How to Get a Job at 60 in the UK: Your Practical Guide to Landing a Role

Finding a new job at 60 can feel daunting — but it is far more achievable than you might think. The UK workforce is changing, employers are increasingly recognising the value of experienced professionals, and legislation protects workers from age discrimination. Whether you have been made redundant, are returning after a career break, or simply want a fresh challenge, this guide gives you honest, practical advice to help you compete confidently in today's job market and secure a role that works for you.

Know Your Rights: Age Discrimination Is Illegal in the UK

The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate against you because of your age. That means job adverts cannot legally request candidates of a certain age, and interviewers should not make decisions based on how long you have until retirement. Understanding this gives you confidence. If you suspect age discrimination during a recruitment process — for example, if you receive a rejection immediately after disclosing your age — you have the right to request feedback and, in serious cases, raise a formal complaint. Knowing your rights does not make you combative; it makes you informed. Many employers, particularly those with strong diversity policies, actively seek older workers for the reliability, loyalty, and depth of experience they bring. Charities such as Age UK and organisations like the Centre for Ageing Better publish employer pledge lists — these are companies that have publicly committed to age-inclusive hiring. Targeting these organisations from the outset is a smart and time-efficient strategy.

Update Your CV for the Modern Job Market

Your CV is your first impression, and an outdated format can work against you before anyone reads a single line. A CV that stretches back 30 or 40 years, uses a photo, or lists every job since your early twenties may inadvertently signal that you are out of touch. Here is what to do instead. Limit your work history to the last 15 to 20 years, focusing on achievements rather than duties. Use a clean, modern font and a simple two-column layout. Remove your date of birth — you are not legally required to include it. Lead with a punchy professional summary that emphasises the value you bring right now, not a long career timeline. Keywords matter too, as most larger employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan CVs before a human ever sees them. Tools like StackedCV.com use AI to rewrite and optimise your CV for modern ATS requirements, helping ensure your experience gets in front of the right people rather than disappearing into a digital black hole.

Refresh Your Digital Presence and LinkedIn Profile

If your LinkedIn profile has a blank photo box and was last updated in 2015, it needs attention before you start applying. Recruiters and hiring managers will search for you online, and a strong LinkedIn profile significantly increases your chances of being found and approached. Use a professional, current headshot — it does not need to be studio quality, but it should be clear and friendly. Write a headline that goes beyond your job title; instead describe the value you offer, such as 'Finance Director | Driving profitability and organisational change in the manufacturing sector.' Your summary should be written in the first person and tell a concise story about your expertise and what you are looking for next. Connect with former colleagues, join industry groups, and engage with relevant content. Being visible and active on LinkedIn signals to recruiters that you are engaged with your sector and comfortable in the digital workspace — both of which counter common assumptions about older jobseekers.

Tackle Transferable Skills and Consider a Pivot

At 60, you likely have a rich portfolio of transferable skills — problem-solving, leadership, stakeholder management, communication, and resilience — that are valuable across a wide range of roles and sectors. If your previous industry has contracted or your specific role has been automated, do not panic. Think carefully about which of your skills translate elsewhere. A former branch manager, for instance, has skills perfectly suited to operations, training, customer experience, or consultancy roles. Consider whether you might enjoy a portfolio career — combining part-time or contract work across different employers. Many people in their sixties find this gives them variety, flexibility, and renewed energy. Alternatively, short courses through providers like Reed, the Open University, or LinkedIn Learning can quickly upskill you in areas like digital marketing, project management, or data analysis, making your profile more competitive without requiring years of study.

Use the Right Job Search Channels

The days of scanning newspaper job sections are largely over. To maximise your chances, you need to use multiple channels simultaneously. Start with the major job boards — Indeed, Reed, Totaljobs, and CV-Library — and set up daily email alerts for relevant roles. Do not overlook niche boards: for senior roles, try Guardian Jobs or exec-specific platforms like Exec Appointments. LinkedIn's job search function is powerful, particularly for professional and managerial positions. Crucially, tap into your network. Research suggests that up to 70% of jobs are never advertised — they are filled through connections. Reach out to former colleagues, attend industry events, and let people in your network know you are open to new opportunities. Be specific about what you are looking for so they can help effectively. Recruitment agencies that specialise in senior or executive placements can also be valuable, as can those focused on flexible and part-time roles if that suits your circumstances.

Prepare Confidently for Interviews

Interview nerves affect everyone, but older candidates sometimes carry an additional worry — that the interviewer will view them as overqualified, too expensive, or unwilling to adapt. Tackle these concerns head-on with preparation. Research the company thoroughly, prepare specific examples of your achievements using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), and practise answering common interview questions aloud. If the subject of retirement or long-term commitment comes up — and it may do so subtly — have a confident, honest answer ready. Something like: 'I am very much focused on the next chapter of my career and the contribution I can make here over the coming years.' Address the salary question pragmatically; if you have moved from a senior role, be clear about what you need and why your experience justifies your expectations. Video interviews are now standard — ensure your background is tidy, your lighting is good, and you are comfortable with the technology beforehand.

Getting a job at 60 in the UK is absolutely achievable with the right strategy, a refreshed CV, and genuine confidence in the value you bring. The key is to present yourself as a forward-looking professional whose experience is an asset, not a liability. Start by modernising your CV and LinkedIn profile, widen your job search channels, and use your network more actively than you might feel comfortable doing. If your CV needs a complete overhaul, StackedCV.com can help you create a modern, ATS-optimised document that showcases your strengths clearly and professionally. Your next role is out there — go and find it.