Top tips for older workers

Did you know in a recent Jobcentre Plus survey of older and younger workers, 66% of older workers thought it was important to work in a company which employers a workforce of mixed ages?

Interview with Peter Graham, a specialist New Deal 50plus Adviser at Jobcentre Plus

Q: My CV has a few gaps in it and is really out-of-date. How can the New Deal 50 plus adviser help me?

A: Your adviser will want to get to know you and find out about your experience of work. He or she will go through your work history with you, review your skills and attributes, and discuss the kinds of jobs you are looking for, and help you to decide what should be featured in your CV.

Q: I haven't worked in quite a long time and I'm worried I'm a bit rusty. How can the New Deal 50 plus adviser help me?

A: Your adviser will look at any specific needs you might have, in terms of both substantive skills/training needs, as well as jobsearch skills such as help with interview techniques, CV preparation, or any training needs.

He or she may be able to refer you to a course to help you to work on your basic skills (language and maths) if necessary.

Q: Everything seems to be done by computer these days, how can I get a job if I don't understand the technology?

A: Again, your adviser will discuss this with you and depending on the type of work you're interested in they may be able to refer you to a course to get up-to-date with technology. But, it's also worth noting that not all jobs require IT skills.

Q: I don't feel very confident about work, particularly during interviews as all the other candidates are so much younger. What help can Jobcentre Plus provide?

A: Your adviser can help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses, including skills you may have acquired through experience rather than by sitting examinations. He or she may also be able to refer you to a short training course designed to boost your self-confidence and help you with your search for work.

Q: I feel like I'm at a disadvantage because I'm older - won't I get turned down in favour of a younger candidate?

A: This may have been the case in the past, but new legislation was introduced in October last year, which requires employers to adopt age positive practices. This means that employers are no longer able to recruit, train or promote people on the basis of age. In any case, employers are beginning to realise the wealth of experience and transferable skills that older workers can offer - not to mention commitment and reliability.

Q: What benefits are available to me?

A: You may be eligible for Working Tax Credits which provides further financial support once you start work. New Deal 50 Plus customers can also claim an In Work Training Grant of up to £1,500. This can be paid in one or more instalments and is available at any time up to 2 years from the date you first start work.

Q: I've heard about Work Trials, what do these entail?

A: Work Trials offer you the opportunity to try out an actual job vacancy whilst remaining on benefit. It also allows employers to test out a person's suitability for a job. A trial can last up to 30 working days and are only used for jobs of 16 hours or more per week, which are expected to last for more than 13 weeks. Customers on a Work Trial are eligible for travel expenses and a meal allowance. Work trials must always be agreed by Jobcentre Plus first to ensure that you continue to receive your benefit throughout the trial, ask at your local Jobcentre Plus for details.

Q: I'm an older worker and I have a disability, I was wondering what help I could get?

A: Jobcentre Plus has specialist Disability Employment Advisers, who can help you find out how your disability or health condition affects the type of work or training you want to do by arranging for an Employment Assessment. Following this, they would help identify an appropriate job that suits your needs. This could include for example thinking about what your skills and interests are and how they could apply to different sorts of jobs you may not have considered.

Q: I'm worried that my health problems will prevent me from working…

A: Specialist advisers at Jobcentre Plus can help you find out how your health condition affects the type of work or training you want to do by arranging for an Employment Assessment. Following this they would help identify an appropriate job that suits your needs. This could include for example thinking about what your skills and interests are and how they could apply to different sorts of jobs you may not have considered.