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Can You Get a Job After 60?

By the Gray Hair Jobs Editorial Team · Published · Facts checked against sources on · 2 min read

The short answer

Yes, you can get a job after 60. Many employers value reliability, judgment, and experience. Age bias does exist, so the search may take longer than it once did. A focused resume, an updated online presence, and help from your personal network will improve your chances.

Key points

  • Federal law protects workers 40 and older from age discrimination by employers with 20 or more employees.
  • Part-time, seasonal, contract, and remote roles can widen your options.
  • People you already know are often the best source of job leads.
  • A short, recent-focused resume usually works better than a full career history.

What makes a job search after 60 different?

Hiring has changed. Most applications are now online, and many employers use software to sort resumes before a person reads them. Interviews may happen by video.

Ageism is real, and it can make a search slower. But experience counts for a lot. Employers often look for people who show up, solve problems calmly, and need little hand-holding. Those are strengths you can show clearly.

The U.S. Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects people 40 and older from discrimination by employers with 20 or more employees. Some state laws cover smaller employers. Learn more on our age discrimination page.

What kinds of work are realistic?

There is no single "right" job after 60. Common paths include:

  • Staying in your field, sometimes in a smaller or advisory role
  • Part-time or flexible work that fits around other plans
  • Seasonal work, such as holiday retail or tax season
  • Contract or consulting work using skills you already have
  • A new field that uses transferable skills, such as tutoring or customer service

How do you start?

  1. Decide what you want. Think about hours, pay needs, commute, and how physical the work can be.
  2. Update your resume. Focus on the last 10 to 15 years and on results. Consider whether older roles or dates are necessary for the job you want.
  3. Tell people you are looking. Former coworkers, friends, neighbors, and community groups often hear about openings first.
  4. Set up job alerts. A job alert emails you new listings so you don't have to search every day.
  5. Practice for interviews, including video interviews.
  6. Check listings for scams. Real employers do not ask you to pay to start a job.

What if it is taking a long time?

A slow search is common and does not mean something is wrong with you. Try widening your search to part-time, contract, or remote roles. Ask a free local career center for help. CareerOneStop (opens in a new tab), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, can help you find one near you.

If you have limited income, the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) offers paid community service training for people 55 and older. See the Department of Labor's SCSEP page (opens in a new tab).

Where to go next

Frequently asked questions

Is it harder to get hired after 60?

It can be. Age bias exists, and some searches take longer. Still, many people find work in their 60s, especially when they target roles that match their experience, use their personal network, and keep their resume focused on recent, relevant results. Widening the search to part-time, contract, or remote roles can also help.

Should I mention my age when applying?

You do not need to state your age. Employers generally should not ask for it during hiring. Focus your resume on recent, relevant experience. Consider whether graduation dates or very old jobs are necessary for the role. Never give false information, but you can choose what details are useful to include.

What if I have not looked for a job in decades?

Start with the basics: a simple, current resume, a professional email address, and a free online job search account. Free career centers can help you with each step. Our learning pages explain things like uploading a resume and video interviews in plain language, one step at a time.

Can I work and collect Social Security at the same time?

Yes. If you are younger than full retirement age, the Social Security Administration may temporarily withhold some benefits if your earnings go over a yearly limit. Once you reach full retirement age, that limit no longer applies. Check ssa.gov for current figures and details for your situation.

Current jobs to explore

Sources

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