Hi Everyone,

Hi Everyone,

I am 56. I have been looking for a job for 2 yrs. I have Project Management, Business Analysis, Tableau, and Microsoft Project skills. I am also a Certification as a Scrum Master and SAFe 6 Agilsit. I feel like age is a factor as to why I am getting so many NO.s. Does anyone have any suggestions?

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14 Comments

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  1. Kristin Knisley

    The job market in the tech industry is TERRIBLE right now. Every time I open LinkedIn, there are 100s of people in my network laid off in the product management, project management, and Scrum/Agile skillset. That means every job you apply for has 100s of others with your same or similar skillset also looking at those same jobs (even more if you're looking for remote). Here is what I found can help:

    --If you're on LinkedIn, don't waste your time applying to the positions that say "Over 100 applicants". By that time, the employer is most likely not even looking at additional resumes, even if the job is still posted.
    --Do a resume review with a friend, work group, previous colleagues, or even a paid service (though a paid service is not necessary). Make sure your resume is touting specifics that you accomplished, with measurable actions (if you can align your actions to revenue gained or saved, even better)
    --Apply the same day that a job is posted. That means you have to be scouring job boards daily.
    --Network! Don't be embarassed to ask for help. This could be when you talk to former colleagues, friends or family members, have a quick elevator speech prepared (I'm looking for xx in xx industry). Post on LinkedIn that you're looking for a new position and ask for help there - Ask people to repost your post to reach their networks. And when you apply to a job, if you can network with the hiring manager on LinkedIn, do that, too.

    Above all - Remember this one thing: IT IS NOT YOU. You are not getting No's because you're not desired at a company. It's all a numbers game at this point - You need to get in front of the right person with the right position at the right time.

    Good luck!

  2. Ayian

    LinkedIn has degraded in quality of openings in the last few years and recruiters have even complained to me about the number of unqualified candidates. I've been having a great measure of success on the Indeed app, though I still would not recommend the website.

  3. Anonymous

    Are you getting the Nos after interviews or before. If before, pare down your resume to the past ten years. Nobody cares what you did before that. Technology and the world are moving at the speed of light. There's no need to age yourself on your resume. When you get in for the interview, you can sell yourself regardless of age. In fact, a lot of companies are looking for leadership and maturity these days.

  4. GirlBossanova934974

    There are tons of jobs out there for Business Analysts. I had a friend of mine lose a contract Business Analyst position at the end of June and by last week, she already had a better paying job. I think your resume is probably the issue. Please keep your work experience down to 10-15 years AND do NOT put any graduation dates on your degrees. Also please try to put in something for the last several months aka volunteer work.....something. List your accomplishments at the top in a very prominent place.

  5. Melissa McHugh

    I used to write resumes and my advice to my clients was always to avoid going past 10 years if you aren't applying for C Suite roles.

    It's a sad thing that we value youth over experience.

  6. Ayian

    I agree with Melissa, do not include more than 10 years of experience unless an executive or board position is what you're going for.

  7. Anonymous

    Age is a factor if you make it one. Is it on your resume? (and that includes graduation dates or a work history that goes back too far)

  8. Anonymous

    there could be different factors. Could be your resume, Linkedin profile, or maybe you need to brush up on your interview answers.

  9. Anonymous

    I'm sorry. 2 years is a long search time (feeling like an average lately).

    Have you worked with a career coach or sought advice? There are free tips out there as well as coaches (just go with a reputable/affordable one with great recommendations and services.

    The sage advice of leverage your contacts, being persistent, consider starting your own company/side hustle apply. You may need a change (in your profile, interview style, jobs you're looking for, even where you live).

    I recommend reading "Designing Your Life" or "Designing Your Work Life" by Burnett and Evans. Great tips for honing next steps so you're going in the right direction for you.

    Good luck.

  10. Kari Shepley

    Hi….are you only looking for remote work?

  11. Michele Darley

    Is your resume tailored to one job or more general? Applying for Business Analyst roles with a resume that is focused on Project Management could also be a factor.

  12. Anonymous

    I don’t know if it has anything to do with your age or not, but my son who’s 29 has been looking for a job for a year now. He gets interviews and is told he’s in the top 2 before hiring and then he he’s dropped. I think it’s the economy. He’s talked to several qualified people who have been looking for over 2 years now. They are told that they have the experience that’s needed, but they don’t get hired. It’s not a good job market right now unless you can do construction.

  13. Anonymous

    Your writing might also could be considered as your handicap. It is very important to proofread. If you do not proofread what you write, it could present a hiring issue as well.

  14. Anonymous

    It is ageism. Companies feel they need to earn a return on their investment, the employee. They do not see ten years as a long enough window, wrongly.

    Was watching TV and saw Clark Gregg. He's 62 and probably had his best career during his later 50s.

    Also I am grey, like white grey and think I will be in a very sorry situation soon on the job front. But I am trying not to go back to dye. I will get a wig!!!

    The stuff (cr4p) the gender biased world puts on us!!!

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