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What Is the AARP Job Board and How It Works

The AARP Job Board is an online platform designed to connect people age 50 and older with job opportunities. AARP, the American Association of Retired Persons, created this resource to help older workers find employment that matches their skills and experience. The Job Board functions as a searchable database where employers post positions specifically seeking mature workers or where age diversity is valued.

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The platform operates differently than general job websites. Instead of posting every available job in the country, the AARP Job Board focuses on positions that tend to work well for older workers. These jobs may offer flexible schedules, remote work options, or environments that value the reliability and experience that mature workers bring. Employers who post on the AARP Job Board often have a track record of hiring workers over 50.

The Job Board uses a straightforward search system. Job seekers can filter positions by location, job category, and whether the role is full-time or part-time. The site shows details about each position, including the job description, required skills, company information, and how to apply directly to the employer. Users can also create a profile to save jobs and receive notifications when new positions matching their interests are posted.

According to AARP research, nearly 40% of workers between ages 55 and 74 are either working or actively seeking work. This reflects a significant shift in how people approach later career stages. Many older workers choose to continue working for various reasons: financial security, staying mentally engaged, maintaining social connections, or pursuing work that feels meaningful to them.

One important aspect of the AARP Job Board is that it reflects real labor market trends. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the labor force participation rate for people age 65 and older has been climbing steadily. In 2023, about 21% of people age 65 and over were in the labor force, compared to just 12% in 2000. This means employers increasingly recognize the value of experienced workers.

Practical Takeaway: The AARP Job Board is a specialized job search tool, not a benefit program or application process. It's simply a place where you can look at job postings from employers seeking workers in your age group and apply directly to those employers through their normal hiring process.

Types of Jobs and Industries Available on the AARP Job Board

The AARP Job Board hosts positions across numerous industries and job types. Common categories include retail and customer service, healthcare support, administrative and office work, education and tutoring, and professional services. Each category reflects actual labor market demand where employers have posted real openings.

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In the healthcare sector, positions range from medical administrative roles to patient care support positions. These jobs don't necessarily require nursing licenses but do value reliability and people skills. Healthcare remains one of the fastest-growing industries, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 16% growth in healthcare and social assistance jobs between 2021 and 2031. Many of these positions actively seek mature workers.

Retail and customer service roles on the Job Board include positions at major retailers, call centers, and customer support roles. Many of these offer part-time scheduling, which appeals to workers seeking flexibility. Companies like Target, Home Depot, and other large retailers have specific initiatives to hire and retain workers age 55 and older. These positions often provide benefits even for part-time work.

Administrative and clerical positions make up another significant category. These roles leverage skills that experienced workers have developed over decades of work. Office management, data entry, scheduling, and reception work are areas where attention to detail and organizational skills create value. Remote options are increasingly common in this category.

Specialized categories also appear on the Job Board, including consultant roles, tutoring and education positions, and small business opportunities. Some positions offer contract or project-based work, which suits people who want to control their schedule. Consulting roles, in particular, often favor people with deep industry experience who can work on specific problems for limited timeframes.

The geographic distribution of jobs varies by season and economic conditions. Urban areas typically have more postings than rural areas, but the Job Board includes positions nationwide. Some employers specifically hire for remote positions, meaning location becomes irrelevant for those jobs.

Practical Takeaway: Before visiting the Job Board, think about which industries and job types interest you. Review the types of positions currently available to understand what opportunities exist in your field or in new areas you'd like to explore.

How to Navigate and Search the AARP Job Board Effectively

Using the AARP Job Board begins with visiting the AARP website and locating the Job Board section. The interface is designed for straightforward navigation. Users can search by keyword, job title, location, or browse by category. Most job boards of this type allow filtering by employment type (full-time, part-time, temporary, contract).

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An effective search strategy starts with clarity about what you're looking for. If you have specific skills or job titles you've held before, searching those terms will show relevant positions. For example, searching "office manager" or "retail associate" will return positions matching those titles. If you're exploring new areas, you can search broader terms like "customer service" or "education" to see what's available.

Location filtering is a key feature. You can typically search within a specific radius of your zip code, specify a particular state, or search nationwide. If you're interested in remote work, most Job Board interfaces have filters specifically for work-from-home positions. Remote work has expanded significantly in recent years, and many employers now offer this option even for roles that weren't remote before the pandemic.

When you find a job posting that interests you, the listing should contain several pieces of information: the job description explaining the day-to-day work, required qualifications and skills, information about the company or employer, salary or wage information (if provided), benefits details, and instructions on how to apply. Take time to read through these details carefully. Some positions will be more aligned with your background and preferences than others.

Creating a profile on the AARP Job Board can enhance your experience. A profile typically allows you to save jobs for later review, set up job alerts that notify you when new positions matching your criteria are posted, and manage your application history. Job alerts are particularly useful because they bring opportunities to you rather than requiring constant searching.

One strategic approach involves saving multiple jobs that interest you before starting applications. This allows you to review them together, compare opportunities, and make informed decisions about where to focus your effort. Some people use this time to research the companies, read employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and understand what each position entails.

Practical Takeaway: Spend time getting familiar with the search tools and filters. Creating a profile and setting up job alerts means new opportunities relevant to your interests will come to you regularly, reducing the time you need to spend searching.

Understanding the Application Process and Employer Expectations

When you find a job on the AARP Job Board that interests you, the next step is understanding how to apply. Most Job Board postings direct you to apply through the employer's own system. This might mean clicking a button that takes you to the company's careers page, completing an online application form, or being directed to contact the company directly. The Job Board itself doesn't process applications—it's simply the platform where employers post openings.

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Preparing to apply effectively involves having your information organized and ready. Most online applications ask for similar information: your contact details, work history with dates and descriptions of responsibilities, education background, and sometimes specific skills or certifications. Having this information typed up or in document form means you can complete applications more efficiently rather than typing the same information repeatedly.

Employers who post on the AARP Job Board often have specific experiences and perspectives about older workers. Research by AARP and various business groups shows that employers value several qualities in mature workers: reliability and attendance, work ethic and commitment to quality, stability (lower turnover), and willingness to mentor younger workers. When writing cover letters or filling out application questions, you can highlight these strengths without drawing attention to age.

Many applications include questions or sections asking you to describe your experience, why you're interested in the role, or how your skills match the job requirements. This is where you highlight relevant accomplishments. For example, if you managed a team for 15 years, that directly relates to supervisory positions. If you've worked in customer service across multiple industries, you understand customer needs and can solve problems efficiently.

Some employers using the AARP Job Board specifically mention they hire across age groups or value