The struggle is real

Question

It's been hard to find a job. I never had a hard time finding a job in the past. I am uncertain if it's because I moved to a new city, if it's because I am older now, if it's because I am a female. It's frustrating. I spent years in school getting an education and have had so much work experience and yet I have been feel inadequate. Is anyone else feeling the same way?

Lady Pele · Answer

Moving to a new city and initiating a job search?  Those are two major life changes!  And yes, I found being older became a liability rather than an asset when I was searching last year.

I wound up removing 20 years from my resume that no longer applied and made sure I was using the latest resume format that can be easily imported into HR software.  A stellar LinkedIn profile is important. 
 Making sure your hair, make-up and clothing isn't out-of-date is also helpful for those critical first impressions.

It's not an easy road, but it's not insurmountable.  You can do it!!

Helen Hanison · Answer

It's hard to feel this way and be pursuing opportunities that would require you hide your reservations. Never mind in a new geography as you are. I agree with those who have said network, network, network. Both on and offline.  It might help to think of this as collecting stories. If you know what orbit you are looking to reinvigorate, and gravitate towards finding real people to have a coffee with here, connect with there - so you 'collect' connects that are in the orbit you wish you were inhabiting it will see you moving in the right circles.  And know how to ask if they know of an opportunity for someone with your profile and experience?

Here's some advice to make LinkedIn work like your recruiter. Don't get overwhelmed.  Just take it 1 step at a time.

Creating a Stand Out Linked In Profile:

*  While a CV mustn’t go over 2 pages you can go into more details on Linked In.  Pull out more detail about your skills and areas of particular interest - key words that connect with the roles you want next are key
* Gather endorsements and recommendations from as many people as you can to reinforce these
* Use a professional photo (as in, just you / head and shoulders / not literal showing you at work but professional skew - good to smile = 25% more views!)
* Utilise the short headline that shows under your name in every post you ever make - e.g mine literally says who I help and what with - depending on your current work connections you might be explicit (seeking my next opportunity in xx) 
* create a compelling summary - education / career story so far, successes, give some personality away - could feature core competencies / skills but in your case, you’re looking to pivot so DO SAY what you intend to do in your future,  and you should end with a CTA (call to action) saying you’re open to discussions about opportunities such as A, B, C... 
* Experience: detail your experience reflecting the same sections as your CV. For SEO purposes it is even more crucial here to use the right keywords for what you want to feature in your next role.  
* LinkedIn also allows you to detail projects you’ve been involved in, trainings/certs; languages spoken - add links / video’s - whatever you have that showcases all that makes you a good career catch.  You are so much more than the specific situation at this time... 
* Connect with people: connect with relevant people you already know (some might ignore but most love to help); endorse others’ skills (might endorse you back); target 50 connects.  Say hello when you connect and either then/later ask them to endorse your (ideally 5x) core skills (common practice, not odd) 
* Recommendations are more powerful and add further credibility - build these over time from colleagues, old mentors, clients, suppliers and anyone who has collaborated with you.  Be proactive about recommending them back 
* Follow: find people on LinkedIn you admire / or are interested in and follow - from influencers and/or people working in your aspired field(s) who may write articles /share pieces of interest. 
* Join some groups where people have common interests and/or match your career choice and region - there are 1000s, just go for it from alumni groups, to HR Grapevine (for people with a similar skillset; consider Strategy Consulting Network and follow your curiosity / passions too

Then use it to be your own recruiter:

* Let recruiters know you’re open.  Under the dashboard section of your profile there is a button to use that tells recruiters you’re open to opportunities.  Complete basic info about the role(s) you’re looking for - from location, specify about aspired-to wide range of industry/ies otherwise they’ll assume same again, and you’ll be directed to opportunities and future searchers will pick up on your data.  Should take some time away from the search element of what to apply for actually.
* Follow the companies and people you’re interested in working with so you receive updates when people leave / news about the organisation and open jobs posted to their site.  The company pages will also help you work out if you know anyone there who could make an introduction 
* use the job search function to look via a title / location within a specific sector or even company. The results will show jobs that meet your specified criteria alongside similar jobs.  Have a look at appealing job descriptions and pick out the keywords that need to be included in your own profile for you to come up in a search for that role  
* Within groups - engage with conversations, provide links to relevant articles, ask simple questions that can engage others, share / comment on research ...
* build your network with people you meet - send short tailored messages to make your connect request personal

And that’s it.  It’s a lot but bear in mind, you can apply with one click once this is set up to all sorts of opportunities that LinkedIn will telling you you’re a match for...

Good luck! Warmly, Helen

Lea Fichter · Answer

As others have stated, just put the last 15 years of your work experience on your resume and Linkedin. Make sure your resume looks polished and modern. Have a professional looking headshot for your Linkedin profile.  Make sure your Linkedin says “open to opportunities”. And tailor your resume and cover letter to each role you are applying to. 
It’s tough out there for everyone, but these tips should help you. 
Good luck!!!

Barb Hansen · Answer

Maybe yes, and maybe no. You may not be getting response because you are in a new town, female and 'older'. I have put 'older' in quotes because you may not be old at all, just older than you where :)

If there are metaphorical boxes stacked up ahead of you, then find a way to either move the boxes or walk around them.

If you think you are not being hired because you are new in town and you don't know enough people in your career field, then attend meetups or 'drinks & hire' at a local pubs (there are plenty of those where I live, maybe not in other places) and meet people.

You are female and older,  both are things that you either can't change (perhaps don't want to change) but those things make you hire-able and super valuable, so to borrow a now over-used phrase, 'lean in' to who you are!

Is your resume doing you justice?  I was in a similar position a few years ago (female and over 50), and my resume was professional and chronological  but not doing me any good. I hired a great career coach/resume writer who re-did my resume to be experience/success based and I went from getting no responses to getting a phone call for about 50% of the jobs that I applied for.  I have since accepted a position that I got from my new resume

There are many career coaches and HR professionals on FGB who can help, as I am neither a professional career coach or an HR professional, just a older woman who has worked in tech for many years and faced some of the same struggles that you are facing.

Anonymous · Answer

It's never easy but keep at it! Fairygodboss and linkedin are great resources.  I recommend reaching out to some recruiting firms as well so they can help.

Rose Holland · Answer

Can so relate. I would encourage you to do some major networking. If you are in a profession with a professional organization, start there. LinkedIn is a great way to connect to others.  Use your old network and see if they have connections at your new location. It's a small world and I have been surprised that people I worked with in a rural area had some major connections in an urban area because of attending conferences or presenting work.

Sonya Weiss · Answer

I feel the same! It's frustrating but you just have to keep moving and take one day at a time. I keep telling myself something will come along shortly and it will be worth the struggle :)

Zsa Zsa Mala · Answer

Thank you:) and you're right as I did the same thing. Im 35 and I took removed work all experience prior to 2013 off my resume.

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