Not all seniors are eager to leave the workforce. Some aren’t ready—or able—to retire, while others are retired but want to supplement their income. Does any of this resonate with you? If so, we’ve put together a list of 10 work-from-home jobs for seniors that are worth exploring.
Why remote jobs? Well, they're flexible and not physically demanding—creating an even playing field for seniors applying for work. Take a look at our suggestions and tips on how to land a position.
10 work-from-home jobs for seniors over 60—no experience required, part-time, and more
To make this list, we focused on jobs you can do at any age, whether you’re building on your experience and education or transitioning to a new industry.
Easy remote jobs for seniors
1. Data entry clerk
Ideal for detail-oriented people, data entry jobs revolve around collecting and logging data into a system. The type of data you're going to deal with depends on the industry—the same with the software. Some companies use the good old spreadsheets, while others use their own tools. As a data entry clerk, you can expect structured and slightly repetitive work days.
2. Transcriptionist
Being a transcriptionist (also referred to as a transcriber) requires quick fingers, a good ear, and strong English grammar skills. This job typically consists of accurately and swiftly transcribing audio files, which could be videos or audio notes. In some instances, it also involves transcribing handwritten notes into a system (e.g. medical transcriptionist) and helping to identify problems such as conflicting or mixed-up information.
3. Consultant
If you have specialist experience in a specific field or got into C-suite level positions (high-ranking executives) before leaving the workforce, you could come back as a consultant. A consultant's role is to provide advice and outside perspective for companies, to help them achieve better results. Consultants are often self-employed, but there are companies that hire consultants to develop and implement solutions in a specific department.
Part-time remote jobs for seniors
4. Tutor
There's no doubt that kids and teenagers today rely a lot on Google and AI for homework help. But there's a limit to what those platforms can teach. Enter human, experienced tutors. If you have strong math, English, literature, or science knowledge or related degrees, tutoring students can be a solid part-time occupation to make extra income.
You can do it in person or use online meeting platforms like Zoom and Google Meet to tutor online. Another option is to create a profile on tutoring platforms like TutorMe and Skooli to find clients. Keep in mind each platform has its own criteria for accepting tutors—while some won't require a specific degree, others will.
5. Translator
For bilingual seniors with strong English proficiency, translation is a job worth considering. You can do it freelance or work part-time as an independent contractor, but there are also opportunities for full-time employment. Depending on the company and your skill level, you may translate documents, audio notes, and even software.
6. Writer and editor
Have you always had a way with words? Try writing and editing professionally. There are a broad range of opportunities for good writers and editors: You could specialize in blog posts and SEO, copywriting for social media, ghostwriting for professionals on LinkedIn, write resumes and cover letters for other people, or even help small local businesses craft their written marketing materials.
Full-time remote jobs for seniors
7. Executive assistant
Executive assistants help C-level professionals with calendar management, agenda organization, handling expenses, and logistics—including booking hotels, flights, and other transportation. A person with lots of experience, heavily organized, and with strong problem-solving skills would be a perfect fit for a job like this.
8. Sales associate
Yes, it's possible to work in sales remotely. Typically, sales associates who work remotely handle inbound calls, connecting with customers or potential customers. The skill level and education necessary vary between companies, so you'll be able to find entry-level and managerial positions.
9. Customer service representative
As a remote customer service representative, you'll mostly contact customers via phone, email, and in some cases social media. You’ll be expected to help customers with any inquiries they might have about a product or service. Thus, you need to be a good written and verbal communicator, a critical thinker, and a problem solver.
Remote jobs for seniors with no experience
10. Telemarketing representative
If you’ve been out of the workforce for long or don't have much experience in any specific field, telemarketing could be for you. This is an industry that often hires people with no experience—including seniors. Telemarketing representatives often have to sell a service or product and retain existing customers. You'll need strong communication and computer skills, as well as resilience and the ability to perform under pressure.
How to get a job as a senior
Getting a job as a senior doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Sure, things might have changed since the last time you job-hunted (hello, online applications and video interviews) but your experience and perspective are valuable, and the right opportunity is out there.
Whether you're re-entering the workforce, switching careers, or looking for a flexible gig, a little strategy can go a long way. Here are some simple tips to help you stand out and secure a role that suits you.
Be aware of scams
Finding legitimate work-from-home jobs for seniors can be a difficult task on an internet filled with scammers that specifically target older adults. Their main goal typically is to access your personal information and your money. To avoid falling into the scammer's traps, be aware of these red flags:
- Company with no website or social media
- Job listing with too many grammatical errors
- Asking money to accept your application
- Asking to install a program on your cell phone or computer
- Requesting personal information like your social security number
- Promises of enormous financial gain with litter effort
Every time you see a job opportunity at a company you don't know or never heard of before, Google their name and do your due diligence to confirm they're legitimate.
Emphasize your unique skills
As a senior worker, you've probably developed a handful of skills younger workers haven't developed just yet. Use this to your advantage. “When seniors are trying to reenter the workforce, I recommend they emphasize their unique strengths like rich life experiences, dependability, and strong work ethic,” says Linda Moore, head of HR at Slipintosoft.
Read this next: What Are Transferable Skills? 10 Examples for Your Resume
Learn new technologies and skills
Seniors' ability to use and adapt to new technologies is a common concern for employers, Moore says. So upend expectations and get up to date with new tools, software, and general computer skills—which you'll use a lot as a remote worker. “An excellent way for seniors to upskill or re-skill is through online courses or bootcamps,” she says.
Read this next: 12 Free Online Courses With Certificates to Boost Your Resume
Optimize your resume for ATS
ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System—it’s a software that sorts and selects resumes that are the strongest match with a specific job posting. Seldom do hiring managers read through each resume by hand anymore—instead, companies are using ATS to handle high volumes of online applicants and you’ll want your resume to be optimized for it.
An ATS-friendly resume has four elements:
- A simple and minimalistic template, without images or graphs
- Clearly named sections (e.g: “Work Experience,” “Skills,” “Education”)
- Keywords from the job description (e.g. “Bachelor of Science in computer science,” “skilled in SQL and Java”)
- Simple fonts in regular size, like Arial, Calibri, and Cambria 11 or 12 points for regular text and 14 to 16 points for section titles
Reach out to your network
Former bosses and coworkers could direct you to opportunities that match your professional profile. Reach out to the ones you've formed a meaningful connection with in the past and invite them to lunch or coffee. If you're interested in a specific role or company, consider doing an informational interview with a connection who works in the industry.
Work with a career coach
Career coaches are professionals who often have recruiting experience and are up to date with the ins and outs of the job market. They use their expertise to help professionals with resume and cover letter writing and interview preparation among other services. If you're having trouble finding employment, a career coaching session could put you in the right direction.
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