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If you want to get a job after 50, you need to do some real networking. Networking is one letter away from “not working.” Engage in a full-court press to let everyone in your personal and professional network know that you’re looking for a job. Here’s a checklist to make sure you’ve left no stone unturned:
Contact everyone you know via phone, email, social networks (Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter), U.S. postal mail, carrier pigeon, whatever it takes.
Look up former supervisors, touch base, and let them know you’re looking for work.
Join professional meetup groups in your area.
Visit your college career center in person or online.
Find a mentor among your personal and professional contacts or online. Visit PivotPlanet to find out about hiring a mentor.
Consider reverse mentoring — connecting with someone younger who can learn from and mentor you.
Connect with a career coach. The Life Planning Network, AARP’s Life Reimagined, and 2 Young 2 Retire offer coach directories geared to midlife workers.
Reach out to recruiters in the industry you’re pursuing.
Attend job fairs in your area and online.
