GETTING READY TO BE RE-EMPLOYED

Another ten days to the end of 2011, and more importantly, to the enforcement of the Retirement and Re-employment Act (RRA). Starting from 1 January 2012, it is mandatory for companies in Singapore to offer re-employment to workers aged 62 who are in good health and have shown good work performance.

Employers should visit the Re-employment of Older Workers Portal or the Ministry of Manpower website to be familiar with the guidelines on wages, work schedules, workplace practices, medical benefits and others.

Workers, on their part, should also find out more about their readiness for re-employment by referring to the Employee Checklist.

Mr Yuen Ah Yip, 67, was rehired as a supervisor at age 62 to mentor younger workers. With over 40 years of experience working in the machinery department of Keppel Shipyard, Yuen had no problem getting his work contract extended without any reduction in salary or employee benefits.(Photo: Straits Times)

SMEs that require financial assistance to put in place a HR system for the RRA can apply for a S$10,000 capability development grant from the Singapore Workforce Development Agency in partnership with the Tripartite Partners. For more details on eligibility criteria, please visit the Prepare Community website. Closing date for applications is 23 December 2011. You can call 6222 1249 / 6222 2461 or email enquiry@preparecommunity.com to request for an applicaion form.

In Malaysia, there is currently no similar Act governing the re-employment of older workers. Workers in the private sector have to negotiate for re-employment on their own, or look for another job when they retire at a young 55. With the average life span now raised to 76, many retirees have little choice but to seek re-employment so they can continue to be self-supporting for the next 25 years.


Here are a few tips on how to improve your chances of getting re-employed.

1. Update your resume. Focus on more recently obtained qualifications, work experience and achievements.
2. You may be competing against younger job applicants, but you have an edge over them in these areas - reliability, loyalty, experience, dedication. Make sure you emphasize these in your resume.
3. Keep your skills current, especially your computer skills. Attend classes if necessary to acquire new skills that would boost your job prospects.
4. Be prepared to accept a slightly lower starting salary and reduced employee benefits.
5. Your chances of negotiating for a higher salary are better if you can demonstrate your worth to the company. Explain what you can do for the company rather than what you expect the company to pay you.
6. If you have to attend an interview, dress smart and avoid clothes that instantly classify you as an 'aunty' or 'uncle'. The same applies to hairstyles and shoes.
7. Be humble and flexible. You may have a wealth of previous work experience, but show that you are willing to learn new things and to adapt to a new working environment.
8. Your potential employer may be much younger than you, but do not talk down to him.
9. Read up on the latest developments in the industry. If you want a job that much, be willing to invest time and money (on retraining and self-improvement courses) to improve your chances of getting re-employed.
10. Expand your job searches. The classifieds in the papers are not the only or the best source of job vacancies. Check out online employment agencies. Post your resume on Linkedin and let your friends on Facebook know that you are available for employment. Make use of social media sites to enhance your job opportunities.

Related article:

What is an older worker worth?