Today, just fewer than 50 percent of full-time workers over 58 are at the same company that had employed them when they were 50. Mature workers have many attributes and characteristics that make them attractive job applicants and great employees. Older workers who wish to re-enter the job market might want to refocus and refresh their resumes.
Watch the "Mature Worker Resume Writing Tips" video to learn tips for refreshing and refocusing your resume as you re-enter the job market.
Create or update your resume to tell employers about your work and education experience. Share how your skills match what is needed to do the job in an updated cover letter.
When updating your resume, keep in mind that:
- Job goals will differ from earlier employments, and new goals should be reflected in an updated resume;
- It is important to emphasize skills rather than just the jobs previously held. This is especially true if you are applying for jobs in a different career field.
- Only the latest and most pertinent work experiences need to be listed to avoid an overly long and boring resume.
- You may deemphasize dates of employment by using a functional or combination resume format.
Be prepared to ensure your interview is a success! Click here for Interview tips and worksheets. 
If you need additional help or additional resources preparing for the interview, feel free to contact the trained staff at an Illinois workNet Center near you.
Review the list of Best Employers for Workers Over 50 
created by the AARP.
Consider if new and emerging jobs are a good career match for you!
Watch videos that describe emerging jobs and the skills needed to be successful in them.
Key Sector jobs are among the top jobs for older workers. Illinois workNet provides industry specific information in the Key Sectors Page to include occupational training programs, industry event calendars, business branding pages and more.
A
Regional Economic Snapshot is also provided for each Key Sector industry, generating reports on:
- Employment trends,
- Unemployment rates,
- Top ten occupations with wages, and
- Fastest growing occupations by region.
Search Online Search hundreds of job openings in Illinois' Key Sectors using CareerBuilder. Use the keyword search to apply exclusively for jobs in Key Sectors, many of which offer a good salary and benefits. Click here to search for a job.
Finding a job may be difficult for workers of any age, but some challenges are unique to older workers. To help overcome these challenges, Illinois workNet can assist in many aspects of
skills evaluation and
job searches.
When considering transitioning to a new job, you should ask yourself "How will my current skills transfer to a new job?"
Click here to find steps you can take to identify your transferable skills and careers that require those skills. Knowing your transferable skills will help you identify jobs to apply for, because they may require some or all of those skills. The following strategies will improve the probability of a seasoned worker finding (and keeping) a job:
- Upgrade skills (especially computer skills) and ask for ways to use these skills to benefit the company. Most community colleges offer adult learning classes at a minimal cost.
- Willingly take offered training and accept new job challenges.
- Maintain healthful living.
Illinois workNet provides additional job specific information to assist boomers and older workers who are considering a career or job transition. Search for:
Start a Business -- If you already have an area of expertise and the temperament to be self-employed, you can probably make more money and stay happier by hiring yourself. The Illinois workNet Business Development Page provides information on starting and running a business, changing a business and more.Click here to learn more.
Volunteer -- Volunteer experience is an excellent way to make you a more attractive job applicant. Volunteerism provides opportunities to learn new skills, gain real-life experience, explore career fields, network, and gain self-confidence. Illinois workNet Provides information on how to get started. Click here to learn more.
Consult or Temp -- With workforces shrinking, there's an enormous demand now for office workers at all levels of expertise. Several specialty job sites focus on older workers. Select one of the following links to learn more: