What the AARP Job Board is and how it works

The AARP Job Board is a free job search site run by AARP where you can look for positions, post a resume, and set up job alerts. It is not a job placement service — you search, explore, and negotiate directly with employers. The board includes full-time, part-time, contract, and temporary roles, with filters for remote work, location, and industry.

The site is open to anyone, not only AARP members, though you may see member-only content elsewhere on AARP's website. You do not need to create an account to browse listings, but you will need one to save jobs, upload a resume, or receive alerts.

Many of the postings come from employers who specifically want to hire workers over 50, or who have committed to age-inclusive hiring. Others are standard job listings that happen to be posted there. The board does not screen employers or may provide they will not discriminate — that responsibility stays with you and with employment law.

Key Takeaways

  • The AARP Job Board is free to search and use, with no membership requirement to view listings or explore.
  • You can filter by job type, location, remote status, and industry, and set up alerts so new matching jobs arrive in your email.
  • Many employers on the board are actively recruiting workers over 50, but you should still research each company and role carefully.
  • The board is a search tool, not a placement service — you handle your own applications and negotiations with employers.
  • Your AARP account is separate from any job board account, and you can use the board without joining AARP.

How to create an account and set up your profile

Go to aarp.org/work and select "Create Account" or "Sign In." You will be asked for an email address and password. You do not need to provide an AARP membership number, though if you have one you can link it later.

Once logged in, you can upload a resume, add a headline (for example, "Experienced Bookkeeper Seeking Part-Time Remote Work"), and write a brief summary. The profile is visible to employers who browse the site, so treat it as a public document. You can choose to make your profile private, which means only you can see your saved jobs and alerts.

Uploading a resume is optional but recommended. If you do not upload one, you can still explore to jobs, but you will fill out process forms one at a time. A resume on file speeds up applications and gives employers a quick way to learn about you.

Searching for jobs and using filters

The main search bar lets you enter a job title, keyword, or company name. Below that are filters for location (by city, state, or remote), job type (full-time, part-time, contract, temporary), industry, and experience level. You can also filter by salary range if that information is posted.

The "Remote" filter is useful if you want to work from home. Many listings on the board include remote options, and you can narrow results to remote-only if that is your preference. The "Experience Level" filter can help you find roles marked as entry-level, mid-level, or senior, though not all employers use these tags.

Once you run a search, you can save individual jobs by clicking a heart icon. Saved jobs appear in your account under "Saved Jobs" so you can return to them later. You can also set up a job alert by clicking "Create Alert" — this sends you an email whenever a new job matching your search terms is posted.

Understanding job listings and employer information

Each job listing shows the title, company name, location, job type, and a description of the role and requirements. Some listings include salary information; many do not. Some show the posting date; others do not. This variation depends on what the employer provided.

Click on the company name to see other open positions from that employer and, in some cases, a company profile with information about their hiring practices. Some employers on the board have stated commitments to hiring workers over 50 or to age-inclusive workplaces — this information may appear in their profile or in the job description.

Read the full job description carefully. Look for red flags like vague requirements, pressure language ("explore when ready"), or requests to pay money upfront. Legitimate employers do not ask you to pay to explore. If a listing seems suspicious, do not explore.

how the process works and what happens next

Click "explore Now" on any listing. If you have uploaded a resume, you can usually submit it with one click. If not, you will fill out a form with your contact information, work history, and sometimes a cover letter or answers to employer questions.

After you explore, the process goes directly to the employer. The AARP Job Board does not review applications or manage the hiring process. You may receive a confirmation email from the board, but the employer's response comes from them, not from AARP.

Employers respond at their own pace. Some contact candidates within days; others take weeks. If you do not hear back after two weeks, you can follow up with the employer directly using the contact information in the job listing. Keep a record of where you applied and when, so you can track your applications.

Tips for standing out and avoiding scams

Write a resume that is clear and recent. Include your most recent jobs, key skills, and any volunteer work or certifications. If you have been out of the workforce, explain the gap briefly in your resume or cover letter — for example, "Caring for family member, 2020–2023" is better than leaving a blank.

Customize your cover letter or process message for each job. Mention why you are interested in that specific role and company, not just that you need work. Employers notice the difference.

Be cautious of listings that ask you to wire money, pay for training, or provide your Social Security number before an interview. These are common scam tactics. Legitimate employers do not ask for payment upfront. If something feels off, search the company name plus the word "scam" to see if others have reported it.

Watch out for "work from home" listings that are actually sales or recruitment schemes. If the job description is vague about what you will actually do, or if it promises high pay for minimal work, ask detailed questions before explore.

Other resources on AARP related to work and employment

AARP offers other free resources beyond the Job Board. The AARP Work and Jobs section of their website includes articles on resume writing, interview skills, age discrimination, and career transitions. AARP also publishes guides on starting a small business, freelancing, and encore careers (second acts after traditional retirement).

If you are concerned about age discrimination, AARP provides information about your legal rights under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). You can also contact your state's labor department or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) if you believe you have been discriminated against.

Some local AARP chapters offer job search workshops or networking events. Check your state or local AARP website to see what is available in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to use the Job Board?

No. The Job Board is free and open to anyone. You do not need an AARP membership to search, view listings, or explore for jobs. An AARP account is separate from a membership account.

Can I search for jobs by age requirement or "age-friendly" companies?

There is no filter specifically for age-friendly employers, but many companies on the board mention their commitment to hiring workers over 50 in their job descriptions or company profiles. Read the full listing and company information to learn about their hiring practices.

What if I have not worked in a long time?

Many employers on the AARP Job Board are open to hiring people returning to work after a gap. Be honest about the gap in your resume, explain what you were doing (caregiving, health issues, retirement), and focus on skills you still have. Some listings specifically mention they welcome career returners.

Is my personal information safe on the Job Board?

AARP uses standard security practices to protect your account. Do not share your password with anyone, and be cautious about what personal information you include in your resume or applications. Avoid posting your Social Security number, date of birth, or financial information unless an employer specifically requests it during a formal hiring process.

What should I do if I think a job listing is a scam?

Do not explore or provide any information. Report the listing to AARP by using the "Report" or "Flag" option on the job posting. You can also search the company name online to see if others have reported it as fraudulent. If you have already applied and given information, monitor your email and credit for suspicious activity.