Very Little Done to Mitigate
From my research, experience, and other comments, I know that there are plenty of us 55+ people out there looking for work. Either they/we got laid off or let go, had to return to work during the recession, or myriad other reasons. It takes a hardy soul to encounter situation after situation, website after website, interview after interview where few look like us ... and most are half our age. Discrimination is often very covert (but sometimes blatant.) Age discrimination against older workers is so insipid and normalized, that it scarcely gets discussed. It’s such a waste of human capitol to look over viable candidates who have innumerable tangible and intangible skills and are smart, capable, adaptable, and wise. We’re not all grandparents planning our next cruise. People of color, folks challenged by health conditions, and immigrants have been facing these challenges forever but we’re beginning to honor the laws in place to keep those illegal hiring practices at bay (but they’re still rampant). However, when it comes to older workers, the dialogue usually gets silenced. It’s an apple cart no one really cares to overturn. (Very young people may feel something similar, but there is some truth to the whole “paying your dues” thing.)
It’s just really disheartening. The U.S. in its infancy (in the grand scheme of things) is the worst. Discrimination of all kinds has historically plagued this country, far greater than our European, Asian, or African counterparts, where life experience is honored and cherished.
If you are a hiring manager, I implore you to keep an open mind and push against your own stereotypical thinking. Lastly, the next time I hear someone use the phrase ‘OK boomer’, I will not be silenced or bullied. It’s NOT ok and it’s horrifically condescending.
JP
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How to improve communications with a coworker?
I have been with a company for 2 years but with recent layoffs, moved to a different role that is very different than my last. I’m retraining with a coworker who I have known since I’ve started and been in the role around 2 months now. Lately, they have been very short on their chat messages, making comments that to me feel dismissive and inconvenient to them, especially when asking a question to confirm I am understanding the new role. I addressed my concern with them directly to move on and have a better form of communication, however they responded and looped in our manager. My goal was just to have a quick discussion since things over email can become misinterpreted easily (especially tone.) Any advice on how to 1.) continue to advocate for myself 2.) make sure this does not become a long term issue with communications 3.) how can I better ask questions without being an inconvenience with learning this new role
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Are there people who you can go to for finding jobs and help you with your resume like recruiters who are legitimate and don't cost an arm?
I've been searching for work since May this year and I just feel overwhelmed with where I should be applying vs where I actually am applying. I've worked my best on my resume but I've got no one to double check it to ensure I did it right. I followed several different "how to write your resume" books and websites that I could but... Then most wanted money. I've tried the keywords and trying to tailor what I can actually do to fit the jobs I'm applying for... are resumes okay to be 3 pages long? Are bullets better than paragraphs? It's all so confusing and I've broken down to my husband over this so often. I don't know where to turn or who I could ask for help. My husband doesn't know about how to do a resume, I asked. Every denial just makes me feel like I did something wrong with my applications.
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Not sure where to ask this?
I have updated my resume-but I already uploaded it for the resume drop. How can I change it for that event? Thank you!
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How would you respond to your coworker if she said to you as you were sitting at the front desk behind her (waiting for 4pm to come so you can help cover the phones for her AGAIN "is there someplace else for you to go work?" I responded and said "am I distracting you or something?" She responded and said "I don't like anyone in my personal space.
There are plenty of places for you to go and work at." I said "oh ok sure. See you at 4pm." Honestly, I felt like leaving for the rest of the day and not coming back. I was simply waiting for 4pm to come since I was asked by our Director to cover the phones for her for 30 minutes while she has a meeting with her. I literally cover the phones for her lunchtime EVERYDAY and she seriously has an issue with me sitting behind her at the front desk that she shares with Security. I explained to her how I was planning on staying at the desk from 2pm until 4pm until it was time for me to cover the phones so that I won't have to keep going back and forth from one department to the next. She did not say anything at that time. I really don't like working with people like that who make an issue out of nothing. This is a temporary job that I was hoping to replace and find something better with by now. How would you respond to this?
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I am 30 years old, moved this year to Spain from Brazil.
I built a career in social impact projects but I am feeling so lost right now! I get no replies from jobs and I really don't know if I want to change my life completely and do something else entirely or just going through a very weird and depressed phase.
Has anyone felt like that? Like your purpose doesn't have a purpose anymore?
Has anyone changed their career while still in need of work for a living?
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It has been 3 months that I have been in the job market.
I have a masters in Industrial Psychology and a second postgraduate degree in Project Management with Corporate Communication. I am looking to start my career in Human Resources and Organizational Development. I have been tailoring my resume based on the job requirements, writing a cover letter accordingly and highlighting skills and experiences relevant to the position. The response rate is nil, and the rejection rate is stagnant.
I am unsure what more I can do at least get an interview. What can I add to my approach to get a positive response?
I appreciate any guidance I can get. Thank you.
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