CAREER CHANGE SUPPORT FOR WOMEN IN TECH

Hello all,

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Anonymous

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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.

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  1. Rachel Foster

    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.

  2. Laurie Warlick

    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

  3. Barb Hansen

    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)

  4. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    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?

  5. Laurie Warlick

    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!

  6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    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!!!!!!

  7. Laurie Warlick

    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!

  8. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    It sounds like you're getting traction, so you're doing pretty well.

    I didn't mean to video yourself (although that's not a bad idea) I meant to just record yourself audio-wise.

    If you're getting second interviews, make sure - if you want the job - end the conversation with something like "i'm very excited about this opportunity and look forward to hearing about next steps" and send a thank you note. Companies like enthusiasm and like knowing that you're really interested in working there. If you want the job, tell them.

    Yes, please! On applying to positions you're a fit for! I think this is the single biggest mistake candidates make. When I post a position, typically 70 to 80% of the folks that apply are not a fit.

    How are you doing utilizing LinkedIN? Are you connected to Dan Roth? He has a jobs post every Tuesday where you can put up a post about your background and what you're looking for. Recruiters can post jobs they're looking to fill. He also has a job connections Group. There are several people who do similar posts.

  9. Jen Slagle

    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!

  10. Crystal Howell

    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.

  11. Sharon Burton

    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.

  12. Sharon Burton

    Do it on the website please.

  13. Echo Schneider

    Check out what we have at Atos: https://atos.net/en/careers

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