Hi there .......I've decided I need to get a part-time job to supplement my social security check.  I see some part-time jobs, and once in a while they even state in their job posting they "welcome" retirees....but I've gone to Google and Monster and have yet to find some sample cover letters for someone who has not worked in four years (basically because when I was laid off in 09 I tried and tried to get another full time job and could not and was forced to retired early at 62).

Does anyone have any websites or cover letter samples they can share that would give some guidance in explaining that you want that part time job but have not workedin four  years without sounding "desperate" (which I am).

Thank you.............. PS. What happened over on the "Vent" forum???? Nobody has posted there in weeks....I used to post there alot.  Was it shut down?? Thanks.

Hi Berry6454,

Great question! What type of part-time jobs interest you? You may be able to include activities from the few years you've been retired (e.g., volunteer work, hobbies that are relevant, classes, travel, etc.), but only if there is some relevance to the type of job you're seeking.

Since you're targeting companies that welcome retirees, be honest and upfront in the cover letter. You can state that you decided to retire early, but very much miss working in ___ (describe your field) and would like to return to work on a part-time basis.

Treat the cover letter like any other letter - the main focus should be on what you have to offer - skills, experience, work ethic, maturity, and so on.

Have you checked out AARP's work-related section on their website? They publish an annual list of the best senior-friendly employers:
AARP

Good luck and keep us posted!

So go over to vent and start something. Sheesh these retirees are all the same just sit rockin on the porch and grumble. Can'teven shake a fist any more. Go watch some betty white or something. O:-) ;-)

Done temp? I know its not recommended at this time. There's also a volunteer opportunities piece in my local paper, which could be a place to start looking for places that want help but not a fulltimer. In fact, I think there's a program called seniorhelp that tries to put seniors tonwork. Aarp will know if there's a branch in your area. It might also be fed funded orvstate funded--do you have shiip in your state? State senior agency might have a clue too.

Berry,

I understand you want to do semi retirement work.  Cover letters are hardly used.  I would put this information on your resume at the very top.  Perhaps used the old obsolete Job Objective:

JOB OBJECTIVE:  Semi-Retired, would like to return to work on a part time.

Something of that nature.  Then mention the jobs you are interested in.  Why not do contract assignments and not work all the time.  Did you know that you can collect Unemployment Benefits with Social Security Benefits?  I have been trying to do that, but not been able to get 20 weeks in a calendar year, yet.

We all need extra money when you collect Early Social Security!

Someone mention that the person who used to take care of the Vent and other forums is not here.  I don't know what Monster is going to do.  Many of us have come over here to vent.  Good Luck and sleep in when you can.

Ya think mebbe all'r bellyachin gave the vent mod a bellyache? I just went and checked, and my thread on n.korea isn't up. If a new mod takes it, they'll prob just dump the inbox. Or maybe its an effective attempt to muzzle the partisans, or refocus on jobs like we're 'sposed to. Meh. Ventin's good, boss let his reprt vent last week about some procedure, I just about went in when he used a derogatory female term, but let it go. I'm already he most genteel person there, aka wuss, don't need tonrub their noses in it, or get mine rubbed in some other nasty stuff we have onhand.

To keep it jobside--perm parttime would work better toward gettin that twenty weeks.

Berry--check with your local govt, incl schools. My area, many hire thousand-hour positions, which do the math, fiftytwenty-hour weeks. That was my last job steady as id call it. Also, my state workforce agency has a job search list that you can search parttime as a criterion.

Db, I write you now just before my harikiri. I have been writing on my tablet, of unknown origin. A common element in electronics is coltan, which is often blood-sourced like diamonds, financing wars and oppression , after being sold to china for refining. No amount of helpful posts can atone for my unknowing contribution to worker misery. Oh wait the pen is mightie than the sword guess I'll keep posting.