Clocking back into work

Returning to work after a planned or enforced lay-off can be a daunting task, so Lisa Haynes asked the experts for a few tips...

The routine nine-to-five day, office banter and contact with colleagues... Who would have thought you'd miss the daily grind of working life. But you do, and after a long absence, you've decided it's time to rejoin the employment game and pocket those regular pay packets. Whether your break was voluntary or forced through redundancy or illness, it's understandable that some mature candidates approach a return to work with trepidation.

Only one out of 10 people aged over 50 who are made redundant get back into work within a year, according to Third Age Employment Network.

Despite these figures, research indicates that almost 75% of people who retire would eagerly return to work to stimulate their minds.

But there is good new for those itching to get back into employment. New legislation that comes into force later this year urges companies to ensure they have a policy on age diversity, which should ease your hunt for the perfect job.

The future is bright for older workers, according to Sam Mercer, director of the Employers Forum on Age. "Participation rates in the 50-65 age group are increasing," she says.

"Employers increasingly recognise the value of older employees and the need to employ older people. Mature people also increasingly want to return to work as they recognise both the financial need to keep working and the social benefits of employment."

Many of us struggle to get back into the swing of things after a long holiday, so people who have been out of employment for months, or even years, can feel distinctly out of practice. But it seems age should not be an issue in preparing yourself for job hunting.

Mercer says: "The advice for a 50+ year-old is the same as the advice I would give any prospective job candidate. Namely, ensuring their skills are up-to-date, focusing on their positive qualities and skills and their relevance for the job in question."

Before you start scouring the job adverts and sending out hundreds of prospective CVs, if you've been pulled out of the employment loop for a prolonged period, work out your new expectations.

"List all the positive aspects there are about returning to work and don't dwell on any downsides," advises personal and professional coach, Anne Pink. "If you recognise and acknowledge that you are making a positive choice you will feel much more in control."

The months, or years, may have flown by since your last job but don't feel that your skills are lacking, instead focus on your best qualities such as multitasking, people skills and reliability. CV's don't have to be a problem either, according to Pink: "Sell yourself by including your personal strengths in your updated CV. Even if you haven't 'worked' for 25 years it can include things like hobbies or networking at business dinners with your partner."

Don't be daunted by hunting high and low for new jobs. Pink has this advice on pinpointing the perfect employment for you:

• Before applying for jobs make sure there is something about it that excites you, even if it's just the shift pattern fitting in with your home life.
• Consider different types of work to what you did before.
• Computers make the biggest difference in modern workplaces. A crash course for beginners could be helpful and also get you used to working in new surroundings.
• Use your flexibility to your advantage - find a working pattern that suits you and your employer, including part-time and contract work, which are more readily available than full-time positions.
• Consider working for yourself, if you have been at home managing a family budget you could probably work for yourself, however few skills you think you have - for example an ironing business, or an odd job gardening business.
• Don't pin all your hopes for a better life on a new job, look at your leisure time too.

To secure that dream job, there are certain hurdles to jump in the job hunting process. With an increase in retirees and more and more over-50s making the decision to return to work, equip yourself for that much coveted job offer with these tips from Directgov:

TAILORED HELP
New Deal 50 plus is a Jobcentre Plus programme that offers support and advice for people over 50 to find work. It also offers training and help if you've found it difficult to get a job that pays a decent wage. To find out more about New Deal 50 plus, phone the New Deal helpline on 0845 606 2626 or contact your local Jobcentre Plus office.

SUCCESSFUL CVs
If you're over 50 you may have had a lot of different roles, but don't include everything on your CV. Aim for one or two pages and prioritise your most recent and relevant details. Only include the highlights - there is no need to give all the steps on your career ladder. Save space by compressing earlier roles into short descriptions or just including job titles.

LETTER PERFECT
It's courteous and professional to enclose a covering letter with your CV. While your CV gives the facts about your employment, your covering letter should explain why you're interested in the job and why it's right for you. Try to give the prospective employer a reason to want to read your CV.

INTERVIEW IDEAS
Research all you can about the employer and job - ask the employer if they have an information pack or use the library or internet to find business information. Think about the sorts of questions that will come up at the interview like 'Have you done this kind of work before?' and 'What did you do in your career break?'