Back in the Market: How Over-50s Can Overcome Hiring Hurdles

The world of work has shifted dramatically over the past few decades. Redundancies, economic downturns, and changes in retirement expectations have seen many older New Zealanders re-entering the job market. While their wealth of experience is invaluable, over-50s often find landing a new role comes with unique challenges. However, these challenges aren’t insurmountable — especially if you come prepared and ready to adapt.

A Tougher Job Market for Older Jobseekers

Peter, a former manager in the transport industry, remembers the sinking feeling he had when he turned up to a job interview at age 57 and saw a candidate fresh out of university. “I knew I was old enough to be his father,” he said. “I didn’t even bother hoping after that.”

He didn’t get the job. Nor did he hear back from several others he applied for. Like many in his age group, Peter suspected age discrimination might have played a role. While it’s illegal to discriminate based on age, unconscious bias remains a reality in some hiring environments.

The Perceived Cons — and How to Combat Them

Let’s unpack some of the most common misconceptions about older workers, and explore ways to confidently counter them on a CV or interview.

1. “They’re not tech-savvy”

Reality: Many over-50s have embraced technology both at home and at work.

How to counter it: Be specific. For example:

• “Skilled in using Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Zoom for remote collaboration.”
• “Introduced Xero software into the accounts team, reducing manual data entry by 40%.”

Add a “Technical Skills” section to your CV or mention recent digital upskilling in your cover letter.

2. “They lack energy”

Reality: Stamina isn’t always age-related. Enthusiasm and mindset matter more.

How to counter it: Highlight active hobbies (e.g., hiking, volunteering) or past roles involving travel, long hours, or physical work. For example: “Worked 12-hour shifts during the seasonal rush, consistently meeting KPIs.”

3. “They’re inflexible or resistant to change”

Reality: Experience often brings adaptability.

How to counter it: Share examples of change management. For example:

• “Helped implement a new payroll system, training junior staff during the transition.”
• “Moved from in-store to online retail support during lockdown, maintaining customer satisfaction scores.”

4. “They’re too expensive”

Reality: Many mature workers are financially flexible and focused on job satisfaction.

How to counter it: If appropriate, indicate salary flexibility. “Open to roles where I can contribute meaningfully and work with purpose.”

5. “They’ll retire soon”

Reality: People are working well into their 70s. Employers want commitment, not an age bracket.

How to counter it: Say it straight: “I am committed to full-time work for the foreseeable future and bring long-term reliability.”

CV Tips for Mature Jobseekers

Chris, a former accounts clerk, was out of work for several years. “I never put my age on applications, but you could guess from my experience. I had to change my CV style.”

Chris is right — older jobseekers often use a traditional chronological CV that lists every role since their teens. Today’s employers want relevance and conciseness.

Keep it to two pages max, focusing on the last 10–15 years.

Use a functional or combination CV, grouping relevant skills together (e.g., “Team Leadership”, “Customer Service”).

Include specific achievements. Not just what you did, but the results:

• “Reduced overdue invoices by 25% within three months.”
• “Coached two junior team members who were later promoted.”

Get a Second Opinion

Don’t be afraid to ask someone you trust — like a tech-savvy family member or a friend who runs a business — to cast a critical eye over your CV. They might spot outdated phrasing, suggest stronger examples, or show you how to tailor it for specific roles. A fresh perspective can make all the difference.

Interview Advice

Peggy, made redundant from her role in the travel industry, felt disheartened after a string of rejections. Eventually, she landed a job with a small tourist attraction. “I think my humour helped – and I didn’t act defeated.”

In interviews:

• Let your confidence shine through. You’ve got real-world experience that matters.
• Prepare examples that show you’re adaptable, positive, and current.
• Talk about how you’ve mentored others, handled workplace change, or used technology in your role.

Older workers bring incredible value. It’s about reframing the narrative: from “I’m overqualified and outdated” to “I have perspective, resilience, and proven capability.”

After a year of unemployment, Peter eventually found work again through a former colleague. It’s not what he used to do, and it pays less – but he says it keeps him engaged. “I’m happy to be doing it,” he says. “And I’m good at it.”

Stay tuned for our follow-up article, where we flip the focus and highlight the many strengths older workers bring to the table. We’ll show you how to position maturity as a competitive advantage, and how to confidently communicate your value to potential employers.