Hello all,
I've been struggling as woman over 50 in the tech industry (I'm a UX visual designer primarily designing apps, software and websites). I am here for advice, support, work (!) and networking. I love my work but am getting zero offers and few interviews. Most teams seem to be made up of the under 35 set and since my time machine is on the fritz I'm at a serious crossroads.
Echo Schneider
Chief Adventure Officer, Adventures 4 #RealLife
178
05/02/22 at 3:57PM UTC
Check out what we have at Atos: https://atos.net/en/careers
Sharon Burton
18
04/23/22 at 2:18PM UTC
Please oh please apply to where I work. We’re hiring and we value diversity. Expel.io.
im the content strategist embedded in the UX team. We’re hiring for a senior IX person right now. Use my name if you want. But please.
Crystal HowellJust Do You!
2.79k
04/23/22 at 8:35AM UTC
Experience matters, there is a conference a network group women in tech, check linked in. Also, meetup.com, its professional group by industry and hobbies per zipcode.
Reach out out to me , I had an idea for an app.
Jen SlagleCareer + Leadership Coach
337
04/22/22 at 8:29PM UTC
I support mid-life professional women and I can tell you the majority of them are finding jobs because of their network. Build that out for yourself. Ask others to connect because you have similar professional interests. Request connection calls with them. You will learn from talking to others. And they might have friends who know friends who can connect you to where you might want to go.
I have a client in the UX field and she is getting a lot of recruiter calls from her Linkedin profile. It is critical to have that established for yourself as well.
Stay resilient!
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist
21.99k
04/22/22 at 7:36PM UTC
If you're getting zero interviews, I'd start with the resume.
What have you done so far in your job search? Where is your resume posted? How often are you updating those profiles? Are you applying to appropriate positions? Is your LinkedIn profile up to snuff?
Laurie WarlickUX / Visual Design Consultant and Instructor
65
04/23/22 at 6:12PM UTC
I'm not getting offers, I'm interviewing a little and I'm getting tons o' recruiter calls, tho not very qualified. I'm on linkedin and it appears to be inline or even better than the competition. I also keep my portfolio site fresh and keep an updated resume on sites like Indeed. I am networking more and I'm hoping to get more results that way. Thanks!
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist
21.99k
04/25/22 at 1:47AM UTC
Sorry - I misread your post. You're getting interviews - are you moving on from the first round? Do you know if you've been a finalist candidate?
What kind of response have you been getting when you apply?
If you're getting interviews but not being moved forward, your interview skills might be a little rusty.
One thing I recommend to candidates is to tape themselves asking themselves questions and then answering them. I promise you, that answer will sound a whole lot better the 20th time you say it than the first.
This will allow you to edit your answers to precisely get across what you want. I used to practice in the car, in the shower. Doing this can help improve your confidence if you get nervous or help you stay on point if you sometimes ramble.
And please make sure you listen and answer the question you were asked. I've had candidates talk for 5 minutes and not answer the question I asked them.
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!
Laurie WarlickUX / Visual Design Consultant and Instructor
65
04/25/22 at 8:41PM UTC
Hi Joan,
Currently, I have an offer for a freelance role. I did three interviews and was told they wanted me for the job as soon as they got it together, basically. Hiring a UX person is new to them.
When I do get an interview I usually get at least a second one, but not the final cut. I have actually become more selective by not applying to roles I know would be a bad fit as I suspect some recruiters just need to fill out a certain number of slots. This allows me to concentrate my time on the most realistic opportunities.
In the past I have been so focused on acing the interview I didn't always consider if it was what I wanted after I got it.
Overall, I prep for specific interviews and feel fairly confident answering questions, but your idea to video myself is a good, if painful, one :)
Thanks!
See other replies
Barb HansenStartup Product, Growth & Strategy
9.66k
04/22/22 at 7:06PM UTC
I'm a woman in tech who is over 50 (product and tech leader mostly in startup land), and I'm happy to connect with you here and on LinkedIn.
I'm not a HR professional but I have hired plenty of UX/UI /product designers. I'd be happy to take a look at your resume to let you know what stands out to me. I've been in your shoes - over 50, lots of experience and zero interviews. I had my resume reworked to show my experience (without highlighting my age), and I'm happy to share what I learned.
You might want to look for a local Girls Who Code or Women Who Code organization where you could share your knowledge and mentor a young woman. You'll be expanding your network while giving back.
DM me if you want me to take a look at your resume (I'm not a career coach, I'm just happy to help where I can)
Rachel Foster
14
04/22/22 at 3:23PM UTC
I would love more information and see your work. I am currently expanding my company and I would love to connect but you are anonymous.
Laurie WarlickUX / Visual Design Consultant and Instructor
65
04/22/22 at 6:02PM UTC
Hi Rachel,
I am Laurie Warlick and you can find my LI profile here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lwarlick/ and my portfolio here: https://www.coroflot.com/lwarlick
Best,
Laurie
