Not even retail?

74 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 7,2024 at 1:53PM UTC

   I don't think it's your age as much as being over-qualified. When I was in this situation I took a commission job. The pay was less, but the commissions could get you to the point where you could earn anything (the sky is the limit). The downside is the pay isn't steady. I was selling cars, so I could go from earning $400 to $10,000 each month, depending on the number and types of cars I sold during the month. They will allow you to work as much or as little as you want (obviously the less you work the less opportunity for commissions), and as long as they had showroom coverage, they didn't care. If you have a background in any type of sales, this could be an option.

2. AnonymousApril 7,2024 at 5:21PM UTC

   Sales is the one thing I really stink at. My father fed and housed a family of 4 on sales commissions. I don't know how he did it outside of just being really personable.

3. AnonymousApril 8,2024 at 1:05PM UTC

   So if you are not good at sales, what type of job in retail are you applying for? Office work? Stocking shelves? Logistics? If you are applying for a "sales" or cashier (which sometimes involves up-selling) position, your heart is probably not in it, and it will show through when you interview, The floor sales jobs are the ones that turn over more frequently in retail than any back-office jobs.

4. AnonymousApril 7,2024 at 3:58PM UTC

   I had a situation where I visited a large big box retailer on a week day and had a conversation with the manager who was filling in at the cash register during the day. Since a lot of retail establishments hire students they have trouble keeping their stores adequately staffed on weekdays. Emphasize that you are available and willing to work on weekdays.

   I would also concur with some of the other posts that they may see you as overqualified and using this as a stop gap untl you find something better. Therefore, they don't want to go through the hiring and then training process only to have you quit soon after. In your interiew try to deemphasize things that make you seem overqualified (college or advanced degree, years of corporate experience, etc) and focus on intrinsic charactaristics such as being hardworking, friendly, punctual and reliable. Emphasize customer service experience and your ability to remain calm and positive even when dealing with the most difficult of customers. You may also mention past retail experience even if it was years ago while you were in school.

5. Stephanie Branch LekowskiApril 7,2024 at 4:26PM UTC

   OK but they're going to want proof you worked at the retail jobs. If it's closed you're out of luck.

6. AnonymousApril 7,2024 at 5:34PM UTC

   I did work retail in high school. I do not give them my full resume when I apply. I've emphasized I have a totally open schedule; no kids to pick up from school/daycare, no elderly parents to cook for/take to doctor's appointments.

7. StephanieApril 7,2024 at 5:03PM UTC

   As a grocery store manager I would not hire anyone not available in the evening or on the weekends. It’s your availability stopping you.

8. AnonymousApril 7,2024 at 5:26PM UTC

   I specified that I was available weekends.

   I don't know what counts as "evenings" vs "nights" here. I grew up in a city with a lot of night shift workers, so grocery stores were open 24 hours; they tend to close around 10pm here. I told the one person who asked that I would be willing to work until 7 or 8 pm. Mostly because I didn't want to appear desperate.

9. AnonymousApril 7,2024 at 6:24PM UTC

   Not the original commenter but, such places want as open availability as possible. It can be soul sucking and deter you from outside goals!

10. AnonymousApril 7,2024 at 5:19PM UTC

    I worked retail when I was in high school. I came into the "job fair" fully expecting to interview for a cashier position. I just filled out a basic application, checking off stocking, deli, etc as interests (basically everything except using a forklift, which requires training). They did not ask for my resume so they did not know my background when they told me they only had the part-time bookkeeper position.

    If I had walked in with attitude and my full resume, yeah, I could totally see them writing me off. But I grew up in the Midwest where you could live off a cashier salary if you were frugal. A job's a job. A job that offers employee discounts on food is even better.

11. Rebecca MillikenApril 7,2024 at 5:39PM UTC

    I think it's your availablity.

    I recently was hired (but had to leave due to an injury) part time a a major chain grocery store (you know, natural food etc). I applied online, had two phone conversations/interviews, and was hired. I didn't even meet anyone in person.

    But I wanted to work nights and weekends because it was to be a second job. Any retail job, but especally part time, they will want nights and weekends. That's when they need people the most.

    Editing to add: I don't think it's your age because I'm late 50s and there were people older than me working there. Also, they had my resume and I would be considered "over qualified" for a cashier position but they didn't care. Probably because I told them I wanted a second job to help with the bills.

12. AnonymousApril 7,2024 at 6:02PM UTC

    What time was the night shift?

    I grew up in a town with a lot of night shift workers (a cannery, a hospital, a prison), so we had 24 hour grocery stores.

    They close around 10pm here. I can't imagine they get a rush at 8:30pm. People here work 9 to 5 jobs. They go to work, they might stop and pick up a few things afterward, and then they go home to dinner.

13. AnonymousApril 7,2024 at 6:19PM UTC

    It honestly could be a combo of factors: your experience (they want someone who has direct/more recent retail experience), they want evening availability (had a roommate who didn't want to work late nights at a movie theater, so like 2 AM but was perpetually scheduled as such because she was the only one over 21 at the time), etc.

    I'd say it just sucks. I've seen the theory that the job reports are reflecting people picking up 2nd and 3rd jobs and retail would probably be those type of additional income people are aiming for.

    I'm really sorry.

14. AnonymousApril 7,2024 at 6:51PM UTC

    I suppose another factor is that there are no grocery stories or other retail locations open after 11pm.

    The only night shift workers around here work in hospitals or utility companies.

    I'd be open to night shift work if it was a sustainable job. My mother was an night shift ER admissions clerk for most of my childhood. Night shift usually pays better after all.

    Being an Uber driver is a no go because the market is saturated. I can get a ride to the airport at 3am on a Sunday. Within 10 minutes.

15. MeMeApril 7,2024 at 8:09PM UTC

    Could be a reference hindering you and you don’t know it. Change the references up.

16. AnonymousApril 7,2024 at 8:43PM UTC

    I doubt this is it. It’s more likely her availability or resume may emphasize her over qualifications that’s hindering her.

17. AnitaApril 8,2024 at 1:41AM UTC

    This happened to me in 2020-2023. Then the first job I got was one that was 3600 km away. 2 months later I was let go. When this happens, often and I swear to you with every cell in my being, the universe is telling you, perhaps time to be our own boss. If you're over qualifiied, they know you will leave for something better one day so they won't hire you. And often what is said in the. interview in the silent moments speaks volumes. You'd be suprised at how many HR and managers can read one's silence and perhaps your energy and silence or even words at that, the subtext was I don't really want this job, I'm just trying to fill space and get income. I think it's time to start really assessing who you are, and what you would really like for a career. I don't mean this in any harmful way. It is literally time to dissect yourself. The universe is seriously asking you to do this and you do owe it to yourself, to determine what is the life you wish to lead, and how. I have some tricks on how you could do that if you need help. :) I hope the best for you!

18. Leslie CampbellApril 8,2024 at 12:23PM UTC

    I also have been unemployed for well over a year and I’m not having any luck either. I’ve applied to retail, housekeeping, driving jobs anything and everything. I get calls and emails for interviews but Nothing ever pans out. My sister, made the comment to me What is going on with you there are a ton of Jobs out there!!!

    I’m so frustrated with all of it.

19. GirlBossanova934974April 8,2024 at 12:45PM UTC

    As some have already pointed out, it is the fact that you are not willing to work at night that is holding you back. Retailers are like everywhere else. You don't start at the top aka get the best hours, first shift. I would simply change your application to say you are going to work weekends and nights. That should do it. Also put in your resume something that might work well with Retail stores. PS: I had something similar happen to me. I had applied to a company on 2 occasions. Then I went through a staffing agency. The company claimed I was not considered because I was not willing to work in the office and I said that to them over the phone. In fact, the company and I had NEVER spoken over the phone and I had indicated my desire to work in the office on my application. I live 12 miles from the company. IN FACT, the company was trying to cover themselves as they had been collecting resumes for 6 months and little else. No one could agree on anything at the company.......

20. AnonymousApril 8,2024 at 12:50PM UTC

    Many job listings aren't real. Or at least not in a rush to hire. Also, jobs that don't pay well can be really leery of folks that had good paying jobs in the past with benefits. The struggle is real.

21. AnonymousApril 8,2024 at 12:54PM UTC

    I believe the poster was telling us that. Not that she’s telling the people she’s interviewing with that. It sounds like perhaps you work in retail and this triggered you. Retail is fine for people who want to work in retail. But a lot of people don’t I believe that’s all she meant by “something better.” A.k.a. something better suited to her. It’s not always about you.

22. AnonymousApril 8,2024 at 12:55PM UTC

    Yeah, I’m gonna chip in and say it’s probably the nights. They want to be able to move you around that schedule anytime they need you. So if you really need to make money in retail, you need to make yourself available all the time.

23. AnonymousApril 8,2024 at 12:55PM UTC

    Brand Ambassadors are paid well, not starting wages. I realize it's a competitive market, but my sense is doing some outrageous backflip routine to work at a pizza parlor as a waitress will make you seem ridiculous and possibly unhinged.

24. AnonymousApril 8,2024 at 12:57PM UTC

    While I highly doubt the poster is saying that in the interview, it is possible that her resume intimidates folks that can't compete with her previous salary and benefits.

25. AnonymousApril 8,2024 at 1:00PM UTC

    Seriously? Not helpful or constructive.

26. AnonymousApril 8,2024 at 1:26PM UTC

    I agree that it's likely for you to have to work night shifts (they usually pay $0.50 hr more) as that's what the grocery stores are currently hiring for.

    People who have been there longer have worked their way up to day shifts. You could use a cab, uber, or a bus to get home. If you're highly qualified in a specific area, you should modify your resume for these grocery store-type jobs. The stores are hesitant to pay for your training only for you to leave for a better position.

27. AnonymousApril 8,2024 at 2:13PM UTC

    Look at the common denominators and start there to address on what could be improved. So not your age. 40's??? Availability issues? take a deeper dive.

28. AnonymousApril 8,2024 at 2:47PM UTC

    Wow. Who hurt you?

29. AnonymousApril 8,2024 at 5:46PM UTC

    Retail amd grocery jobs usually require flexible availability. Almost everyone wants day shift, including current employees.

30. AnonymousApril 8,2024 at 7:12PM UTC

    As a Marketing Executive with over 30 years experience, there is a line between enthusiasm and ridiculousness.
    I always choose substance over style, as do my clients. And it's easy to spot a fake. Bottom line, be true to yourself.

31. AnonymousApril 8,2024 at 7:15PM UTC

    My advice, hold the cheese. Be yourself. Enthusiasm is fine, fake enthrallment isn't appropriate.

32. AnonymousApril 8,2024 at 7:26PM UTC

    It is quite a leap to discuss someone's heart being hard. (I'm humming Quarterflash as I write this.) I don't get the vibe she's putting anyone down. I know plenty of laid-off tech folks applying for all types of jobs just to have income and not getting callbacks. And none of them are above anything. I think you're emotional and projecting. Listen to some Madonna, open your heart and have a cup of tea.

33. Tami L CannizzaroApril 8,2024 at 8:25PM UTC

    These jobs may be part-time or temp for some of us, yet we must treat these interviews - and jobs - as though they are very important. Just like other interviews. As others have stated, showcase your skills related to the job, including dependability and that you have a flexible schedule or that you may work one or two nights. The store I work at (yes, I work retail as my "fun" second job) accommodates our schedules so we take the night shifts + a weekend shift. Note that many retailers (maybe not the grocer you mentioned) hire their part-time workers from the seasonal workers they hire during the holidays - that's when they can see who they like, as well as the seasonal workers can test the waters of working at the store.

    Just like applying for your full-time professional job, keep in mind it costs the retailer/company money to hire and train. If they have reason to believe you will not stay then they will move on to someone who will stay longer term. Yes, turnover may be high - which is also why they tend to like "mature" workers who are reliable and good at what they do. Unless you've given them reason not to hire you, I doubt it's age-related. My two-cents based on my part-time retail work.

34. surfnwriteApril 9,2024 at 2:46AM UTC

    It might be "overqualified syndrome." They sense you're just in a holding pattern 'til you can find a job at your (higher) level, and you'll be bored/unmotivated and will leave soon.

35. AnonymousApril 9,2024 at 12:07PM UTC

    I wish I had an answer for you, but I just want to say I understand and offer some empathy! This happened to me last year and now I'm looking for a second job and it's so weird how hard it is. Never had a problem getting hired in 19 years.

36. AnonymousApril 9,2024 at 12:09PM UTC

    This is a sad pov, I hope you know that is not the case for all. It's a great place for a many degrees and growth, generalizing isn't fair to all. Disappointed in your own experience.

37. Susan Heidi WolmanApril 9,2024 at 12:16PM UTC

    Apply to the major stores - they won’t care.

38. AnonymousApril 9,2024 at 12:29PM UTC

    Actually you won't even get an interview at Macys if your not available nights and applying for part time position. Weekend closing shifts are also required.

39. Martha YoungbloodApril 9,2024 at 2:46PM UTC

    True. In just about every retail position, you are going to have to have open availability. That means a willingness to work any day of the week, including weekends, and at any time the store is open.

40. AnonymousApril 9,2024 at 12:34PM UTC

    Have you tried being upfront about this being a temporary gig but you’ve been looking for a year now and so you may be available for some time? If you need a resume for these jobs do they highlight relevant skills? Or do you talk about all the important projects you completed? Also at the end of an interview, I say, “What question do you have about me that might keep me from a second interview (job offer) and may I have the opportunity now to address it?”

41. Jessica FerlandApril 9,2024 at 12:40PM UTC

    Have you considered looking for seasonal work? When people hear that, they typically think the winter holidays, but places like Staples are in tax prep mode, salons are in prom mode and may need front desk help, etc.

42. AnonymousApril 9,2024 at 12:45PM UTC

    I went through a period of unemployment also and I’m in my 40’s. I do believe that age discrimination is part of it and being overqualified. You can try to tone down your resume to keep it more basic, in order to lessen the impression that you are overqualified. I should have done this myself but I was stubborn. I would also say that if you urgently need to bring in money, do not hesitate to take any job you can reasonably perform. Uber Eats, Doordash, and Grubhub are an option. Just be aware that there is wear and tear on your car. A company named Papa is hiring caregivers, sign up is fast and quick, with no interview. There are lots of other caregiving agencies desperately hiring, with many seniors needing care. Taco Bell, Chipotle, and Dunkin’ are desperately hiring. Housekeeping is paying well right now with a lot of jobs available. During my period of unemployment, I brought in money with Uber Eats delivery and Papa, until I found a job. Bear in mind that I have a Master’s and I’m a seasoned professional. But working any job is better than no job because being unemployed wears down mental health and wellness. The financial strain and being bored stuck at home are no good and self esteem plummets. You can also visit human services/social services in your city for employment assistance. Best wishes and don’t give up. Finding a job is tough right now and employers are pickier than ever. Keep chipping away at your job search and do self care to protect your mental health. I’m currently working for a previous employer of mine so that’s something you can try. If you have a good relationship with a past employer, you can try to get your old job back. I’m a security officer. Best wishes to you.

43. Monique DiCarloApril 10,2024 at 3:01PM UTC

    Thank you for your reply! I just registered for papa! I agree; I really want to work, and not working is affecting me.

44. AnonymousApril 10,2024 at 5:24PM UTC

    You are most welcome, Monique! Congrats on registering for Papa! I really enjoyed working for them and would work for them again! I hope you enjoy the job! Not working was affecting me also and applying for and interviewing endlessly for jobs is a job in itself. I’m super happy for you that you’ve joined Papa, the independence of choosing your clients and shifts allows you to be your own boss. The pay from Papa really helped me during a difficult time. Really glad to meet you here and best wishes to your continued success!

45. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdApril 9,2024 at 12:53PM UTC

    I wasn't able to go through all the replies, so I apologize if I'm repeating what someone else has already said.

    It's possible these retailers feel you're overqualified. They may be thinking, "Why would this person want a job here? The minute they can do better, they're going to leave."

    A similar situation happened to my brother many years ago. He was an accomplished sous chef but found himself out of work with no opportunities. He applied at a local Taco Bell and the manager told him up front he was overqualified. She suggested he create a "dumbed down" (her words) resume that noted his cooking experience but didn't highlight the specialties of being a sous chef.

    He did, and it worked. He wound up getting a job at a locally-owned pizza restaurant.

    Tailor your resume to fit the position for which you're applying.

    I wish you all the best.

46. AnonymousApril 9,2024 at 1:24PM UTC

    While I understand you’re in a tough spot, but applying with this attitude that “it’s just retail, service, etc, they’re desperate for workers, and they have high turnover so they won’t care that I’m only applying to this job out of desperation and will be gone once my career/industry takes me back” is forgetting the fact that these companies and managers do care. This is their careers, and they’ll still have to invest in training you and getting you up to speed to do the job. Also, if you haven’t worked in retail recently, it requires a lot of coaching to teach our teams to multitask and balance customer service with operational tasks; something office employees don’t typically excel at, since they excel at starting and completing a task uninterrupted and working in a much less chaotic environment, retail requires agility and superior multitasking skills. I don’t think it has anything to do with age or shady business practices, just that your skills, qualifications, availability, and overall goals don’t align with the job. Retail managers have enough on their plates, they don’t need a new hire who will need a lot of training that will leave need to be replaced in 10 weeks.

47. BarbaraApril 9,2024 at 1:47PM UTC

    Wow. That is a very insightful and educational reply. Thank you for expressing so concisely. I would not have considered any of that since I too take all retail so for granted. You are correct to point all that out.

48. JRS.April 9,2024 at 2:30PM UTC

    Well written and articulated. Spot on. Thanks for nailing it!

49. Martha YoungbloodApril 9,2024 at 2:43PM UTC

    You hit the nail on the head. I've been in retail over ten years. Nobody (except maybe Walmart folks) is just a cashier. We have to multitask.

50. AnonymousApril 9,2024 at 2:14PM UTC

    This is happening to me too! Job hunting for 7 months now. No income or Unemployment coming in so I'll work at anything but just got turned down at my neighborhood grocery store. I put that I can work "ANY" hours. It's soooo discouraging.

51. AnonymousApril 9,2024 at 2:20PM UTC

    I have worked retail part-time to supplement my income. I applied online and then went in person. Some of them do not really check the online submissions. I just talked to them and explained what I needed and was hired on the spot.

52. VickiApril 9,2024 at 2:49PM UTC

    Are you following up with phone calls or emails?

53. Jeannine RutledgeApril 9,2024 at 3:03PM UTC

    I'm so sorry you are going through this. Unfortunately, much like most, we can't offer you much. It is great that some are sharing to try Fiverr, Upwork and a few Freelance gigs. My reality much like most is that it doesn't really matter the field , your age or experience, if you have lost your job, you are struggling to find another or it is hard to keep one. I don't know what is going on but this world is a mess and we are paying more to live in it. I would love to hear from a recruiter. A true recruiter. What is really going on out here? We get it, you have a choice of candidates like never before but seriously, everyone deserves to work. I challenge anyone that is hiring to go old school and reach out to people for a quick chat. What happened to the days or actual recruiting and getting to know candidates. Are any of these jobs real? That is the question. I do wish you the best. We do feel your pain. Good luck.

54. AnonymousApril 10,2024 at 1:41PM UTC

    I ask myself that question every day! What is going on? In 2010 I was sourced by a company owner, who really wanted me to work for them. In 2019 I was laid off and started a new job in 2 weeks!

55. Gem0124April 9,2024 at 8:21PM UTC

    I didn't read all of the comments so I'm not sure if this has been said but a lot of them are looking for people who choose retail as a career. If your background is in something else, such as admin work, they don't want to hire you because they feel that as soon as something else comes along, you will leave.

56. AnonymousApril 9,2024 at 11:25PM UTC

    “ a lot of them are looking for people who choose retail as a career”

    People get stuck spending years in retail and I know they weren’t choosing it as a career. So many who went through higher education and couldn’t land jobs in their desired career path. Retail isn’t great, it’s dead end and so many get disgruntled.
    There is no past job out there that transferable skills to retail cannot be derived from. Many who need retail for financial reasons not choice get strategic with their resume. She should figure out how to market her past to a successful retail transition. Chatgpt could be useful in working her resume for this also.
    Retail is always going to have high turnover regardless. She just has to figure out how to not appear like she’d leave quick. I have a cousin who is an up and coming actor. They worked at Costco briefly in between gigs, the whole time they discussed how much of a joke it was. They got their checks and bounced. They are getting a lot of acclaim right now. They definitely weren’t choosing retail as a career. The term “No shame in my game” comes to mind and the OP just needs to learn to be the part!

57. AnonymousApril 10,2024 at 12:23PM UTC

    Sad but true. If they're really serious about retail work, applying for management instead of just associate might show dedication to it.

58. Deb StricklandApril 11,2024 at 4:59AM UTC

    That can be said with any job - leave if anything better comes along. Of course, who wouldn't do that, including the person rejecting you for the job. Such arrogance they express as if they won't let you go in ten seconds for no reason.

59. AnonymousApril 10,2024 at 12:23PM UTC

    I applied for a new store that's hiring, had an interview, and didn't even get a rejection email. I was excited because I would be able to walk to work - i.e., I'd be their most reliable employee! No snow days or traffic issues. Crickets.

60. Tiana MumfordApril 10,2024 at 12:34PM UTC

    Good day this has to be so frustrating and tedious for you. I work for a corporation I’ve been trying to transfer departments for 2 years and I have tons of rejections as well . A lot of these jobs I know I qualified for . Have you tried temp agencies? I was told people look at my years of service and experience and immediately turn me down because of the thoughts of my pay.

    Keep pushing ! Blessings

61. John DavisApril 10,2024 at 1:02PM UTC

    Thinking about retail, as the worst possible job, you might be right that it is not for you long term, but you also may find out that working in retail may prove to be interesting and you may meet people who are customers who can help you in a career. I would guess that a jewelry store might hire you if you told them that you were interested in gemstones and had enrolled in a course from the GIA or International Gem Society. Or if you are interested in fashion, Udemy may be a good choice for an inexpensive course, which would reflect your willingness to invest in knowledge about the business of the store you are applying to. Because you have bookeeping experience, and understand the facts of profit and loss, if you can use those terms and the lingo you get from the courses you are taking, I am sure that someone will give you a chance. Good luck. Don't panic, and keep the faith in yourself!

62. AnonymousApril 10,2024 at 1:10PM UTC

    If you take the job, keep searching for what you really want.

63. Changemaker828603April 10,2024 at 1:14PM UTC

    They think that you will be gone as soon as you find another job. Make your resume "fit" the job.

    I was able to pivot my career into jobs that were far below me in skills, and pay, by letting the hiring officials know that I was looking for a job with less paperwork and more flexibility. I was hired, and have had consistent raises and bonuses since being hired.

64. AnonymousApril 10,2024 at 1:32PM UTC

    I've been out of work for 2 1/2 years and have had the same problem, even when I totally dumbed down my resume.

65. AnonymousApril 10,2024 at 3:23PM UTC

    Curious what you are looking for that it has been 2.5 years?

66. AnonymousApril 10,2024 at 9:13PM UTC

    Looking for work and up-skilling. I got an MBA, HR certifications, DEI cert, and lean agile green belt. Now I have a p/t nanny gig to avoid going further into debt. I'm grateful for that, since she's a little (9 m/o) joy, but/and I'm WAY overqualified. I'm in my mid 50s and a white woman looking for a DEI role, or something in talent development. There's definitely some age-ism happening, too.

67. Monique DiCarloApril 10,2024 at 1:37PM UTC

    I have been unemployed since last October and have had a similar experience with interviews and no offers. I've worked on my resume, LinkedIn profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquedicarlo/ and cover letters constantly, so I should be in good shape. I removed my education dates and older experience, because I don't want it to be too obvious that I'm in my late 50ies. I no longer get unemployment benefits and also want to avoid going through my savings, and wondered if a temp/retail job is an option.

68. Julie Jordan-WadeApril 10,2024 at 2:21PM UTC

    Same here, Monique. In fact, I've walked into job fairs and have been told immediately, "We won't have anything here that you'd be interested in doing." Well HOW do you know that? "I'm interested in working and being self-supporting. And with my personal work ethic, I may even surprise you and stay longterm if I enjoy the job role and company culture, so please give me a chance!" I've been assertive and have said that with a smile on my face, but the hiring teams remain steadfast for the most part. Sometimes I feel I'd have a better chance if I were a convicted felon or an actively using drug addict as long as I were younger. It's a frustrating thing to gain years of good, solid work experience and to be dismissed as a potential candidate long before retirement is even an option.

69. AnonymousApril 10,2024 at 2:24PM UTC

    If you haven't already, try for a summer seasonal position or try to apply for something through a temp agency.

70. AnonymousApril 10,2024 at 2:57PM UTC

    Tell them you’re a SAHM just going back to work and see if that helps ?

71. Bridget HarringtonApril 10,2024 at 6:59PM UTC

    I had that issue when I was downsized, living in a really bad job market and trying ANYTHING to work.
    I'd applied to a local restaurant that always seemed to have a "help wanted" sign on their door. I'm not a restaurant worker, per se...but I've waitressed, hostessed, bartended and done event planning for large groups. So I was qualified for nearly everything they had available and filled out an application. I was available for any hours and could start that day.

    The owner flat-out told me "I don't hire college people. As soon as something better comes up, they leave." I just about begged him, because I was living off savings at that point and would continue to work there even if I found something else. But he wouldn't budge on his position. I also applied at retail stores and had more than one person tell me that I was older than the store manager and they'd feel "threatened" by me. It's almost always a "it's them, not you" situation. Is it legal? Nope. Can you do anything about it? Also probably nope (unless you want to die on that hill and invest a boatload in legal fees and get yourself blacklisted).

    I agree with a few other posters....say you are a SAHM. If I find myself unemployed again, that's what I'll do.

72. AnonymousApril 11,2024 at 11:47AM UTC

    "Even" retail? Wow, IMO, you show a lot right there. Please don't disregard the industry, as that is what it sounds like. "Retail" just isn't a mall store. Maybe shift this mindset and see what happens. IMO.

73. AnonymousApril 15,2024 at 12:27PM UTC

    It is a good chance that it's your resume . I have picked up part time / holiday jobs to supplement full time professional roles but I have a retail focused 2nd resume . My sister was having the same issue until I edited out her Masters degrees and made her resume skills based . Good luck to you.

74. Janet ParkhurstApril 16,2024 at 2:38AM UTC

    I disagree! If she had a "less-than" resume, she would not have been granted interviews, period. But she says she got invited back for 2nd and 3rd interviews.

    It's hard to tell, unless you or I were a "fly on the wall." But even then, who knows? We can't read peoples' minds.