meet to provide further information for the action phase of your answer. This is where you describe what actions you took and whether you met objectives, as well as any consequences of your actions.

Remember to keep any answers as concise as possible. Avoid excessive details and only describe yourself in a positive light. Be honest with your interviewer as well to help build that crucial trust between a prospective employer and a candidate. Honesty, efficiency, and positive answers are impressive to an employer and they might be more considerate of your application if they feel you were genuine during the interview.

How to use the STAR method to prep for an interview

Let's learn how to use the STAR method to prepare for an interview so you can be ready.

List job qualifications

First, you'll want to list your job qualifications. Think about anything that makes you uniquely qualified for your position or your prospective position. This can be certifications, experience, or familiarity with proprietary systems. For example, a software developer might list their six programming languages as a qualification.

Create interview question examples

One of the best ways to use the STAR method for interview prep is to create hypothetical interview questions and give your own answers. Start with some of the most common formats for behavioral interview questions, like:

• Can you give me an example of when you went above and beyond at work?
• Can you tell me about a time when you couldn't meet your job requirements?
• What do you do when you're faced with a co-worker dispute?
• Have you ever had to stand up to your manager?
• Can you describe a difficult situation at work?

Match your skills to the position

The STAR method can also help you match your skills to the position you're applying for, so you can be sure you're the right fit. Consider questions like the ones above and then determine if your skills made you qualified to handle those situations effectively. Do you have the right skills for navigating tough working conditions? Co-worker disputes? Are you a good time manager? These are important factors to remember when you're prepping for your interview so you can sound more confident in your abilities.

Practice with a friend

Practicing with a friend can help you feel less nervous about your upcoming interview and help you nail the STAR method before you ever step foot in the interviewer's office. Enlist family or friends to role-play the interviewer for you and ask some common behavioral interview questions. Give them a genuine response using the STAR method and think about your answers. They can also give you some valuable feedback to refine those answers and make you a more confident interviewee.

Example questions and answers

Let's look at some example questions and answers using the STAR method so you can get a better idea of how to answer.

Can you tell me about a time when you went above and beyond at work?

Using the STAR method, you can structure an answer like this:

• Situation: In my last job as a district manager, the company experienced a massive resignation that created a labor shortage.
• Task: My job was to find temporary workers to fill lower positions and begin scouting for mid-level positions. I had a deadline of two months to hire 30 new employees.
• Action: I contacted a local temp agency and began hiring temporary workers while utilizing web platforms to scan hundreds of applications each day for prospects.
• Result: After a month and a half of 12-hour days and endless interviews, I was able to hire 30 new, qualified employees and contribute to the company's increased productivity the following quarter.

Can you tell me about a time you had a dispute at work?

Structure your answer with the STAR method like this:

• Situation: One of my co-workers called off multiple times, and I had to come in on weekends and holidays.
• Task: I had to find a way to confront them without being aggressive, despite being upset.
• Action: I explained how their actions made me feel and that I was losing sleep.
• Result: My co-worker started being more responsible and not calling off every weekend.

That's our guide to the STAR interview method. Use this method to ace your next interview by creating better, more informative answers with specific context and highlights of your best skills and attributes.