Late-career job seekers tend to have a harder time finding new jobs due to age-based stereotypes, smaller networks, and skills that may not align with modern hiring preferences. These challenges can delay reemployment and create financial or even health strain. To better support older adults reentering the workforce, researchers (van den Hee et al., 2025) examined the effectiveness of a large-scale job skills training program for unemployed adults.
JOB SEARCH TRAINING INTERVENTION
Using a sample of more than 18,000 participants, the researchers conducted a field experiment in the Netherlands with unemployed job seekers between the ages of 50-64. Participants were randomly assigned to either receive training or no training (although those not receiving training still had access to online resources). The job search training lasted 12 weeks and included ten meetings in small groups. Sessions covered stigma and self-presentation, contemporary job search skills (e.g., using social media to find postings), and comfort with modern hiring practices, such as structured interviews.
Job seekers who received the training showed higher job search knowledge and confidence after 18 weeks, leading to higher-quality job searches and greater likelihood of reemployment one year later. They also secured jobs more quickly. Contrary to expectations, the biggest improvements were found among older adults who (1) were generally less interested in developing new skills or learning new things and (2) who believed they had less time remaining in life to work or develop new skills.
PRACTICAL AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS
Despite stereotypes that older adults resist upskilling and learning, this program increased both job search knowledge and confidence. The quality of job search mattered more than quantity, suggesting organizations and policymakers should emphasize how people approach the process, not just whether they are searching. Future training programs should continue to teach modern job search tools (e.g., LinkedIn, online applications) and may be especially impactful when targeted toward those who are otherwise less inclined to learn new skills.
van den Hee, S. M., van Hooft, E. A. J., Van Hoye, G., & Nevicka, B. (2025). Unemployment in later life: The effects of a job search skills training intervention and development orientations on job search and reemployment of older job seekers. Journal of Applied Psychology. Advance online publication.
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