For many over the age of 50, the idea of starting a new career can be daunting, or even out of reach. However, new research reveals that a growing number of people in this age group are rethinking their professional endeavours and exploring fresh opportunities.
The study dubbed burnout in traditional office roles (34%), a need for a more physically active work environment (44%), and wanting more time to travel and enjoy life (73%) as some of the key reasons for 50’s seeking a fresh challenge and change career.
If you’re tempted to take the plunge into a new career, experts emphasise that not only is it never too late, but a switch can actually bring about numerous benefits.
Guy Thornton, founder of Practice Aptitude Tests, explains: “A career change can boost your confidence, support personal growth, and have a positive impact on your mental health. It’s an all-too common misconception that a sideways step, or even a whole-sale change in career is the preserve of younger generations.
“Retraining or moving to a new role after the age of 50 can be beneficial for both the employee, and the prospective employer. Older employees often come with a range of transferable skills, valuable experience, and irreplaceable depths of real-world knowledge.”
Below, Thornton shares some practical tips on how to successfully pivot careers as an over-50 and how to boost your employability along the way.
Consider your career needs
Before jumping headfirst into the hiring pool, it’s important to take some time to think about what you really need and want from your next role.
“Your new career should align with both your personal and professional needs,” Guy explains. “If you’re switching careers, think about what’s missing from your current job and what you’d like a new role to provide.
“For instance, if your current job involves long, unpredictable hours, you might want to look for something with a more structured schedule, like a 9-to-5 role. Or if you’re feeling bored and unchallenged, maybe it’s time to explore something more mentally stimulating.”
It’s also worth asking yourself a few key questions:
- Do you prefer working solo or as part of a team?
- Are you more of a morning person, or would you rather work evenings?
- Do you enjoy hands-on roles, or are you better suited to something more administrative?
“If you’re unsure which direction to take, the UK government offers a skills assessment quiz that can help guide you towards careers that match your strengths and interests.”
Build your skills
No matter what industry you’re aiming for, having relevant, demonstrable skills is crucial when it comes to standing out to employers.
“It’s tough when job ads ask for ‘minimum X years of experience,’ especially if you’re looking to break into a new field. But there are ways around this, and one of the best is by gaining relevant qualifications.”
He recommends the following options for over-50s:
Short Online Courses: Websites like NCC Home Learning, LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Wowcher offer affordable, flexible home learning courses in fields such as tech, healthcare, beauty, and business. Many of these courses are low-cost, and some are even free!
NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications): NVQs are great for building practical, job-specific skills in industries like plumbing, care work, or hospitality. They’re available at different levels and are recognised across the UK.
Degrees or Diplomas: Don’t be fooled into believing degrees are just for the younger generation. Mature students can pursue degrees part-time or full-time, and student finance is available at any age.
Take aptitude tests
In the UK, many companies, especially top employers, use aptitude tests to assess candidates’ skills and suitability. In fact, over 75% of the Times Top 100 companies rely on these tests during their recruitment process.
“Practising industry-specific aptitude tests can give you a huge advantage when applying for jobs. They can help you feel more confident, and give you insight into what employers are looking for from their ideal candidates.”
Aptitude tests can include things like numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and situational judgement tests, all of which help employers understand how you think and approach challenges. Practising ahead of time can make a big difference.
Polish your CV
Getting your CV noticed is one of the trickiest parts of job hunting. Companies often receive hundreds or even thousands of applications, so it’s crucial that your CV stands out from the pile.
“Your CV is the first impression a potential employer will have of you. So, it needs to showcase your best skills and experience.”
Here are his top tips for writing a standout CV:
Keep it clean and eye-catching: Your CV should have a professional, clear design. If you’re not sure where to start, consider using a template – there are an abundance of high quality ones available online. Just make sure to customise it so it doesn’t look like a generic template.
Highlight relevant skills: Think about the skills you’ve gained throughout your career and tailor them to the role you’re applying for. Emphasise what’s relevant, and don’t be afraid to remove anything that isn’t.
Include achievements: Personal and professional achievements can really elevate your CV. Whether it’s an award you’ve won, volunteer work, or any other way you’ve made a difference, include anything that showcases your talents and dedication.
Learn from those in your desired field
Observing and learning from people who are already in your dream job can be incredibly helpful for you to change career.
“Shadowing someone, asking questions, and doing your research can show employers that you’re serious about making this change. It also helps you understand what success looks like in that role.”
Follow professionals on platforms like LinkedIn or even TikTok, where many share tips, advice, and insights into their fields. You can also attend networking events, webinars, or industry talks to learn more and make valuable connections.
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