I’m an older employee I’ve owned two businesses.

Anonymous

December 13,2023 at 1:16PM UTC

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I’m an older employee I’ve owned two businesses.

Those 2 businesses are the only ones on my resume due to them being over 10 years. I’ve worked with families and their children in both, along with engaging with local: businesses, government, and agencies. I’ve applied in companies that are horizontal to much of my works. I’ve had my resume professionally written and rewritten several times.

I’ve sought employment for almost 3 years now, 4 interviews no response. In reading a Forbes article regarding those previous entrepreneurs going back into the workforce. It was an added difficulty.

for the past 5 months I’ve been Uber Eats delivering, my car has low mileage under 50 k for a 2017. Weary is an understatement, I boost myself by getting my steps in. I’ve had to move in with my eldest daughter and am grateful but I want my world to get better.

yor assistance is greatly appreciated

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AnonymousDecember 13,2023 at 1:38PM UTC
You have to decide for yourself if you want to keep searching. Your resume is probably fine, stop giving these so called experts money to review it. Maybe try to adjust which jobs you're going for, maybe they're below your skills etc and making you appear overqualified? Good luck!
AnonymousDecember 13,2023 at 1:54PM UTC
Have you used your network to look for jobs? Called some of your contacts from the businesses and families that you worked with to see if they know of any openings? Your best opportunities may come from people who already know you and your work ethic. Also, consider looking at part time jobs that could grow into full time employment. I would sit down and make a list of all of the jobs that could be adjacent to work that you have already done or are interested in and then see what opportunities are out there. Unfortunately it can be a numbers game. Don’t give up!! I’m so sorry it has been so hard for you. You sound very resourceful, I am sure your perseverance will pay off if you keep at it!
AnonymousDecember 13,2023 at 4:17PM UTC
I was going to also comment about looking for part time jobs that will go to full time. As well, seeking help from employment agencies is helpful. They often have agents who are willing to help you with your resume or create a few types of resumes for different types of roles you’re interested in. And since most people are looking for full time roles, a lot of part time opportunities are still available. I accepted a part time role that will go full time in mid-2024. The hours allow me to search for another pt role or work on my jewelry making hobby to sell and earn a little extra or maybe I can take a class for a new skill that’s transferable to my current pt role. Try not to underestimate pt jobs out there. They may not give you extra money or benefits for a while, but you can cover your bills and still have some time to seek additional work hours elsewhere or find a hobby you love that you can earn with for a little extra cash. Sometimes taking a step back to simplify your life will allow you the time you need to adjust to your needs and find what makes you happy. I think we all forget a job needs to give us some happiness or excitement.
AnonymousDecember 13,2023 at 2:36PM UTC
I think sometimes the concept of only putting 10 years on your resume can be counterproductive - especially when that limits you to two jobs and highlights a very specific skill set. Try extending your resume to show that you've done other things besides run your own business. At this point, you are more at risk of being screened out because you don't show that you've worked under a supervisor than you are of being screened out because you're obviously past mid-30s. Many of us are looking for robust experience and regularly hire older workers.
AnonymousDecember 13,2023 at 4:06PM UTC
This comment!
I have tailored my resume down to 10 years and it cuts off some important steps in my career journey that show my desire to be tenacious and persistent - two traits often left off of resumes for certain groups of individuals looking for new opportunities. Definitely add additional roles and experiences to bolster your resume; showing you’ve been supervised or had a boss is an element employers look for. If you only show as a biz owner, employers may view it as you cannot be supervised or unable to work under someone else, potentially creating conflict. Also, ask yourself what type of supervisor/manager style you work best with and make sure you ask what style of supervisor/manager you’d be working with (it’s a proactive question to ask in an interview to help suss out what companies or departments you’d fit with best and vice-versa). Lastly, do research on the companies you’re applying at. When you write your cover letter, you can already have a simplified draft to use but make sure to cater it to the company and role. Cover letters are often a “writing sample” of sorts in which a company can assess your writing and communication skills and style. If there’s an opportunity to include a cover letter, it’s an opportunity to show your communication talents.
AnonymousDecember 13,2023 at 2:43PM UTC
You want to tailor your resume for the type of work you want and then focus on those roles. What I've done is have a basic resume, and then I can edit it to fit the specifics of the role.
Udemy has free courses on resume writing.
AnonymousDecember 13,2023 at 3:03PM UTC
If you have worked engaging local businesses, government, agencies, families, and children, have you considered working for a non-profit aligned with this type of advocacy? Even doing case management? Non-profits are generally more adept at bringing in older employees, as they often need people with lived experiences. Check your transferrable skills and widen your search. You may be surprised. Some non-profits reach out to marginalized communities that could use some seasoned expertise. Thoughts that come to mind are those who work with affordable housing, transitional housing, and homeless families. Perhaps you have volunteered for one of these agencies.
AnonymousDecember 13,2023 at 3:31PM UTC
It's not clear what types of jobs you've been seeking, but one question raised by your post is attention to detail and/or written communication skills. I'm trying to helpful and not mean. Your cover letters, emails, and other communications need to clear, grammatically correct, and use complete sentences. If those skills were not well-represented in the application process, including any thank you notes or email correspondence, and the positions required them, you might be writing yourself out of opportunities. It's just a possibility.