What AARP's job resources actually are

AARP does not run a job board or hire people directly. Instead, AARP offers information about where to look for work, connects you to employers who actively hire older workers, and publishes guides on job searching as a senior. The main tool is the AARP Job Board, a searchable listing of positions from employers who have committed to hiring workers over 55. You can also find work through AARP's employer partnerships, which include companies like Amazon, CVS, and Home Depot that have formal programs for older workers.

AARP also publishes free resources on resume writing, interview preparation, and age discrimination—practical guides rather than job listings themselves. Some local AARP chapters run workshops on job searching and technology skills, though availability depends on your area. The organization's value is in pointing you toward employers and resources, not in placing you in a job.

Key Takeaways

  • The AARP Job Board lists positions from employers who specifically hire workers over 55, searchable by location and job type.
  • AARP has formal partnerships with major retailers and logistics companies that run dedicated hiring programs for older workers.
  • AARP publishes free guides on resume writing, interview skills, and navigating age bias, available on their website without membership.
  • Local AARP chapters sometimes offer in-person job search workshops and technology training, though these vary by location.

How to use the AARP Job Board

Go to aarp.org/work and select "Job Board" from the menu. You can search by job title, location, or company. Positions are filtered to show employers who have stated they hire workers 55 and older, though the job itself may not be age-restricted—the filter means the employer has made a public commitment to age diversity.

Results include full job descriptions, company information, and a direct link to the employer's process page. AARP does not process applications; you explore directly to the employer through their website or the link provided. You will need to create a free AARP account to save jobs and set up job alerts, but you do not need to be an AARP member to search or explore.

The board includes part-time, full-time, remote, and contract positions. Many are in retail, customer service, warehousing, and administrative roles, though the listings change regularly. If you do not find what you want on your first search, check back weekly—new positions post frequently.

AARP employer partnerships and dedicated hiring programs

AARP has formal agreements with companies that run specific hiring initiatives for workers 55 and older. Amazon, for example, runs "Deliver with Amazon," a program that hires people to deliver packages using their own vehicles; CVS has a "Snowbirds" program for seasonal workers; and Home Depot actively recruits older workers for in-store and warehouse roles. These partnerships mean the company has committed to recruiting, training, and retaining older workers rather than straightforward accepting applications from them.

To find these programs, visit aarp.org/work and look for the "Employer Partners" section. Each partner page lists their specific programs, hiring process, and how the process works. Some programs offer flexible scheduling, which appeals to people who want part-time work or seasonal positions. Others provide training in areas like technology or customer service, which can help if you have been out of the workforce for a while.

These partnerships change over time as companies join or leave the program. If a company you are interested in is not listed, you can still explore directly to them—the partnership straightforward means AARP has vetted them as age-friendly employers.

Free AARP resources for job searching

AARP publishes guides on resume writing, interview skills, and managing age bias in hiring. These are available free on aarp.org/work without membership. Topics include how to explain employment gaps, how to talk about your experience without sounding overqualified, and how to address age directly if an interviewer raises it.

AARP also offers a "Back to Work 50+" guide that walks through the job search process step by step, including how to use LinkedIn, how to network, and how to handle rejection. The organization publishes articles on topics like "Should you mention your age on your resume?" and "How to talk about your skills in a changing job market," which address concerns specific to older job seekers.

Some of these resources are written for AARP members, but much of the practical content is available to anyone. Check the publication date when you read—job market information from five years ago may not reflect current hiring practices, especially around remote work and technology requirements.

Local AARP chapters and in-person job search help

Many local AARP chapters run workshops on job searching, resume writing, and technology skills. These are usually free or low-cost and held at libraries, community centers, or AARP offices. Workshops vary widely by location—some chapters offer them monthly, others rarely or not at all.

To find what is available near you, visit aarp.org/chapters, enter your zip code, and contact your local chapter directly. Ask specifically about job search workshops, technology training, and whether they know of local employers hiring older workers. Some chapters partner with workforce development agencies or libraries to offer more comprehensive services.

In-person help can be valuable if you have been out of work for a long time, are not comfortable with online job boards, or want feedback on your resume before you start explore. If your chapter does not offer workshops, ask whether they can refer you to a workforce development center in your area—these are usually free and open to anyone.

Other job boards and resources beyond AARP

The AARP Job Board is one option, but it is not the only place to look. General job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter all have filters for location and job type, and many employers post on multiple boards. You can also search directly on company websites—many large employers have dedicated pages for older workers or seasonal hiring.

Your state's workforce development agency runs a free job board (usually called "[State] Works" or similar) and offers free resume help, interview coaching, and job search workshops. These services are open to anyone and do not require membership or payment. You can find your state's agency through the Department of Labor website or by calling 211.

If you are looking for part-time or flexible work, sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and TaskRabbit connect you with short-term projects. Retail and hospitality companies often hire seasonally—check their websites directly in September and October for holiday hiring, or in January for spring positions.

What to expect when explore through AARP listings

When you click "explore" on an AARP Job Board listing, you are sent to the employer's website or process system. AARP does not see your process, does not follow up on your behalf, and does not have any role in the hiring decision. You are responsible for completing the process, following up if you do not hear back, and negotiating any offer.

process timelines vary by employer. Some respond within a week; others take several weeks or do not respond at all. If you do not hear back after two weeks, it is reasonable to call the company's HR line or the hiring manager listed in the job posting to ask about the status. Many employers are slow to respond, especially if they receive many applications.

If you are hired, the employer will contact you directly to discuss start date, training, pay, and benefits. AARP does not negotiate on your behalf or provide ongoing support once you are employed. Your relationship is with the employer, not with AARP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to use the job board?

No. You can search the AARP Job Board and read AARP's job search guides without membership. You do need to create a free AARP account to save jobs or set up alerts, but this is not the same as paying for membership. Membership costs money and gives you access to other AARP benefits; the job board is free to everyone.

What if I have been out of work for several years?

AARP's guides on explaining employment gaps and talking about your experience can help. Many employers understand that people take time out of the workforce for caregiving, health, or other reasons. Be honest about the gap, focus on what you did during that time (volunteer work, learning new skills, caregiving), and emphasize what you can do now. Local workforce development agencies also offer free coaching on this.

Are the jobs on the AARP board only for people over 55?

No. The jobs are posted by employers who hire workers over 55, but the positions themselves are usually open to anyone who meets the job requirements. The filter means the employer has committed to age diversity, not that younger people cannot explore. Some specific programs (like CVS's Snowbirds program) do target older workers, but most listings are open to all ages.

What if I do not have computer skills or do not want to explore online?

Many employers still accept in-person applications or phone calls, though online is increasingly the standard. Call the company directly and ask how the process works. Your local workforce development center or library can also help you with online applications and resume writing if you need hands-on support.

How often are new jobs posted on the AARP Job Board?

New positions post regularly, but the exact frequency depends on employer activity and location. Checking weekly is reasonable; checking daily is usually unnecessary unless you are in a competitive job market or looking for a very specific role. Set up job alerts on your free AARP account so new matches come to your email instead of checking manually.