Searching for your encore job

At this point in life, most baby boomers have at least a hazy image of what their retirement will be like - especially as many have had to consider whether they will have to keep working after age 65. One Del Webb survey showed that more than 70 percent of baby boomers are planning to at least engage in part-time work beyond that traditional retirement age. 

But finding a job can be an intimidating process. Gone are the days where you can dress up in your finest suit and knock on doors with your resume in hand. The job market is a much different place than it was even 10 years ago, both in demand and hiring style. Nowadays, most companies don't even want applicants calling into the office for a follow-up.

Job fairs still occasionally yield prospects and connections, but the best resource for job-seekers these days is the internet. Going online can give you a good glimpse of the available opportunities and help you decide what you want to really do for your encore career.

Monster.com, SimplyHired.com and even Google can be ideal ways to apply to positions. Don't forget the professional social network, LinkedIn, either. Uploading your resume to LinkedIn and Monster can allow employers to search for you just as you search for them. In select cities such as Boston or New York City, Craigslist is a popular resource, too.

Then again, maybe you aren't looking for a career, but fulfilling part-time work. FlexHourJobs.com specializes in providing retirees with these types of positions, especially telecommuting and remote work.

"For many of these [mature Americans], working from home or flexible work scheduling is the only answer right now," Jacqueline Sloboda, the website's founder, said in a statement. She started the site after one of her parents turned 65 and was forced into retirement by an employer.

FlexHourJobs.com provides a comprehensive list of internships for those who are looking to gain new skills, volunteer positions for retirees looking to give back, and all sorts of other flex jobs, from freelance to seasonal.

AARP's Director of Workforce Issues Deborah Russel told Forbes magazine that if you are an experienced employee who is looked for a new job, you should "demonstrate that you are a team player and can work across departmental lines and "demonstrate an ongoing willingness to learn new things. Take advantage of employer-sponsored training."