Starting to work again after retirement: dare to do it!

Are you retired and would like to work again from time to time or take up regular work? Don't worry - you're still far from being out of the loop! We'll show you how to remove stumbling blocks.

Courage to leave a gap in your CV

One topic that is often discussed is the gap in the CV. If someone applies to a job after completing their studies and their CV states "7 years of commercial academy" as their school education, anyone can calculate that the candidate repeated it twice. But it would probably be worse if there was nothing there for the two years, i.e. there was a gap in the CV. You should stick to the truth and - if the recruiter gives you a chance - simply explain why it took you longer. For more mature people, the CV is probably more extensive and it may also have gaps.

But the older you get, the easier it is to accept these gaps. What's the harm in taking a break at the age of 40 to travel halfway around the world in a VW bus for 8 months? Nothing. Or, on the contrary, a lot, because the experiences and life wisdom you gain on this trip can definitely enrich your future professional life.

And what if you have been out of a job for some time because you have reached a certain age? Someone who writes a cover letter at 50+ or ​​60+ is probably one of those people who really want to work.

Do a strengths and weaknesses analysis

One thing is certain: before you apply for a job in retirement, you need to know what services you can or want to offer and to find out, you should definitely carry out a strengths and weaknesses (or SWOT) analysis. You can also get support from friends or consulting companies for this.

The most important thing about this part of the application process is, of course, recognizing your own strengths but above all your own weaknesses. Because that is where there is usually potential for development and perhaps things will emerge that you would like to learn in retirement...

Accepting challenges

After the strengths and weaknesses analysis, the question will certainly arise: how far do I want to go or grow beyond my limits? How much am I prepared to learn and expand my horizons? And how important is all of this to me? How committed can I be and how much responsibility am I prepared to take on? If you receive an invitation to an interview, you should definitely take the chance and at least get an overview before you turn something down without knowing more about it.

Accept defeats

If you have a job lined up and are impatiently waiting for an offer, it can sometimes happen that the potential employer chooses another applicant. And this is not only the case with senior talent.

Setbacks happen all the time in life and you have to expect them and learn to deal with them. Of course, you can't let your head hang down, because the next potential employer will definitely notice at the interview that you are not highly motivated.

Therefore

: head up, straighten your crown and get going…

Stay authentic

One thing is certain: if you are one of those senior talents who want to work and don't actually have to, then you should only do what you don't mind doing. Don't forget that others can benefit from your many years of experience and don't sell yourself short.

Maintain your authenticity, be self-confident and emancipated. You are in possession of this precious, priceless life experience that no one can take away from you.

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