100
Guidance
Good afternoon everyone. Hope everyone is healthy and safe.
I have a question for HR recruiters/Hiring Mngr. - My position was eliminated Jan 2019 and as of today I’m still unemployed. (18mon if anyone’s counting). What are your recommendations on addressing the inevitable question as to why I’m still not working?
Personal bkgrd - 17 yrs experience in the financial industry. MBA and am studying for a professional certification. Last position was as Sr Risk Mngr.
Any guidance/suggestions welcome.
Thanks.
Sara Pehrsson
106
08/14/20 at 1:15PM UTC
I agree that it sounds like age discrimination. I left my job just as the pandemic hit and am finding the same issue. Very frustrating. But you don't sound whiny at all!
ROANNE JACOBSEN
100
08/14/20 at 8:54PM UTC
Thank you. I hope you are able to find something soon. Take care
Anonymous
08/14/20 at 12:56PM UTC
Flat out, undeniable, age discrimination. Take it from someone who’s in the same boat, in my latest 50’s :) I have an undergraduate, and two graduate degrees, and plenty of experience, and I’ve been underemployed for almost a year. You notice, I said “underemployed” because I have some contract work I am doing (for two awesome organizations), so I can somewhat fill in the gaps. It does not pay my bills, so it’s been rough.
Two questions:
1) Are ya hungry? (Not for food)
2) Could you do some volunteer or part-time work to show that you are still in the game?
ROANNE JACOBSEN
100
08/14/20 at 8:57PM UTC
Hi there. Thanks again. To answer your questions: 1) Yes and 2) I volunteer w/ the BBB Ethics in Action program. It’s helped, but not job wise. Take care
Rebecca Lee VCredentialing Specialist
3.44k
08/13/20 at 1:01PM UTC
As a recruiter I would be concerned with the 18 month gap unless there was some educational and training within that time period listed on your resume. If not and depending what your resume says, I might call.
With that being said, it is a very large gap. Was this a personal decision to take some family time or have you been unable to find work?
ROANNE JACOBSEN
100
08/13/20 at 2:05PM UTC
Thank you for getting back with me. Unfortunately it was not my decision. I had worked for the company 17yrs prior.
I have gone on interviews and even in person. I am usually one of the top candidates. Other than my age (in my early 50s) & weight, I truly have no answer as to why I can’t make it past that final step. Maybe there is a concern about salary expectations due to my experience, but it’s never even gotten to negotiation.
This is the reason I decided to pursue a professional certification hoping that might make me stand out.
Sorry if I sound whiny. I’m just frustrated and don’t know what to do. I am grateful that I am not in the same position as others financially. I work very hard to keep a positive attitude and take things day by day.
I can say that some of the issue is the same as what is going on nationally- COVID.
I appreciate your help and advise.
Take care.
Rebecca Lee VCredentialing Specialist
3.44k
08/13/20 at 2:15PM UTC
Have you spoken to a career coach?
ROANNE JACOBSEN
100
08/13/20 at 2:18PM UTC
Yes mam. Even they don’t understand.
See other replies
Colleen FerraryOur biggest mistake is undervaluing our ability
131
08/12/20 at 11:26PM UTC
This is a tough one, you want to be honest but you also want to frame the answer well. Hopefully your answer is something like, "I've been taking advantage of the time off- traveling and taking the time off to learn (a new skill) that will help me be better in my role as (whatever they're hiring for.)" :)
The most important thing is not to feel ashamed. You're not alone and employers get that.
ROANNE JACOBSEN
100
08/13/20 at 2:05PM UTC (Edited)
Thank you. That is very helpful. Appreciate you responding.
