Data released in January revealed that there were 17,900 Australians aged over 55 looking for work who had been unemployed for between one and two years. This is up from 13,400 in December.
At the same time, many employers say they are struggling to fill roles. However, research shows that some organisations remain reluctant to hire older workers. Despite widespread reports of hard-to-fill vacancies, 18 per cent of employers say they are not open to hiring people aged 65 and over “at all”.
This highlights a growing disconnect in Australia’s labour market. So, what impact is this having on the workforce — and what can you do to give yourself the best chance of securing a new role?
What impact is age discrimination in hiring having
Experts say that employers who don’t hire older workers are missing out.
Research from the Australian HR Institute and Australian Human Rights Commission found last year that more than half of employers and HR professionals reported having hard-to-fill vacancies.
At the same time, 60 per said the departure of older workers had led to the loss of key skills.
It’s not all bad news
A 2023 report, Employing and Retaining Older Workers, by the Australian HR Institute and the Australian Human Rights Commission found that employers value many of the traits older workers bring to the workplace.
Among the positive qualities highlighted by employers were reliability, commitment and loyalty. Meanwhile, concentration, attendance and the ability to cope with stress were also positively associated with older workers.
Tips for older workers
Focus your resume on relevance and results
Many candidates list the full extent of their experience on their resumes. However, you should instead focus on the most relevant experience and achievements that align with the role. Priortise the last 10 to 15 years of experience and highlighting the outcomes and impact you have delivered.
Focus on impact not tenure
Instead of focusing on how long you have served in a particular role, you should emphasise the impact you’ve had while there instead. For example, you could highlight revenue growth, operational improvements or cost savings.
Be patient
You should be aware that finding the right role for you may take time. While many older workers may expect to find a job straightaway, in reality it may take six to twelve months.
Demonstrate adaptability and flexibility
Many employers assume that older workers may be less adaptable or flexible. You can challenge this perception by highlighting recent learning, new technologies you have used or systems you have helped implement.
Older workers often have transferable skills across a range of roles and industries, so it’s important to highlight these on your resume.
Stay visible
No matter your age or level of experience, networking can play an invaluable role in uncovering new opportunities. Make sure you stay in touch with former colleagues and attend industry events where possible.
Many experienced professionals find that small adjustments to how they present their skills and experience can make a significant difference in the job search process. A well-structured resume that highlights your most relevant achievements, demonstrates adaptability and clearly communicates the value you bring to employers can help you stand out in a competitive market.
Are you looking for a new career? Melbourne Resume Writers can help. We are pleased to offer various services including our resume writing service and LinkedIn profile writing service.
Article References
Caggiano, A (17 March 2025) ‘Over 60 and looking for a new job? Experts reveal how to stand out’, The Senior, accessed 9 March 2026.
Penny, J (8 March 2026) ‘62 applications, no interview: 5 ways to tackle ageism in hiring’, Financial Review, accessed 9 March 2026.