I’m on the verge of giving up on the idea of being hired in my field because of my age.

6 Comments

1. Lisa HughesApril 11,2022 at 5:34PM UTC

   As it's been two years, I'm assuming you've adjusted your expectation a bit to allow more options? You didn't go into detail, so I'm not sure if you are already in that field or if this is a complete career change. One thing I would suggest if it is completely new is to start at the bottom. It may not be your age. If this is a new career, they may feel you don't have enough experience. Starting from the bottom is a good thing in this instance.

2. Angie CallenApril 11,2022 at 7:00PM UTC

   I do agree with the comments about ageism being real, but I have a lot of other questions about your search strategy before assuming this is the only obstacle in your way. What is your industry and goal role? What have you done to change and adapt your search, networking, and resume strategy over the last two years to see how different tactics help (or don't)?

   I'd love to give more advice and support if you're comfortable sharing some more insight into your specifics. Don't give up!

3. AnonymousApril 11,2022 at 10:43PM UTC

   I paid for an online course to update my resume and Linkedin profile. I took 4 online courses to update my skills. I went through many interviews and often never heard back. It seems from some of these responses that people don't think ageism exists. If you can get a great job in your field after age 60, I would say you are the exception.

4. Heather CutlerApril 11,2022 at 8:08PM UTC

   I regret your search has been so challenging. I think it can be really easy to blame things like ageism for lack of interest in your applications. While your post is missing a lot of detail, I'd also take a long hard look at things like: how much time your spending customizing each cover letter and resume, are you applying blindly to jobs or are you engaging with your network to shepard your applications, through HR, have you done anything with professional development or taken recent continuing education in your field?

   Two years is a really long time to be getting no bites in your own field so this might be an opportunity to fire up that self awareness engine and apply a critical lens to your resume and figure out what's working and what isn't. If you can't be unbiased in this, please spend the money to engage a professional resume writer or career coach that can help you update your resume and cover letter. This doesn't have to cost a mint, either. If you don't have the funds to do that, look at your college alumni association resources.

   Best of luck in your search.

5. AnonymousApril 11,2022 at 10:44PM UTC

   Thank you! Someone who actually acknowledges that ageism is alive and well!

6. HILDA GApril 12,2022 at 6:34AM UTC

   Maybe, you can start by accepting offers that is not in alignment to your field, you know, as you said, to cover your bills. And I'm quite sure that when that right time comes, that dream role will be given to you. Trust with all your might! It will come. :)