One of the big question many soon-to-be retirees contemplate is whether or not to get a part-time job in retirement. Whether it’s to help fill some time, offset medical costs, put some extra spending money in their pockets, or some combination, unprepared retirees can end disappointed and unable to secure their ideal gig. In order to avoid common pitfalls and mistakes, retirees can use these five strategies to get hired for that part-time job they want or need.
Be Open To The Opportunities
Often times, retirees set unrealistic expectations for part-time work in retirement. No one needs them to work from 9am to 1:30 on every other Tuesday and on the third Friday of the month. Furthermore, they’re surely not going to pay you $18 or $20 an hour to do it.
That makes it important for retirees to set realistic expectations and approach the part-time job market with the right attitude. The best way to accomplish this is to begin looking for opportunities before you jump ship. Asking family and friends about openings, checking online sites, and even striking up a conversation with owners or managers of places you frequent can provide a good sense of what’s available in your area.
Realizing the role that part-timers usually play can also be a major benefit. Acknowledging that you’ll be filling in scheduling gaps, working weekend or odd hours to meet customer demands, or be tasked with a variety of menial work in order to free-up time for an owner or supervisor, allows retirees to understand what they are getting into if they decide to use a part-time gig to support their retirement.
Turn Deficiencies Into Desire
Every job candidate knows that background and experience matter. But what happens if the part-time gig you’re gunning for requires skills you don’t have or haven’t used in a long time? Well don’t say, “I don’t know how to _______,” or that “It’s been a really long-time since I’ve done _______.” That highlights a deficiency and may leave an employer wondering about a skills gap. So turn a negative into a positive by replying, “It’s always been on my career bucket list to _______,” or “that’s an important area of interest for me.” Both answers replace a deficiency with a positive desire and can help isolate you as an ideal match.
A simple change of words illustrates a commitment to pick-up and learn what you need to, instead of leaving the hiring person wondering if you can fill the role.
Align A Gig With Other Retirement Goals
Work that supports a passion, hobby, or other goal is often considered play rather than work. The same can hold true in pursuing part-time work in retirement. Whether you’re working part-time at a hotel chain, golf course, or fashionable retailer, perks including discounts that allow you to save on travel, chase a little white ball for half price, or update your wardrobe are all creative ways to strike a balance between work and fun in retirement.
Besides, your knowledge and experience with the company and their mission can be used as an asset both during the interview and once you are hired. Acknowledging that you already use their products and services exclusively (or extensively) can give you a leg up in the hiring process.
Treat Your Interview Like A Date
Treating the company you are seeking employment with like a date is a simple way to remember good job etiquette. Retirees should not only dress right but also bring extra copies of their resume, job application, and references instead of candy or flowers. It’s important to get to know the person or company so be prepared to ask relevant questions and engage them in conversation besides just the potential role. Follow-up with a thank you letter that recounts what you like and appreciated about the interview. Most importantly, do you homework before you even step foot on company grounds.
Just as you might compliment your date during dinner, plan to do the same with your interviewer. After that make a statement about company values, mission, goals, or direction, mention “Yes, that was evident on your website… when I walked in the door… in the reputation you have created around town.” It’s a simple way to let them know you are interested in working with them for a specific reason, not just because you’re bored and need some extra money.
Project A Long-term Perspective
A major fear for any manager or small business owner is spending time and money to hire someone only to lose them shortly after. Therefore, eliminate that worry from the interview process by asking about the future direction of the company and your role. While you don’t have to aspire to work full-time or take on a leadership role, asking how long before you’ll be able to help train others or be eligible for your first raise suggests you’re looking for a long-term role.
Retirees can also use their loyalty to a previous employer here as well. Few people can claim the ability to overcome and persist through 20 or even 30 years with the same company. By promoting your ability to adapt as technology, people, and practices change retirees can build an important edge against younger candidates who many consider to be job-hoppers.
In any event, finding and securing the right part-time job in retirement can be an important part of a retirees overall plan. One that not only helps in a financial sense but also to help replace their work identity, stay connected, as well as keep mentally and physically sharp. Therefore, it’s important for retirees to be open to relevant opportunities, to turn deficiencies into desires, align the part-time gig with other retirement goals, treat their interviews like a date, and project a desire to be there for the long haul.
