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I am 57 and am having a very hard time finding a job.

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Anonymous

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I am 57 and am having a very hard time finding a job. I had a job but left for a better opportunity that gave me a substantial pay raise along with an opportunity for growth. I was in heaven. After 4 weeks my world came crashing down as I was laid off. They told me that it was due to Covid and that their PPE funds had run out. I was crushed. I immediately started looking for another job but have yet to find one. I have over 20 years of experience as a residential construction project and property manager. I’ve applied for tons of jobs (45 in the past 3 weeks) but have yet to be hired. Out of the 45 jobs I got 3 calls and went on 2 interviews (I wasn’t selected for either position). This has been going on for a year. I’ve even lowered my salary expectation only to be told that I’m worth more. I’m feeling worthless and can’t help but feel that it’s my age. Everyone says there are tons of jobs out there which makes me feel even worse. I mean how much rejection can one person take? What am I doing wrong? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

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  1. Monica

    I am sorry you're having a hard time landing a job. I can understand when you keep applying and getting rejected - it does a number on your self esteem. We're the same age and I've made adjustments to how I present myself. Have you had your resume redone? If not, that may be a good place to start. Would you consider working for an agency? Sometimes, that can help you to land a permanent position. While some employers have an issue with age, I believe there are some who are still open to hiring seasoned candidates.

    Don't lower your salary! You ask for your worth. I've been there and it isn't a good place to be. Please keep your head up and keep going. Wishing you the best.

  2. Anonymous

    Thank you for your encouraging words. I will just keep plugging along and hope that someone will give me a chance to prove myself.

  3. Antonia Calzetti

    Do not lower your salary expectations. You have hot skills as a residential project manager!! If you want to stay in that field, try looking at the Crain's list of top 100 construction firms - start connecting with staff from those areas / companies on LinkedIn. Also, delete anything non-relevant on your resume - don't suggest highlighting that you have 30+ years of experience. Go back 10-15 years on resume. Hold onto your value!!

  4. Anonymous

    Thank you,
    I will try revamping my resume.

  5. GirlBossanova934974

    Anything on your resume that might suggest that you are over 40 years old, should be immediately removed. Graduation dates on degrees, jobs, experience, whatever goes. Any software skill gets put in its place. Any financial accomplishment goes to the top. The resume has to be 'action oriented'.

  6. Anonymous

    This may sound crazy but what about the company you left for this job? If you were on good terms it may be worth a shot.

  7. Anonymous

    I’m so sorry this happened to you but with your background have you ever thought about going into the insurance industry as a property adjuster? That field is always in demand and you have the knowledge of construction to be successful. Just a thought! I hope something comes your way soon! Oh and you’re worth every penny!! Don’t lower your expectations!! Good luck!

  8. Anna Carter

    Hello!

    I am a career coach and I work with mature professionals looking to recalibrate their careers. I have a unique program called, “Begin Again.” I offer a free 1 hour consultation that many people have found invaluable. Sometimes the free consultation is all a person needs to “get back in the game,” so to speak.

    If you or anyone reading this post would like to learn more about this life-changing program, please feel free to contact me via email at readyfortheworldleadership@gmail.com. Put BEGIN AGAIN in the subject heading.

    Onward!
    I.A.M.

  9. Anonymous

    I'm sorry, this person wasn't asked to be sold to. They came on this forum for support and (free) advice. Shame on you for trying to sell something to someone who is clearly not in a position to buy anything.

  10. Anonymous

    1. I'm 63 going on 64 - it took 11-12 months but I landed a job I really want that enhances my career track. I also applied for multiple positions over that time. You need to revised your resume - perhaps have it professionally done. The person who did mine, purposefully made it difficult to identify my age - because I want them to talk to me. The pre-conception of age = not competitive needs to be dealt with. 2) Depending on your location and desired salary figure a month for every $10k of salary to gauge the length of your search. 3) have more than 2 resumes formats - think a position that might give you foot on the corporate ladder that allows you to grow into the role you want. You are enough, your resume however may not be getting thru the ATS tool that recruiters use and professional help may be needed.

  11. Erica Lanyon

    I feel for you and am sorry you're going through this. Please reach out if you'd like me to review your newly done resume and give suggestions. I'm not in the residential construction industry but I've been in B2B marketing for 20+ years and have reviewed hundreds of resumes. Sometimes it helps to have a new set of eyes.

  12. Anonymous

    There are so many skill sets being wasted because employers make assumptions about age and ability! Is there any chance that you could leverage your skills as a small business? I don’t know about Small Business Administration financing, but surely there are micro investors out there who are focused on female entrepreneurs. I’m looking into this myself. At a certain stage in life it almost seems we have to create an opportunity. It’s scary, and I don’t even know if it is possible. I’m fortunate in that I work for a large state institution - underpaid, yes, but I have insurance. I am sending you best wishes and sincere hopes it all works out for you. Grabbing my heartstrings this morning!

  13. Anonymous

    Have you run the job listings through Applicant Tracking Software (ATS)? I was once sent a rejection without an interview for a job where I was a perfect fit. I ran the job listing through the ATS software and realized some keywords were missing from my resume. Updated my resume, reapplied, and was quickly granted an interview. Not sure about your industry, but 90% of companies use this type of screening. If you google it, you can easily find free software to run any job listings through and then confirm the desired keywords are included in your resume.

  14. Anonymous

    excellent advice. Yes, I've noted that using KEY WORDS will pull your resume. Try this advice. Tweak your resume.

  15. Anonymous

    I am so sorry you are going thru this. I"ve been thru a similar but different situation (I lost my lucrative position at age 57 due to employer going bankrupt; "sorry, you've been magnificent and our top employee in this department but your position no longer exists"). This occurred about 1 year prior to CoVid. I did find new work but it was the hardest grind ever to start over again. I'm now in another season; I voluntarily resigned from an incredibly dysfunctional/toxic work situation at age 60--and my income is just a trickle right now. With all of that being said, I have some thoughts. Firstly--get involved. Do volunteer work. Take a course online or at community college. Go to church. Reach out to old friends (not just work peers). make a pie for a sick neighbor. Walk the dog. Empty the closets and donate for charity. Do anything and everything positive to get yourself "out of your head". You need a re-set. And, the re-set might take you out of the old and into the new. Perhaps destiny is waiting but it won't be in your former line of work. Were you always happy in that work? Is your self-esteem ONLY based upon working and getting a good paycheck? contemplate these things. I have had to do so..and am learning some new things about yourself. And here what else you need to think about: Your age is not the issue, it's your subliminal down-trodden/desperate mindset. Again...get yourself focused on right things... and you'll begin to walk into interviews (or speak on the phone) with new energy. Trust me- I am almost 61 and I know this. 2022 is going to be a good year for you, but let go of preconceived notions about anything! Good luck!

  16. Anonymous

    First of all, do NOT lower your monetary expectations! Because once you do that, you're telling the hiring folks that you're fine with not earning what you deserve! Way Bad! Second, don't give up -- I'm 71 and recently got a job that I really love and with a company that really supports its employees. Don't talk about your age; for a Zoom interview, get serious about your appearance! Sound enthusiastic, don't talk about your bad experiences in job hunting, and do your homework for every company you apply to. AND KEEP DOING IT until you get the position you want. :)

  17. Anonymous

    Thank you! Actually, it’s not just the paycheck that matters. Money is great but if you hate your work environment it’s not worth it. I will try to focus on the ‘right’ things. I hope 2022 is a great year for you too!

  18. Louann Keaveny

    I am also looking for a new role and if I could suggest one thing as a recruiter myself, is to use an agency to help you with your search. I have applied to many jobs with little to no response. I have 2 recruiters working with me (no cost) and can't believe the difference. A recruiter from an agency will take the time to get to know you, understand what you want, where your strengths are, etc. They will represent you to their clients because that's how they get paid. Project Management is very valuable and transferable, please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

  19. Anonymous

    Thank you, I will look into finding a recruiter. I did that years ago, (back then it was called “job shopping “ ) I doubled my salary and was hired direct so maybe it will work again.

  20. Joan Marie Verba

    I feel your pain. I'm 67 years old. I was laid off in March 2018 and have been searching for a job ever since. To date, I've applied to over 575 places (that's five hundred seventy-five) and still don't have a job. Yes, I've had 3 resume reviews, 2 reviews of my LinkedIn profile, career coaching, etc. Still no results. It's extremely difficult to get a job at our age, and it isn't because we've missed anything or are doing anything wrong. I have friends about my same age that are having similar difficulties. I wish you the best of luck and hope you find something.

  21. JoAnn

    I feel that there are a few variables that are making it difficult for "older" workers to land jobs. 1- Ageism is alive and well. Sadly, within the email that brought me here from FGB...headline: GENERATIONAL KNOWLEDGE
    5 Things Gen Z Knows Better Than Their Older Coworkers
    2 - This is striking the divide between generations. 3- when you check out the company on LinkedIn I am so surprised at the lack of diversity, both for age and race. Sadly, everyone talks a good game, but then don't but the money where their mouth is. (of boy, are these sayings aging me, LOL Best of Luck to all my fellow Gex X and Boomers!

  22. Anonymous

    Thank you!

  23. Anonymous

    Thank you and I hope you find something as well.

  24. Anonymous

    I’m in the same situation: 58 and looking for a job. A book that has helped me is “Taking the Work Out of Networking,” by Karen Wickre. Networking has always given me the cold chills, but her how-to makes it more about keeping up with old friends and being open to others than a crass transactional relationship. I got my copy from the LA Library. Networking has brought me the best responses in my job search because these people know me, not just my age. The highest percentage of hires come through recommendations from staff who know the job candidate.

  25. Anonymous

    Thank you!

  26. Joanna Poe

    There are a ton of jobs, but the market is not ideal, as many of them are just plain bad jobs, so don't get too discouraged. If you're concerned about ageism, try tweaking your resume to only show 10-15 years of experience and see if you get more callbacks. Remove graduation dates too, if you list your education.

    You should definitely not list all the jobs you've ever had on any resume anyhow unless you're only just starting out and have only had a couple. The best thing you can do is plug-and-play your resume to highlight the skills and experiences that are relevant to the job you're applying for, and although it seems like a lot of work, edit the resume each time, to customize it for each application.

    Now is a good time to branch out as well, and see which of your skills are transferable to other positions and industries. For instance, could some of your property management experience translate well into facilities management? Could you manage an entire office complex?

    Stretch and apply to things that you only meet 30-50% of the 'requirements' for; studies show that men do that on the job hunt all the time, while we as women tend to limit ourselves to applying only to the jobs where we meet most or all of the 'requirements,' which turn out to be perfect-world wishlists anyhow.

    Also: to manage your own burnout and feelings of rejection, don't apply for 45 jobs in 3 weeks. Slow down. Apply for 3-4 a week and really take the time to craft the resume, cover letter, and app. Role-play a little and only apply for those that you could see yourself getting excited about. Don't lower your salary expectations - leave them blank or enter "negotiable," so you're at least having a conversation with someone.

  27. Anonymous

    Thank you for the great suggestions!

  28. Mo Faul, Founder, CEO, Exec Coach

    at 57 you are in peak shape to land a great job! You are experienced, ready to give your best and contribute to your new role. You have to shake the job trauma of losing your job-- create 10 gratitudes and 10 brags of your last role in a way of owning it-- visualize EXACTLY what you want and imagine you there! Be in the energy of it! Mo Faul

  29. Anonymous

    Thank you for the advice!

  30. Anonymous

    I'm 61 and received a job offer last week that I'm very excited about. My advice is to "sleuth" LinkedIn, build up your connections, follow like-minded and industry people, and pay attention to your news feed. I upgraded to the premium version. Someone I connected with 5 years ago in another industry shared a job posted by someone in his network. I saw his share on my newsfeed and immediately applied. I have the experience that fills their gap, and I have a lot of energy to share it. One interviewer told me he learned a lot during our conversation. A career coach can also help build your confidence. Check out the app BetterUp.

  31. Jesica Sartell

    Excellent Response. This is FGB at its best.
    Encouragement and solid suggestions.
    Thanks!

  32. Anonymous

    Thank you! I will add connections to my LinkedIn and will check out the app you suggested.

  33. froerden@yahoo.com

    I’m sorry to hear that you’re having such trouble. I just started 6 months ago as a residential property manager (age 59) and my company is hiring. I’m on Long Island, NY. If this is your area, let me know and I can messenger the details.

  34. Anonymous

    I am on Long Island so that would be great. Thank you!

  35. froerden@yahoo.com

    How do we message each other? Ok yes I am old! Lol

  36. Anonymous

    I just tried ‘connecting’ with you. I’m new to this site so I’m not sure how it works yet.

  37. Anonymous

    How sweet and generous!! Bless you!!

  38. Terre Brizzolara

    Have you googled yourself? Can you be found on facebook? Research what info is out there about you and clean it up. Make sure your fb is set to private. Candid photos on fb frequently make us look older. Not posed, no makeup, grandkids on your knee?

    Do not make the mistake of thinking a hiring manager doesn't research you. Random twitter posts reveal your politics, attitude and can prejudice someone against you.

    From my daughters: Get a makeover. Hair and makeup. Are you going gray? Own it or cover it.
    Does your hairstyle look similar to what your mother wore at your age? STOP THAT.

    Find a makeup artist. I have a daughter who does makeup as a hobby. She made my 13 year old granddaughter look like a 22 tear old runway model. (Yes, we had words over that!) She did mine for a wedding, in reverse. She took off 20 years & 10 pounds. The boost to my ego and confidence was unbelievable. The makeup available to us today is nothing like what many of us, at ~60 are used to. There are products that temporarily erase wrinkles. Not cheap, but if they help you get a salary?

    So many of us would be willing to invest in more education to be employed, unlike men, we have to be aware of presentation. Its not fair. But reality rarely is.

  39. Anonymous

    Thank you for the advic. Actually, my daughter is a colorist and does makeup so I am never grey. I get frequent manicures, always wear ‘light’ makeup and am ‘up’ on fashion. I think I have to ‘revamp’ my resume.

  40. Anonymous

    Quick resume revamp make a skill set table at the top of your resume and bullet point the keywords from the ad like time management skill and quick book proficient for example but basically list your skills that match the ad at the top if they apply to you almost verbatim from the ad leave the rest as is and this will make the recruiters fell you have exactly what they are looking for and help you customize it to each job quickly and efficiently best of luck!

  41. Anonymous

    Thank you!

  42. Anonymous

    **advice

  43. Karen Gongaware

    Stop blitzing jobs. Tailor your resume for each job that you are a solid match to. 45 jobs in 3 weeks? No way you tailored. Really research jobs and the companies before sending resumes to their sites. Only give them what they ask for on their online application site.
    Think about taking online courses to make you more sellable. Also, check into teaching at a technical or trade school for your field.

  44. Anonymous

    Hi Karen, thank you for the advice. There are tons of construction management jobs near me (Long Island), plus I’m applying for remote project management jobs. I always research the companies before sending my resume. I’m also trying to expand my horizons and apply for jobs that I believe I may be a good fit for.

  45. Rosa Goes

    I agree with posters who mentioned career coach. With 20 years of experience, there could be a lot opportunities overlooked. You may want to pivot to another industry or use the 20 years to start your own company. A coach will steer in the right direction. Good luck to you!

  46. Anonymous

    Thank you, I will look into finding a coach

  47. Trish Calles Williams

    I'm the same age, and I've found a job that pays pretty well, but I've got to say that I agree with you. Ageism is alive and well. I do know that there are many school districts looking for help but unfortunately, the pay is horrible. Hope you find something quickly.

  48. Anonymous

    Thank you!

  49. Anonymous

    Thank you!

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