I'm facing what I knew would eventually happen: ageism, and they know they can hire someone cheaper for the salary I would ask for.

52 Comments

1. Sonya MagettAugust 18,2025 at 2:22PM UTC

   Ask your favorite AI

2. AnonymousAugust 18,2025 at 2:54PM UTC

   I’m guessing project management or sales would be good pivots, but I also think that – in today’s hiring environment – 200 applications may just be a starting point. Isn’t that sad? It might easily have nothing to do with your age or career choice and only how hard it is for EVERYONE to find a job right now. I’ve always had my best success landing jobs when I networked my *ss off. Try messaging your college classmates to see if they have any openings at their companies, or add a ton of new people in your industry on LinkedIn, and every time you apply for a job, stop, look at the company, and figure out if anyone you know – even just a LinkedIn connection you’ve never met in real life – works there. Then apply, message your acquaintance that you applied, and start asking short questions like how they enjoy working there, what the company culture is like, or if they can help you get your resume in front of a hiring manager. Automatically attach your resume to each message. You’ll get a lot of responses where some is at least WILLING to help, even if it doesn’t immediately lead anywhere. The best part is that if you find something, and you’re on a job hunt again in a few years, you can message the same people, and it won’t be a “cold message” anymore; it will be you continuing an older convo and further building your network.

3. AnonymousAugust 20,2025 at 12:39PM UTC

   You are absolutely correct about the job market being difficult right now for everyone . My former co worker is a 30 yr old young man who was out of work for 4-5 months . He never had this issue prior to this year.

4. AnonymousAugust 18,2025 at 4:18PM UTC

   Contract or consultant for identical tasks but what I did was approach former employers who required the work get done but not full time and not in-office. So I strung together a couple of these jobs at 2.5× my former hourly rate with no benefits.

   It worked out well. I take on new clients on a project basis when I have the time.

   Many employers don't have the need to add head count but yet the work is there. I'm a known resource with the knowledge and skill that they don't need to train nor do they need to supervise. So I have found it is worth it to them to keep me working for them but I'm under the radar and they look like a hero for saving headcount and still getting .the work done. I bill them monthly and dictate my schedule, take my time off when I want and avoid the ageism and politics because im not there in person. It's been such a pleasure not to deal with all of that. My clients are happy I'm there.

5. Bee SarsaAugust 19,2025 at 3:41AM UTC

   You are the answer of my 'how to pivot ' question. Can you advise me though on how to pitch my services though to the people in network? A little background: 20yrs patient care exp-labtech-nurse. During COVID I took over a restaurant and succesfully made it profitable. After that someone asked to help them open a restaurant, I helped. Another one approached, I helped. For last 3years I consulted 7 new rest. For idea to inventory. Last year I realised that 4of them closed within a year or two. I slowed my pace. Now I feel ashamed to approach someone and tell them this.

6. AnonymousAugust 19,2025 at 12:58PM UTC

   They make websites for this type of thing - gig/consuting work. Start googling those terms

7. CJB62August 19,2025 at 1:18PM UTC

   How do handle the lack of benefits, medical insurance, etc? Or are you billing enough to easily cover that on your end.? I have a similar background to you but the benefits piece is the one thing that stops me from working for myself.

8. AnonymousAugust 19,2025 at 5:49PM UTC

   Yes, I cover benefits and life insurance etc myself. I bill at a rate 2.5x my w2 rate

9. AnonymousAugust 18,2025 at 6:58PM UTC

   Looking elsewhere is certainly an option, but consider strongly advocating for your value to employers for the exact job you want. Remind employers that the cheapest thing is not always the best option; quality and experience add value and you deserve higher pay because you can do more than a brand new employee.

10. AnonymousAugust 19,2025 at 5:21AM UTC

    How about a management role? Those never go out of style.

11. AnonymousAugust 19,2025 at 5:24PM UTC

    My title and background are technically in Management. I've found some advertisements for a "Client Success Manager"; there is little comprehension as to the level of knowledge we must have to be successful in the role. Technical skills, billing, marketing, IT/troubleshooting software, training, product management, analysis, etc.

    I describe what I do as being the center of a bike wheel. I connect all the spokes to the tire, which is the company for which I work.

    Each spoke is a department I have to be knowledgeable about and be able to connect to when the customer (or I) needs something. This is in addition to ensuring they are always happy for retention's sake. If that's not understood at a company when looking for a CSM, my experience (to them) is irrelevant.

12. GirlBossanova934974August 19,2025 at 12:47PM UTC

    1) Make sure your LInkedin profile is up to data and filled out. I don't know how many LI profiles I read these days that are basic "bare bones". I couldn't tell what they do or did. Recruiters should be calling if the LI profile is good. 2) Concentrate on FINANCIAL metrics on your resume. What you brought to the companies in terms of dollars and cents. Pay is one thing. That has to be measured against what you brought in. 3) Avoid applying to remote jobs if possible. Stick to HYBRID. Moving from REMOTE to HYBRID gets rid of at last 50% of applicants and in cases, 75% of applicants. 4) Apply to FRESH jobs, aka posted within the last 2 weeks. 5) Network with former co workers.

13. AnonymousAugust 19,2025 at 5:09PM UTC

    Thank you for the advice. My LinkedIn profile is close to perfect. I literally can't with it anymore. Part of me wonders if listing titles I'm "searchable" under for recruiters should change. Customer Success Manager, Relationship Manager, etc., are mostly the same job - different titles. Any suggestions on new titles recruiters search for in my field? I haven't tried the Hybrid angle yet - I'll try that. thanks!

14. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netAugust 19,2025 at 5:42PM UTC

    Be sure to include your photo.

15. AnonymousAugust 19,2025 at 1:08PM UTC

    I am facing this also -- you are not alone. 15 year ad tech professional, glowing recommendations, left right center you name it. I've sent out so many resumes, updated all the Linkedins, and have interviewed so many times but never am able to get over the hump. Even had an employer tell me I'd be "too bored" - wish they let me make that decision. I have actually moved out of ad tech and went into civil service for the time being but it is VERY different and still figuring out what to do -- want to go back to private sector eventually but this opportunity presented itself. I would recommend going to smaller local shops to see if they need representatives or help setting up their relationships with vendors that you could possibly facilitate with.

16. AnonymousAugust 19,2025 at 5:03PM UTC

    Thank you! Funny, you mention civil service - that's exactly where I am right now. I'll look into your suggestion. Thanks!

17. G MicheleAugust 20,2025 at 3:48AM UTC

    I am ready to start going door to door with a generic cover letter and my resume and drop it off at companies in my area. It cannot hurt, but beyond humbling.

18. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netAugust 19,2025 at 1:38PM UTC

    i would have to see your resume but I suspect that your title is holding off getting interviews. It is hard for me to comment without knowing what salary range you are looking for but your job title needs to be what companies are looking for or else they will not continue to read your experience. It needs to be a generic title. I will say it is difficult to get interviews in this market.

19. AnonymousAugust 19,2025 at 4:52PM UTC

    Customer Success Manager. With my experience and the companies I've worked for, I would normally have a higher salary expectation (especially given the technology I stay up to date on), but I have even lowered that expectation.

20. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netAugust 19,2025 at 5:40PM UTC

    What is a Customer Success Manager? Can you call it something else that companies can relate to? Is it Customer Service?

21. KC Sports FanAugust 20,2025 at 5:51PM UTC

    It's a well known title in companies with front line facing teams. It's not customer service, it's more of a niche.

22. AnonymousAugust 19,2025 at 2:30PM UTC

    Stop just applying and waiting for someone to notice you. You have to work your network, you have to be vocal and show folks in forums why you are expert and make sure that you show who you have worked with and that they endorse your excellence at work. These days the searches can take 9-12 months especially in big companies. Keep going and don't lose sight of your goal. Make sure that you don't have a specific objective on the top of the resume which may be offputting. Good luck.

23. AnonymousAugust 19,2025 at 5:12PM UTC

    Would a summary be acceptable at the top of the resume? Also, what job title would you recommend to list as one I'm open to when recruiters search on LinkedIn? "Customer Success Manager" has five other titles that are mostly the same position.

24. AnonymousAugust 20,2025 at 6:41PM UTC

    OP of original response. When you have a summary best is to highlight the items that you are most interested in working with in your next role vs a specific job title. Job titles can vary so much in terms of content and level and can sometimes I have seen hiring managers eliminate you from consideration if you are above or below what they are hiring for or if they think about what you will and won't consider from where you are (predicting) which may sound crazy but I've seen it too many times. I have often had to convince HM's to look past the words and more into the tactical things or strategic skills instead of being super literal about titles.

25. AnonymousAugust 20,2025 at 3:47AM UTC

    just an FYI - MANY- MOST of us are not waiting or someone to notice us - we are applying, networking in the most humblest of ways and almost anyone I connect with - even my doctors I am asking for leads - do not be so quick to assume, judge or "talk down" to those unemployed - it is beyond challenging and disheartening as it is let alone reading a post like yours. Please do better .

26. AnonymousAugust 20,2025 at 6:19PM UTC

    OP above, I was not disrespecting her in any way. I was giving her truth about what many employers do which is ignoring those who are not employed. In a market that has a glut of applicants and when many companies have decimated their internal hiring teams (cost center reasons) often the resumes sent sit in a pile vs getting read by a real person or they just get the automatic - we got your resume, or not interested email. As someone who has led hiring teams for many many years my advice is sound and helpful not hurtful. I did not judge at all.

27. Mandy Fard, Executive Recruiter, Certified Resume WriterAugust 19,2025 at 3:19PM UTC

    I am so sorry to hear that you are feeling a victim of ageism. It's such an unfair experience, to say the least. On the other hand, becoming an expert in AI usage in your industry is a genius idea. I have recently written about the highest paying AI jobs and I would like to share what I wrote with you, if I may. You will find it here https://www.market-connections.net/blog/highest-paying-jobs-in-the-age-of-ai and I hope you will find it helopful.

28. AnonymousAugust 19,2025 at 4:58PM UTC

    Thank you, Mandy!

29. AnonymousAugust 20,2025 at 1:17PM UTC

    Mandy, great article. Thank you

30. AnonymousAugust 19,2025 at 4:57PM UTC

    Oh, trust me - I did. I guess that's the new "telltale sign" (leaving off graduation dates) that you're attempting to hide your age. I keep everything to ten years as a best practice, which brings me back to the issue of ageism.

31. AnonymousAugust 20,2025 at 12:42PM UTC

    I am so sorry you are going through this. It sucks.

    To be honest with you, right now the job market is brutal, so 200+ applications is common for most - at any age.

    Last time I was laid off (I'm 52) I had well over 500 applications and 3-10 interviews per week for 2.5 months until I finally landed something. I as well only showed the last 10 years on my resume and 15 on Linked In. Took AI and other courses and updated my resume with "current" skills. I feel like in my case, the resume was OK but once they figured out my "real age" I'd get a denial.

    My advice would be to look at not just roles where your skills transfer but where experience is valued. Like those postings with 8+ years and even more.

    Depending on the industry you may be able to transfer to operations or compliance. You can also focus on companies that are big on diversity or when you search them on Linked In you can see the people who work there are a good mix.

    Wishing you the best - keep your head up.

32. AnonymousAugust 20,2025 at 12:51PM UTC

    The market is fierce this year. Your results are typical. folks are applying for over 300 jobs, please keep looking. Applying alone is not the best method, the effort needs to go into networking to get support on the application. Plenty of folks over 50 and 60 are getting hired, please don't surmise you know ageism to be a factor. If you can, engage a career transition coach. Keep your head up! Job searches are averaging 5-6 months this year, however even uniquely qualified candidates are experiencing even longer search times. Best of luck to you!

33. AnonymousAugust 22,2025 at 12:21PM UTC

    I agreed with the wait times for jobs. Federal ans State jobs the wait times are 6-9 months (like giving birth). Other jobs are faster with the hiring process but it's more than sending a perfect resume, it's about knowing the network (old school). Recruiters actually are worth talking to.

34. AnonymousAugust 20,2025 at 1:28PM UTC

    When I read "applied to 200 - XXX jobs," I'm in awe, because it takes me almost 3-4 hours each time I personalize and job match my resume to the job description, and make sure I'm mirroring the keywords in the job post. For the record, this practice doesn't speed things up or get me interviews.

35. AnonymousAugust 21,2025 at 4:19AM UTC

    AI has helped speed up the writing process, so that you only need to revise.

    On the other hand, if you are targeting a specific role that performs very, very routine tasks, like accounting or physiotherapy, you eventually get to a point where you only switch out 1 or 2 sentences with each application.

36. DeborahORellAugust 20,2025 at 1:39PM UTC

    Being eliminated because of your age is illegal in every state. Being eliminated because they pay you too much money is not. So if you feel it is about your age, contact an employment discrimination attorney (or 2 or 3) for your state . It can't hurt. They all offer a no charge consultation to discuss your options. And my advice is don't quit. Many people feel they would rather quit than be fired for fear of the optics. And I get it except if you quit you are not eligible for unemployment benefits. And while it's not much money it is something in your pipeline. I'd be happy to do an intake with you to see if you may have a claim. Or at least to offer suggestions on how to take steps to leave on your terms as best you can. womensrightsny.com. Deborah

37. AnonymousAugust 20,2025 at 2:01PM UTC

    I have never been offered a job because of an online app. Always networking and then when asked I will file the online app as part of the obligatory process. The job market today is worse than online dating.

38. AnonymousAugust 21,2025 at 12:52PM UTC

    One would think a company would want an experienced person for customer "success" but no. People just out of college are not all that fluent in that skillset. I'm feeling this as well. Also, I see a LOT of younger, inexperienced new hires making a lot more money than you think. I'm starting to think I need to take early retirement (I'm 2 years away from full) and just work part-time. Although, I can't even find part-time or contract work right now. AI has shaken my area of work. Looking for a job is a full-time job, with rewriting my resume for every job I apply for. I'm actually at the done stage.

    Oh and one more thing: It doesn't help that a lot of people are mass-applying using AI tools (they pay for). My former manager was applying to 100s of jobs at a time, many he wouldn't have applied for. It ruins it for the rest of us.

39. AnonymousAugust 23,2025 at 4:28PM UTC

    I agree and am feeling the same, and it's also taking a mental toll with all the rejections. Turn 62 in September and am just thinking it's time to travel and stop trying to find another role. I got laid off Feb 2023 and have been doing consulting but even that's dried up. And anyone that is not in this current job market truly does not understand, not even internal recommendations in this market is getting me interviews and that used to be a shoe-in for at least a recruiter interview.

40. AnonymousAugust 23,2025 at 10:10PM UTC

    Exactly. And, I'm sorry to be negative but I have this other experience: Former coworkers, friends, work acquaintances...they say "Let me know if I can help" and when I reach out, it's crickets. I had lunch with a former coworker recently (about your age; same type of work I do), she ended up starting a small business. She had the same feeling: No one responds to questions or requests about jobs at their companies. And we/I always try to help anyone who needs connections. Oh well. Sometimes, I feel like I'm on my own unemployment island. Since February, I've had one real interview with a co recruiter. One.

41. AnonymousAugust 21,2025 at 3:04PM UTC

    I don’t see this as ageism, although that absolutely may be in play. This is just shopping for the “good enough for the money” applicant in the same way we might choose a generic product over the product with all the bells and whistles and stellar reviews because it’s good enough for the price. And it is sad that anyone would choose good enough over a superstar but that’s today’s reality. maybe you need to aim higher!

42. AnonymousAugust 22,2025 at 2:35PM UTC

    I appreciate your perspective. My resume includes Oracle, The Food Network (Scripps), and OpenTable. I have the credentials to request certain salary requirements. If I lower my salary expectation to at least get an interview, I find recruiters/hiring managers wonder why someone with my resume is willing to accept a lower salary. It can be, yet again, another red flag.

43. Betty WarrickAugust 21,2025 at 7:04PM UTC

    Unfortunately, it's often not "ageism" it's too expensiveism.

    You can't always expect to receive the same pay at a new company as a new person in a role as you received as a veteran at another company.

    You might have to settle for less money or a lower role and prove your worth to move up again.

    It sucks, but that's just how it is. Especially in roles where experience might not matter as much as you want to think it does. I hire for roles with soft skills that are polished over time, but someone with 5 years is often just as good as someone with 10, and someone with 20 may be pretty set in their ways and another company's culture and can be tough to retrain.

44. AnonymousAugust 22,2025 at 1:33PM UTC

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. I think most are willing to take some cut in pay or take a different type of role using similar skills for less, learning and moving up.

    When experience does not matter, why are companies asking for 8-10 years of experience a BS degree, with a masters preferred and think they will get a really great candidate in their 30s?

    You also hit on something else. Hiring teams thinking candidates are set in their ways when they are over 40 or heaven forbid going into their 50s. And yet these people are in that age bracket themselves. Ageism is alive an well regardless of how it's couched (salary, type of work, energy).

    I once had a senior leader who was in her early 60s. I had an opening on my team for a seasoned client manager. I had a good candidate and a great candidate. The great one was in her late 50s. Experienced, energetic, builds rapport quickly, understood the industry and trends. My boss asked me how the process was going and if I finalized my decision. She ended it with, I hope you are not hiring that old woman.

45. AnonymousAugust 22,2025 at 2:26PM UTC

    Yikes - that's just unfortunate. I have 2 close friends, both in legal professions, who tell me "off the record" It's ageism & as many say, our expectation of salary. Then it becomes a catch-22, bc if you are willing to decrease your salary requirements, some see THAT as a red flag.

46. AnonymousAugust 22,2025 at 1:25PM UTC

    This is my story as well. I have been in a director/sr. director roles for past 15 years. I was laid off in late 2023. I've applied to hundreds of jobs, tailoring resumes and cover letters, following all the "new rules". Joined a half dozen classes that all say the same thing "network, it's who you know". I invested in a coaching program, read all the latest confidence, management, and being worthy books. I initially had a few offers from associated firms that were roughly 40% cut in salary and no commission or bonus. I chose to keep looking. I had no interviews for roughly 10 months. Whether it's age or salary or both or a rough market with instability, is difficult to say.

    Use AI to explore other paths, either related or a complete pivot. I used the basic prompt below. I am finally getting interviews, but not closing the deal, yet, like I did earlier in my career. Using the process as my journey. It's frustrating and sometimes deflating. Know you are not alone.

    Prompt: “What careers should I consider and why?
    Career: I plan to work another: list your time range.
    My goals: list all of your goals, what you want out of work and purpose.
    What I don't like about past jobs: list everything from people, tools, processes, culture.
    What roles have I had: List every role and company.
    What do I enjoy doing: List everything you like including hobbies, interests, and work tasks.
    Education:
    Location: In person, Remote, or hybrid, what resonates with you?
    Next: How do these align with my resume?”
    Copy/paste resume

47. AnonymousAugust 22,2025 at 2:22PM UTC

    Thank you so much - this is incredibly helpful!

48. AnonymousAugust 22,2025 at 9:49PM UTC

    You may find more success by posting your resume on specialty job boards and/or the usual suspects (Indeed, etc.). I did this and am still getting recruiter emails contacting me about openings that they are trying to fill with someone of my background.

    Companies usually reach out to contractors if they have an urgent need, so this is a factor in your favor. They may not want to pay your rate for a "permanent" employee, but may be open to using your services on a less committed basis - per what one of the prior respondents to your posing said.

    You never know - once they find out how fantastic you are, this could lead to a more stable employment situation.

    Wishing you all the best - Do remember to lead with your advantages to their bottom line. Also, you may want to look at Andy LaCivita's materials for some creative ideas - He has a lot of good "free stuff".

49. AnonymousAugust 23,2025 at 12:29PM UTC

    Thank you!

50. AnonymousAugust 23,2025 at 12:59AM UTC

    Between April 2024 - Dec 2024 I applied for over 1K jobs. I got approx 8 interviews and 2 offers. I found a lot of jobs were posted as “feelers” to test the market. I got hundreds of emails indicating the job was “cancelled” or “posted without the budget to hire”. One company actually asked me to pay to train myself and they would reconsider me in a few months. A lot of jobs posted as remote would later say “hybrid” or on site during the phone interview (and I lived no where near the office). I could go on and on with how broken this job market is. I finally landed a good job, with a strong company with benefits. I am beyond thrilled to be working again.

51. AnonymousAugust 23,2025 at 6:20PM UTC

    Congratulations on finally getting hired! It's ridiculous that it is such a Herculean effort just to get a job these days. The job market is unbelievably flawed. I hope that at some point soon, employers come to their senses and go back to interviewing the first several reasonably qualified people who apply, then actually hire whoever impressed them most in ONE interview. Yes, I said it. For a regular job, interviewing someone once after verifying their credentials should let you know enough to decide whether they would likely do a good job for your company. This giving upwards of five interviews for a job that is far from some high-level, top secret job and only pays about $40,000 per year, then ghosting the candidates instead of at least sending them a rejection letter is really demoralizing. Also, it is NOT improving the quality of employees; people aren't suddenly doing stellar work. If anything, it's the opposite; it's much harder to get good service than it used to be in the days when you could get a job within a month of trying if you put in a reasonable effort.

52. Cynthia WatsonSeptember 3,2025 at 2:27PM UTC

    You have to start to work the 'hidden' job market by networking and increase your presence on LinkedIn as a subject matter expert in your field so that real job can find you.