I’m a woman “of a certain age” with a deep resume and multiple awards in Media production…I am a solver of problems, a maker of budgets and schedules, a person who plans with a team of people and then executes on those plans to deliver “magic” on time and on budget.

16 Comments

1. Thuyvi DaoSeptember 20,2022 at 1:16PM UTC

   You may look too expensive to afford in the employer's eyes because you have soo much experience and awards. Perhaps, keep your resume to just the last 2 years also since the pandemic has changed a lot of perspectives on media and marketing. You need to be sure and stay in trend with all social media avenues and be open to criticism during your interview process as well. Use your network of peers to find opportunities too. Being a mature and seasoned employee can have its benefits and pitfalls especially in media. Today's time requires fluidity for us all to transition into other niches as well when one pathway does not work out. Tweek that resume to reflect your adaptablity and versatile nature if possible. Innovation is key.

2. Stephanie LekowskiSeptember 20,2022 at 1:39PM UTC

   You are not whining, you are venting :-). Finding worthwhile work is difficult at all levels. Decide for yourself what you're willing to compromise on and what are your "deal breakers", not about what "they" want.

3. Jill DingSeptember 20,2022 at 1:39PM UTC

   Have you considered going solo? Could build your own team and work with clients. With your awards and experience, you could build a base as a thought leader. Start posting on LinkedIn or write articles to major news sites to establish yourself. Good luck!

4. AnonymousSeptember 20,2022 at 1:53PM UTC

   I don’t think you are whining. You clearly know what you have to offer and it’s impressive! I realize you are willing to support as well as lead, but that is what makes a great leader.

   Is there any reason you would not want to target VP or other executive leadership roles?

5. Kathryn MontbriandSeptember 20,2022 at 2:09PM UTC

   Hi April - thank you for being so open about your situation. One avenue to consider: look around your network to see who has started their own consulting or advising firm and offer your services through an already-established business.

   You have the experience and the credibility and would be a great partner for any company looking to grow!

   Otherwise - have you ever considered teaching the next generation? Either through a college/university or through your own online course? That would be another way to tap into your expertise and share the value with others.

6. April ColemanSeptember 21,2022 at 2:06AM UTC

   I love this. Thank you. You give me a lot to “chew” on.

7. Bonnie Simon PlummerSeptember 20,2022 at 2:24PM UTC

   Apply to usajobs.gov

8. Vanda LeeSeptember 21,2022 at 2:29AM UTC

   You are not whining... ageism is alive and well for those of us that are "of a cerian age". I don't have the answer and am experiencing the same thing. I recently got rejected by a nationally known company for a position I was well qualified for and centrally located in the center of the territory. I also had an industry friend forward my credentials to the hiring manager with her recommendation (she works for them too) and I revamped my resume with an 87% match through the als system. She reached out to the hiring manager and he said HR reposted in specific larger city markets in the territory because they only got 29 applicants. Makes no sense to me.

9. Yvette BanksSeptember 21,2022 at 2:54PM UTC

   I went through the same thing. They reposted a position that I qualified for an it was reposted and a younger person but less qualified got the job.

10. AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 1:24AM UTC

    Same here.

11. AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 1:23AM UTC

    I didn't even get any interviews until I removed my graduation dates & job dates from my resume. I got through the robot systems by putting 1900 into the years for everything.

12. Yvette BanksSeptember 21,2022 at 2:53PM UTC

    Join an entrepreneur. So many small business owners need valuable and reliable help.

13. AnonymousSeptember 21,2022 at 4:49PM UTC

    Startups are always desperate to find someone who has been there and done that. The startup environment builds their plane while flying and need folks that understand the big picture. I would focus there.

14. April ColemanSeptember 21,2022 at 10:10PM UTC

    Good advice...Thank you!

15. AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 1:22AM UTC

    I got laid off at 60+ and it took a year to find a new job - with a supervisor who doesn't have a lot of time for training and hand-holding and is willing to let peers do the teaching. It's very refreshing after reporting to a younger, less experienced former peer who micromanaged every little thing and was indecisive to the point I couldn't get anything done.

    I looked into things like Upwork, and someone with your credentials could really make a go of the gig economy while doing the job search. I don't know if it helped to be able to say in my interview that I was working at a few gigs, but it kept me busy and took the sting out of being laid off.

    Good luck finding something. A portfolio that is discoverable online is the one tip I would give. I saw the writing on the wall before I got laid off, and planted my name online any way I could think of.

16. AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 6:35PM UTC

    I am also of a certain age, with a background in media production. I went back to school for an MS at age 59. I did get a great job, learning new skills and working with a much younger cohort of peers. The job came through a classmate in my degree program. My path isn't for everybody, but if it sounds good to you, be sure you prioritize networking and using career resources as highly as your coursework. (That's what I would do if I had it to do over again.)