I am 55+, but don't look it, and I want to continue to work for several more years.
Decent resume, but long tenure at a couple of companies (back to back, so I can't remove one) is a dead giveaway for my age. I am starting to feel desperate and stuck where I am as I barely get calls anymore. Any words of wisdom to help me get to the next level of interviewing without triggering the agism I am seeing at a crazy level these days?
Jackie Ruka
ProfessionalHappyologist Thrive in your purpose.
2.72k
02/22/21 at 4:22PM UTC
A friend of mine was laid off a few months back. She is 55 and has a stellar background and resume but no call backs. She thought it might be time to retire. Then boom, she got an offer from a company 2 weeks after we spoke. You never know where the seeds you planted will shoot up. Keep making connections and don’t doubt your skills or resume, you just require one great opportunity. What you are looking for is looking for you.
Anonymous
02/20/21 at 3:50PM UTC
Isn’t it a shame we are in a culture where a woman has to say I am in my 50’s but “don’t look it”? Fifty is a great place to be except in the workforce, dominated by young inexperienced, unwise children sold a bill of goods by their workplace “captains of industry” that in order to manage a business you have to be able to run a marathon....such phoniness. I wish you well.
Sharon HarrigerAnalyst/Mgr, Customer Service, Admin Services
354
02/20/21 at 3:28PM UTC (Edited)
I am also in your age category. My situation was similar but I had left a company with long tenure and found myself having to accept temp or short term positions because I no longer appealed to employers with my current skill set. Then trying to find full time work became hard because it looked like I was job hopping or unstable.
I began re-examining my resume and knew something had to change or I would continue getting no callbacks like you are experiencing. So I changed my resume from chronological to functional. In this way, you show off your skills and accomplishments in order of importance. In other words, show employers what you really have to offer instead of giving them a snapshot of how long you were loyal to a company.
It also does not hurt to have someone review your resume to give you tips on ways to improve it. It did help me and I am working again full time.
I am sure you have a lot to offer to any employer that will take the time to talk with you. So don't give up. Just make some changes, and also seek some help if you need that as well. You got this! Your next job is out there .
Stacey Hilliard Lawyer
19
04/29/21 at 8:10AM UTC
Excellent words of wisdom!
Dawn S. CrossGoals should scare a little & excite a lot
1.35k
02/20/21 at 2:47PM UTC
Instead of setting your resume is as “year-year”, do it as “Company A” - responsible for x,y,z
“Company B” - developed 1,2,3
Ageism exists (been there, done that) and found the way to get recognized is adjusting my resume to fit my skills, not my years.
Paula McCabe
181
02/20/21 at 4:05PM UTC
This is a great concept for a “paper” resume but a nightmare it you are using ATS almost all of which require you to put dates of employment and parse based on a chronological structure.
Laura SCommunications & marketing professional
234
02/20/21 at 2:34PM UTC
What if, instead of putting the full number of years, you put something like "10+ years" at one job and "10+ years" at another? That or something similar would show that you were at both jobs for a long time, but without giving away exact dates.
Be aware, the first thing employers will do is check out your LinkedIn, so change that, too.
Joanne Jack
103
02/20/21 at 1:52PM UTC
I completely understand I am 59 and in the same boat. But stay motivated and network. This is how you will get a job. People know who you are and this is the best way to get in the door. I know it is not easy as maybe the positions you are applying to there are no connections but think outside the box. Be creative with a video email or reach out to the team or department of the position and connect with them. Let them know you are looking at this position and ask who do I talk to or what needs to be done to be seen by the right people. Good Luck I am sure you will find something. I am hopeful as well. You need to stay motivated and say positive affirmations daily. All the best to you!!
Pamela Othen
115
02/19/21 at 4:03PM UTC
I was in a position for 25 years with a company that eventually closed due to the recession. Hiring managers would be impressed by the longevity but some were concerned about lack of technology skills. I still keep this job on my resume but have shaved off 10 years so it reads 15. The result placed me 10 years younger and I got more interviews.
Pam JHealth and Human Services Supervisor in Colorado
61
02/19/21 at 1:16PM UTC
I was in a similar position very recently and I totally understand how you feel. The agism is real and can be thoroughly demoralizing. In order to capture some of my most pertinent experience, I had to include a job that went back more than 25 years. I had already had a career setback in my 30's-40's after staying home with my children for a few years. What ultimately landed me a good job was keeping up with contacts. I had maintained good relationships with a number of colleagues and outside contacts and ultimately, one of them who appreciated my work is now my new boss. Not coincidentally, I don't think, she is a woman about my age. I think another bonus can be volunteerism. You can show your spark that way, too. Anything that gets your foot in the door in a positive way. It may take longer but don't let it make you bitter. Hang in there!
Anonymous
02/16/21 at 10:14PM UTC
I've seen some women are removing older dates from their resume to help stop age calculations. This might be helpful!
