Retired baby boomers are returning to the workplace in increasing numbers. If you're part of this generation and are looking to get back into the swing of things, consider these five tips when trying to land that new job.

"If you were born between 1946 and 1964, you belong to one of America's most celebrated generations. You are a baby-boomer, and chances are, you're either retired or thinking about retirement in the near future.

Retirement isn't what it used to be, however. Many baby boomers are not content with spending their golden years relaxing on the front porch with a glass of lemonade and a good book. Some may even have trouble affording such a lifestyle. In 2006, 11% of retired baby boomers said they were actively seeking employment. A year later, an identical survey found that this number had increased to 35%.

Choosing to Go Back to Work The authors of this study, who belong to an organization called Retired Worker, attribute this drastic shift to changes in perceptions and expectations, both among retired workers and throughout society as a whole. Older workers are increasingly accepted and appreciated in the workplace, which has allowed many to go back to work on a part-time or full-time basis.

So why are retired workers flocking back to the office? According to the Retired Worker study, no single factor is solely responsible. For example, fewer then 20% of retirees return to work for financial reasons. More often, older workers desire extra income to pay for non-essentials such as travel. In other cases, retirees are working because they enjoy their jobs, want to keep busy, or need that coveted health insurance.

Getting Started The initial obstacle of the job search is figuring out where and how to look for employment. Several major websites help low-income senior workers to find employers that are looking for older staff. The AARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons, pairs employers with retired individuals who are searching for work. Resources such as these can help you identify potential positions designed for older, more experienced personnel.

Not all jobs available to retirees are specifically identified as such. Older workers can apply for any advertised position, just like their younger counterparts. The challenge for older workers, however, involves overcoming the perception that senior employees are not a solid investment. Many employers are reluctant to consider older applicants who aren't necessarily looking for a long-term career. Therefore, retirees may have to put in a little extra work to get noticed.

Available Career Options Many jobs available to older workers are either part-time or freelance. For example, retired accountants often find work during busy times of year, such as tax season. Many schools hire retired teachers as substitutes or assistants, or to help with summer programs. However, this does not mean that you have to work part-time in your former occupation. Many older workers find new full-time positions, and some even work in fields unrelated to their previous careers.

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