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How to Find a Job for a 60-Year Old
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fiisch
Posts: 511 Forumite
I posted a few weeks back about my father's predicament at work and unfortunately he has been dismissed without notice. In summary, he posted something ill-advised on Facebook (not vulgar or aggressive) that was critical of his employer and he has been dismissed for gross misconduct. It was a very foolish mistake, and he accepts what he did wasn't particularly wise - especially as they are in the process of looking for voluntary redundancies - but what's done is done.
He has worked for the company (an airline) in various front-line ground-staff roles for the last 20 years. Before that, he was a sales manager after a short spell in the army after he left school. He turns 60 next week, and has been out of the job-hunting game for a long while.
He wasn't on a dazzling salary, but it was good compared to new starters, and given that he lives 30 miles away from the airport, there's an argument to say he should look for something closer to home, but aviation is what he loves.
Obviously, the news has been devastating to the family, but my advice is to consider it done (there is an appeal on-going, but I imagine the chances of success are less than zero). What I am not sure of is how he best goes about finding another job at his age, with no obvious transferrable skills? The most tragic thing of all is he's a very intelligent man who is extremely capable and highly IT Literate (ashamed to say, more so than me, and I work in IT!) and a "young" 60, but his CV is going to suggest otherwise. Has anyone been in a similar situation? Has anyone found a job in a very different industry at a similar time of life?
I am assuming that he will have to explain the circumstances surrounding why he left his last job, so I've advised him to prepare an answer should this come up in an interview. My understanding is that he's not compelled to volunteer the information, but if he's directly asked why did you leave your last job or questions around previous dismissals appear on an application form, then he's obligated to be open and honest.
I am also assuming his CV should make only very brief reference to jobs twenty years ago, and focus on his roles with his most recent employer. I have most recently worked as a contractor, and did wonder if he could get a job quickly to tide him over as low level contractor e.g.: Data Entry?
Any advice/ideas are much appreciated. TIA.
He has worked for the company (an airline) in various front-line ground-staff roles for the last 20 years. Before that, he was a sales manager after a short spell in the army after he left school. He turns 60 next week, and has been out of the job-hunting game for a long while.
He wasn't on a dazzling salary, but it was good compared to new starters, and given that he lives 30 miles away from the airport, there's an argument to say he should look for something closer to home, but aviation is what he loves.
Obviously, the news has been devastating to the family, but my advice is to consider it done (there is an appeal on-going, but I imagine the chances of success are less than zero). What I am not sure of is how he best goes about finding another job at his age, with no obvious transferrable skills? The most tragic thing of all is he's a very intelligent man who is extremely capable and highly IT Literate (ashamed to say, more so than me, and I work in IT!) and a "young" 60, but his CV is going to suggest otherwise. Has anyone been in a similar situation? Has anyone found a job in a very different industry at a similar time of life?
I am assuming that he will have to explain the circumstances surrounding why he left his last job, so I've advised him to prepare an answer should this come up in an interview. My understanding is that he's not compelled to volunteer the information, but if he's directly asked why did you leave your last job or questions around previous dismissals appear on an application form, then he's obligated to be open and honest.
I am also assuming his CV should make only very brief reference to jobs twenty years ago, and focus on his roles with his most recent employer. I have most recently worked as a contractor, and did wonder if he could get a job quickly to tide him over as low level contractor e.g.: Data Entry?
Any advice/ideas are much appreciated. TIA.
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I can't suggest what might suit him, I just wanted to say that if it was me, I'd be up front about the reason he left if asked. Interviewers are individuals, you can't guess if it's somsting that will bother them or not, better to be. honest and spin it in the best way you can.
We recently started a 70 year old chap. We're a small company , I don't know if that makes a difference - I think we tend to be ax bit more straightforward than a large company. Most of our employees come through recommendation, so it's worth asking friends if there is any vacancies where they work.
Good luck0 -
He should think through who he knows in the industry locally, who may have roles going and can put in a good word for him.0
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LinkedIn (to the extent he's not on it already) might be a good place to start connecting to colleagues and people who might be able to let him know of any vacancies going.
Unfortunately, the sad reality is that his age will be a major barrier, even for someone who wasn't dismissed from their last role for gross misconduct. In the first instance, I'd just focus on getting *any* job. Once back in the saddle, he'll have breathing space to find something closer to where he lives, or what he loves. It'll also avoid the difficult question 'why did you leave your last role' somewhat.0 -
My OH, who has worked in telecoms and IT for many years, is currently employed showing people how to use computers, etc. for Local Authorities and Housing Associations.
Most people now need to be computer savvy to pay rent, and claim benefits (for the first time). He also helps people go online to search for jobs.
He is 61, has a lot of patience, that younger 'computer whizzkids' haven't always got, so is always appreciated by clients who are nervous with IT.
Is this something your dad could do with his IT skills?0 -
Maybe look at this as a beginning, not an end. How soon can he take his private pension? Use this opportunity to do something you'd never risk normally (i.e. leave a job for), like mumcoll says a business training people on PCs. Or gardening, any number of roles that don't pay hugely but have other benefits (less stress, more flexible hours, helping people). He may need to adjust his lifestyle, but it could be a good wake up call and a move to a better quality of life.0
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He should think through who he knows in the industry locally, who may have roles going and can put in a good word for him.
Did his ex-employer use outside trainers or contractors? Often they employer ex- industry staff - they want the skills. Thats what I did - put the word out and 2 weeks later back as a contractor.Never pay on an estimated bill. Always read and understand your bill0 -
To be honest no one wants someone over 60! Try small property management companies. They might hire someone in a 55+ community. They like maintenance people around that age. Good luck.***signature removed by Forum Team - please read the forum rules if you are not sure why your signature has been removed***0
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https://jobs.royalmailgroup.com/go/Christmas-Casuals/698901/
Royal mail Christmas casuals.
Could get 6 weeks work out of it. If interested he needs to apply straight away0 -
That's where your wrong "Alex80" Quite a lot of retail outlets employ older people - and quite a few do it because we're more reliable. The place I work opened 2 years ago and as well as employing youngsters there is also quite a number in there 50's and 60's. In fact the oldest member of staff is 70 (68 when they first took him on)!0
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