How to get a job over 55

Question

I have extensive experience, masters level degree and can’t get even an interview.  Any strategies?  Thanks

Lady Pele · Answer

I was in my late 50’s when I was part of a major downsizing.  I made sure my resume was functional rather than chronological.  I kept only the most recent 20 years of experience on it.  I made sure to modify the resume for each position, to put what they considered the most important as the first items on my resume.  I made sure my LinkedIn profile was interesting, plus I published a couple of articles on it.  I Google’d the most common interview questions (including “tell me a time when…”) and made sure I had answers to them.  I brought samples of my work to any interview.  I also made sure my hair, clothes and make-up weren’t outdated.

I understand that it can be hard to maintain the positive attitude, but you’ve got this!

Holly Jacobs · Answer

Try un-training and forget your experience.  Share your nature rather than your experience and credentials (nurture).  It will be less intimidating.  Also define why you want to work.  If it's the money then you may want to solve for money rather than the fulfillment of work.

Deb Strickland · Answer

Your experience is the new normal for most anyone over 50. I know companies who don't hire anyone over 40 (except for exec level jobs). I've only worked in tech so can't talk about other industries. Yes, age discrimination is illegal, but it's nearly impossible to prove they didn't hire you because of age. Going to the EEOC is an option, but I know a few people who didn't get anywhere after a year. The companies have way more legal ways to string you along for years.

Are you in a smaller geographical area? Are there limited # of companies? I've always lived in larger areas that are mostly tech so too much competition and many young grads is more the problem there.

I've lucked out with being fully employed for the last 35 years (1 year unemployed), but my income has dropped 50% in the last 4 years. Why the pay cut? Because I had two layoffs in the last 4 years and I took the jobs that were offered in my field.  Yes, it was a kick in the gut, but these were decent jobs and I needed the income.  I wasn't laid off due to age or performance, it was purely a company revenue situation.

Recommendations:
1. Only show last 10-15 years on your resume.
2. Show that you're continually learning. Most younger hiring managers and recruiters equate 'old' (over 50) with inability to learn new skills, and not up-to-date on tech. I recently finished a nanodegree with Udacity - always learning. I try to do one new training / cert each year.
3. If a job doesn't require an advanced degree, don't put it on your resume. Yes, it's an insult to all the work and $ you spent getting those degrees.
4. Write your resume to match the job description. It'll get you past the ATS (only 3-5% make it to human eyes).
5. Are there related jobs you could move into? That often is even harder, but would expand your search.

I'd also recommend looking into contracting. They care much less about age. I spent the last year contracting and it worked out well. Good pay, benefits, and fully remote for a large company. I recently quit and accepted a full-time perm job with a company 5 miles from my house. Yes, it's another pay cut but it's enough (barely) to pay the bills. It pains me to now get the same salary I made 25 years ago!

Carol Toohill Munsch · Answer

I am 58, I have a masters degree and 30+ years of experience in healthcare administration and data analytics including senior leadership positions in large healthcare systems.    In my late 40's I began to lose my hearing.  I am now deaf, but hear quite well thanks to cochlear implants.  Having said that, there are lots of limitations to my hearing ability.  On top of that I had health issues with both my elderly parents and I chose to step out of the professional work place for close to 5 years to help care for them in their home.  I am now back looking to get back into a basic data analyst position and I am frustrated beyond hope.  I have had lots of first interviews and many second interviews.  I am willing to take an mid entry level salary.   I do acknowledge that my best references are 'old'.  I have been doing some other professional things- I edited a quarterly magazine for 4 years and did some volunteer data analyses for non profit orgaznizations.  I have also recently taken 2 online computer courses in SQL and advanced MS Excel.  I find such conflicting advice everywhere.  Tell them about your hearing issue up front OR don't tell them at all until at least 2nd interview.  Leave dates off resume/Keep dates on.  Include some of the non professional work I have done in past 5 years (retail, self employment) or leave it off completely.  I am prepared to have my resume redone by a professional (I aslo need a LinkedIn profile) but money is very tight for me and I am so afraid of spending it with the wrong company.   Also should mention am willing to relocate but have not really sent resumes to jobs outside my large metro area because I guess I feel like if I can't get something here, it won't be better elsewhere.  I just recently started on depression meds because of this.....

EMILY KIKUE FRANK · Answer

You may also be getting caught in applicant tracking systems.  Run your resume and the job posting through https://www.jobscan.co/ and see if that helps any.

Doris Ann McNeal · Answer

I know what you all mean!  I thought I was the only one going through this!  I am 53 years old with a Bachelor Degree.  I worked hard to get that degree and it hurts when they keep interviewing me just to turn around and slam the door in my face and give the job to someone else.  I'm about to give up and start my own business.  I guess they'd rather have younger people that are fresh out of college on these jobs.

Anonymous · Answer

You all are scaring me.  I'm mid-40s and trying to finish a Master's degree in the hope I get more than an entry level job.  I'm more focused on the Master's than the job hunt, but that's next.  A job would also assure that I could move closer to family.  I currently live 700 miles away from an elderly parent who could use a little more assistance.  I know sometimes it depends on the industry, but I'm trying to stay hopeful.

Anonymous · Answer

Good luck, I'm in the same boat; it's hard to stay positive but I live by 'never give up'.....

Karen Bellamy · Answer

Thank you all for your recommendations, and shared experiences.  To answer the question about geographical area, unfortunately I do live in small geographical area and the job availability is less than perfect.  I have broadened my search, which means a daily commute (over an hour one way), however  the job market is much healthier.  Keeping my fingers crossed!!

Katie Henderson Ladyboss752675 · Answer

TRY: government, non-profit, staffing agencies, contract or project work, and consider starting a consulting business. I will NEVER forget the shock I experienced when I realized I was no longer considered a valuable asset because of my age! Yes, reality sucks sometimes. Good luck and please let us know how things go for you.

How to get a job over 55

Share your insight

Browse recent posts