Back to Work After 40: How to Stand Out in a Tough Job Market

The job market right now is no joke. Postings are getting hundreds (sometimes thousands) of applicants, companies are slow to hire, and it’s easy to feel like your resume is disappearing into a black hole.

If you’re over 40, trying to re-enter the workforce after a career break, you’re not just competing with a crowded field--you’re also navigating outdated assumptions about age, career gaps, and what “qualified” looks like. Add family responsibilities into the mix, and it can feel overwhelming.

But here’s the good news: women in your exact position are still landing great jobs. The key is to be strategic, intentional, and visible in ways that make you hard to overlook. 

But here’s the thing. This is doable. You don’t have to just “get back in.” You can do it in a way that works for you, your skills, and your life right now.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Get clear on what you actually want.

In a competitive market, “I’ll take anything” isn’t a winning strategy--it just makes you blend in. Before you apply for a single job, decide:

• Field: Going back to what you know or pivoting to something new?

• Hours: Full-time, part-time, contract?

• Location: On-site, remote, or hybrid?

• Flexibility: Can you work a regular schedule, or do you need flexibility?

The clearer you are, the easier it will be to spot the right opportunities and skip the ones that will waste your time. 

2. Work Your Network (Hard) 

When jobs are scarce, connections matter more than ever. Many openings never make it to a public posting--they’re filled through referrals.

• Let former coworkers, classmates, family, and friends know you’re looking.

• Post on LinkedIn and engage with others so you stay top of mind.

• Join groups that focus on women, moms, or your industry--opportunities often pop up in these circles before they’re advertised.

You’re not asking for favors--you’re letting people know you’re available, capable, and ready. 

3. Target the right employers
You don’t have to know everything on day one. Pick a couple of skills relevant to the jobs you want and do a quick online course. Even a few hours can boost your confidence.

Reach out to old colleagues, friends, and groups. Most jobs come through connections, not cold applications.

4. Make your resume and cover letter unforgettable

Hiring managers are scanning dozens (sometimes hundreds) of resumes. Make yours one that earns a second look:

• Lead with your strongest results, not just job titles.

• Show the skills you’ve gained during your career break--project management, budgeting, scheduling, tech tools, volunteer leadership.

• Keep it clean, concise, and easy to skim.

• Add any recent certifications or training to show you’re current.

And your cover letter? It’s not an explanation of why you were away--it’s a pitch for why they need you now.

5. Protect time for your search

In a crowded market, effort and follow-through matter. That means making space for the work of finding work. Block time in your calendar for job searching and networking.

 6. Play the long game

This market can be slow, and you may hear “no” more than you hear “yes.” That’s normal.

Don’t let rejections define you. Keep applying, keep networking, and remember--someone is going to see your skills, experience, and perspective as exactly what they’ve been missing. 

It's a tough market right now, but you can't take steps to stand out and find success.

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