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How to get a job over 55
I have extensive experience, masters level degree and can’t get even an interview. Any strategies? Thanks
Doris Ann McNealBPS in Memphis, Tennessee
16
03/13/20 at 5:13AM UTC
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.
EMILY KIKUE FRANKEmily is the founder of Career Catalyst
1.2k
03/12/20 at 9:58PM UTC
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.
Carol Toohill Munsch
14
03/13/20 at 1:02AM UTC
I did have my resume reviewed by the company who provides the service to AARP members for free. It was helpful but only to a point. Without the ability to communicate back a forth with the reviewer it was pretty pointless to me. For example, these reviewers focus on achievements but every example is financial based. I included those financial measure that I could like meeting or beating budget goals. But if you work in an area that is non-revenue generating you can't do much to say you made or saved or created revenue for the organization. I focused on goals that I could like deadlines and meeting leadership expectations.
I just find it hard to believe that with all my experience and skills that my resume is falling short compared with someone with half my experience, yet that seems to be the case unless it is just ageism.
EMILY KIKUE FRANKEmily is the founder of Career Catalyst
1.2k
03/20/20 at 3:30PM UTC
Hi Carol. There's certainly ageism out there, but if you aren't getting interviews, chances are very good that your application isn't even getting seen by a person. Free resume review services are okay, but they tend, as you've found, to be one-size-fits-all. JobScan compares your resume and the job posting and tells you where you're falling short. It's the same software companies use to filter out candidates, and it's free. The other option, of course, is to pay someone to review your resume with you.
Anonymous
03/12/20 at 9:17PM UTC
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.
Carol Toohill Munsch
14
03/12/20 at 5:17PM UTC
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.....
SARA JOHNSONEnvironmental and Climate Change Scientist
105
03/12/20 at 9:31PM UTC
I know what you mean about the Linked-in profile. I paid someone $125 for professional photos and someone else about $75 for a profile. You can get a friend to take a headshot photo and I'd suggest reading some profiles of people in your industry and see if you can get some ideas to do your own profile. Take some time, make a few drafts. Maybe have a friend proof the profile for you and give comments. I think I could have saved myself $200 if I had only followed that advise. I also went for a professional update on the resume. I went through 3 different groups and the first 2 were just awful! So yes, I paid 3 different places until I got a decent resume. Very frustrating! I'm paying off student loans and really don't have a lot of income. I just wanted to get it perfect. I overspent and regret it.
On the rest, just take it one day at a time. Trust me, you're not alone out there. Sending good luck vibes your way!
Anonymous
03/12/20 at 2:04PM UTC
Good luck, I'm in the same boat; it's hard to stay positive but I live by "never give up".....
Karen Bellamy
72
03/12/20 at 4AM UTC
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 Ladyboss752675I am an expert in all things visual.
757
03/11/20 at 10:54PM UTC
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.
Deb StricklandDigital Marketing | Analytics & Tech Nomad
181
03/10/20 at 8:01PM UTC (Edited)
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!
Anonymous
03/12/20 at 4:04PM UTC
These are all great tips and tools. I’m actually working on a certification as well as updating my tech skills. I will be 56 at the end of March but am blessed to look 15 years younger. Unfortunately, I was forced to leave the job market for 5 years. In 2015 I was laid off and then unexpectedly required to care for a terminally ill parent long distance. Trying to keep up contacts and skills during this time just wasn’t possible. After working for the same company for 10 years in a very stressful role with no support and then laid off over the phone in a 10 minute phone call was hard but to find out later that although my formal status is “rehire” and I never received a performance review less than exceeds or meets expectations, it appears that there is a negative perception about me that isn’t in writing but is communicated when others ask about me. I always went the extra mile, provided good work but spoke honestly. Unfortunately, when some were provided mentors, coaches, and provided additional training at the company’s expense while others at the same level were not but were expected to produce the same level work or better then labeled “less than desirable” , negative or a troublemaker if they spoke up. I really don’t think there is anything I can do other than what I’m doing but any suggestions are helpful
Lady PeleRetired Project Manager
3.96k
03/09/20 at 2:43PM UTC
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!
Ms Michele
45
03/11/20 at 10:43PM UTC
I did the same thing: each position I applied to had an updated resume matching the competencies, did functional format, etc. The problem was the application, as it required a list of all jobs for the past 15 years and they check it against their background check. . Plus they ask for the date you graduated (or received your GED) from high school. In my profession there is no hiding your age. Also, I hired a professional career coach, prepared answers for every possible interview question (my first interview I was asked “how many gas stations are in the United States, which made me realize times have changed) and bought updated suits. In the end, my sister talked me into a very expensive hair makeover, having my makeup professionally done before each interview, and Botox (which I loved but would never do again). I took money from my investment account to pay for it all but felt it was worth a try. Two (Face to face)interviews later, I received two offers. But the long process to get an offer took a lot of work (never afraid of that) and a lot of money (thank God I had it). I can’t tell you how many times I felt devalued, not good enough, and just plain too old, because of the words used during interviews.
Ms Michele
45
03/13/20 at 6:02AM UTC
Well my new job backfired due to the coronavirus. ☹️ The huge company that rehired me just announced a hiring freeze. After the hiring manager and I agreed on a starting salary, which was negotiated by the recruiter, it was escalated to the VP of Operations for final approval (because they chose an external candidate versus an internal employee). The VP was on vacation and returned yesterday. The offer was not reviewed yet and they issued a Hiring Freeze today. I am out of a job that I never started!
Trying to deal with starting the job hunt over again. ?
Holly JacobsI'm all about winning in the right way.
253
03/09/20 at 3:12AM UTC
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.
Rebecca Jones Automotive finance
201
03/09/20 at 5:29PM UTC
Un-learning is important in today's job market. I had to let go of a lot of mentalities that used to help me when my company got bought out.
I agree that the resume doesn't need to list everything.
mlivingston-weston
23
03/09/20 at 5:08PM UTC
Please explain further. I am interested in what you are trying to share but not sure where that would fit in my resume. Thanks in advance for your help.
Holly JacobsI'm all about winning in the right way.
253
03/10/20 at 3:58AM UTC
I wish I could explain but the best way to state the obvious is the game has changed. What was valued has changed based on Total Cost of Ownership, SAP, Oracle and CRM. So although you may be quite talented, unless you have an in your looked at like a package of produce. Often times companies are looking at their forecast, ever changing market volatility and veer away from traditional employer relationships in favor of calculated attrition, and what risk and cost associated with hiring a people resource. It's not about age at all. The game has changed.
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