Prior to covid, I was employed for 15 years at my previous position and always found long term jobs rather quickly before that.
I currently find myself interviewing again (a little older) and I'm wondering how much ageism is a factor in today's job market. I just completed my MBA so I'm hoping this helps my marketability. (it took a little longer than expected after I became a single mom.) My current job search seems to be taking a lot longer than usual and I'm competing with much younger candidates. I'm trying to remain positive. Any advice would be helpful.
Anonymous
01/24/22 at 7:51PM UTC
ageism is alive and thriving but with your experience comes knowledge not found elsewhere. Look for a mid to larger company which should be diverse (in all respects).
JoAnn
Accomplished Accounting Specialist
181
11/02/21 at 6:53PM UTC
I could have wrote this post, myself, except for the MBA. Hoping this will help you land a position that works best for you. Unfortunately, I have been on several interviews (ghosted on 2 after 2 rounds of interviewing) and the last one, made it to the end and then received the sorry you are not hired email. When i went to look at the company on LinkedIn, it was very hard to find anyone over 40, who works for the company. Sadly I was a bit naïve in thinking that ageism is alive in the workforce. Wishing you lots of luck!
Anonymous
11/02/21 at 2:09PM UTC
Ageism can occur depending on the industry, company and position applying. Remember your resume should stay fresh and unless your prior experience is reflective on the position applying for, do not put in more than 10-15 years. In your case may be this one position. Detail out your experience reflective in the position you are applying. If you need space fillers maybe add specific courses, certificates or volunteering.
Use your age as an asset, but don't tell them your age. Mothers are one of the best organizing, fast pace, analytical people, because they do it in order to survive.
Go through recruiters more than applying directly to a position. The computers application process can be picky, however age is not likely to come into the picture with a computer.
Lastly, the market is funky currently. People say there is a lot of positions, but there is a significant drag your feet mentality going on from companies. I believe this is because it is the end of the year, it should pick up in Feb. and March. Companies are struggling with people knowing they should receive pay increases, because of inflations and actually being able to apply them.
The companies recruiters are young and forget ghosting people, is very rude. Network is a big thing, both with your school placement groups, but also get on Linked In and put open for positions. Research on Fairygoodboss, the most women held companies, the best companies to work for in order to get paid, benefits, remote, etc. Also check out Project Mom, they help with moms having breaks in their resume.
Christy K. HanthornTechnical Professional in the Research Triangle
539
11/02/21 at 2:05PM UTC
I work in both higher education and IT. We employ people right out of college to ready for retirement. You may also find that contract work provides more opportunity, especially in the government sector. We recently hired a tech writer in her late 50s or maybe early 60s. Ten-month project but very good pay. There are opportunities, but they may not all be ideal. Best of luck!
Anonymous
11/03/21 at 12:28PM UTC
The problem with contracted work is health insurance, particularly as we get older. The salaries don't necessarily compensate the cost of self-insurance.
I work in higher education, and we provide excellent health benefits for our staff - but none for contracted employees.
Kristie WhiteHRPMO Inc.
2.22k
11/02/21 at 12:34PM UTC
All good advice here. You might also consider how you can market yourself in a more “age-advantageous “ way. I believe sometimes we have accept that our customers need something slightly different from what we typically sell. For a job candidate, this translates into finding a position where your age could be an advantage. For example, mentoring less experienced team members, teaching, training, etc might be opportunities now that see wisdom in your experience.
Anonymous
11/01/21 at 6:37PM UTC
Unfortunately, ageism is very common, but not everywhere. Since your MBA is recent, that should help, fresh knowledge and perspectives.
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterTHE career expert for high achievers
4.13k
11/01/21 at 3:12PM UTC
Here's the thing: There's nothing you can do about your age - or whether a company cares about your age - so there's no upside in focusing on it. Do your homework to find companies that value older workers, show up as the best version of yourself, and kick a** in your interviews. These are things you CAN control.
Anonymous
11/01/21 at 1:31PM UTC
I think a combination of Ageism, the large amount of candidates jobs usually get, and the pandemic have made it more difficult.
Ageism can definitely play a factor but so can "overqualification" if they believe you are overqualified and may ask for more money they may choose to hire someone who they can pay less. Which again also comes with getting older (generally speaking).
The job search just takes long in general. The average hiring time for many companies is 1-2 months from initial interview to start day.
You don't mention networking in this post so I don't know whether you are actively seeking new network connections or not but I highly suggest you make that part of your job search routine. Interacting with your network is important as well. Chatting with them, commenting, sharing posts on LinkedIn. If its more of a personal network connection aka you used to work with them coffee meet up might be more appropriate.
