Human Resources, anyone?
Hi all, I am a highly experienced (translation:over 50 years old) human resources professional, who is bilingual English/Spanish with experience in several different industries. Have tried it all: networking, on- line applications (dead end) and recruiters. Am ata loss as to what to do next. Any creative ideas?
Kendra Bluhm
Female Customer-Centric Leader in IT
162
04/05/20 at 3:19PM UTC
So, I wrote a post a week ago, with similar issues to you. I have applied to over 300 roles; ranging from cashier, to driver, to Sr. Exec. I had 2 offers; both on indefinite hold. I am just as dismayed as you. I use my network. I talk to recruiters. I do the online thing. Heck! I copied and pasted verbatim job descriptions just to see if I would make it past the ATS (failed). I feel what you are going through. I just get up every day, optimistic, that someone wants me to be there on the teams to make magic happen. Fingers xd. PM me if you want to vent.
There are alot of good suggestions here in this post and others but none of them are guarantees. There isn't any magic sauce. There are keywords vs buzzwords. Recruiters vs ATS system algorithms. There are headhunters. There are coaches. There are job boards. There isn't a perfect formula. The only advice that I can offer is don't give up; no matter how hard it is. Also, allow yourself a relax day. Allow yourself to get upset at your situation too: realize that you aren't the only one going through any of this AND realize that you are important!
Anonymous
03/31/20 at 9:11PM UTC
Hello!
Here's a creative idea! I’d love to invite you to our new professional profile (which is different than your current community profile) and quick apply feature –– which gives you closer access to recruiters who are actively looking to hire more women.
These features helps you avoid the job application black hole by receiving updates on your application status in real-time and the option to message the company directly after submitting your profile (link below).
Please let me know if you have any questions, best of luck with your search and please keep us posted!
https://fairygodboss.com/users/job-profile?LAC=UGC&LAT=JSP
Anonymous
04/02/20 at 2:36PM UTC
FYI, it took me at least an hour to complete the profile. I object to requests for which month you started at a job and what month you left. I had to dig through old files to find my offer letters, etc. A simple year is fine.
Second, I really object to the requirement to fill in the year I graduated from college.
Lastly - I haven't gotten a single inquiry. I get recruiters contacting me via LinkedIn every week.
So ladies - check it out and decide if you want to spend an hour on the professional profile.
Jillian PostBuilding better communication strategies
1.3k
04/04/20 at 3:33PM UTC
Yeah, this site is really great for dialogue and support, but not so much for actual job offers unless you want to work for the typical corporate company. I filled it out, because the more places I have my info, the better.
Mary OwensHR Manager/Director in Orange County, CA
43
03/12/20 at 10:29PM UTC
Thanks to all. Might not be a bad idea to start a
staffing group for those over 50, haven’t ever been a huge fan of recruiting but it’s definitely worth considering. As far as networking, i go to monthly HR meetings in my area. They are breakfast meetings that go from 7:15-9:15 am, so working people can attend. I also go to an agency that is a non profit and they have professional development classes and skills development classes as well. It is staffed with people still in the workforce who volunteer their services so I’ve made some contacts there. Also keeping in touch with former managers and colleagues in HR. Having lunch with my neighbor who is a retired HR Director. SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE!
Mona YaegerTalent Acquisition Specialist in Chicago, IL
60
03/12/20 at 9:51PM UTC
Have you thought about networking groups within HR? I live in Chicago, there is one here called HR Hot Seat. I hear its really good. They meet once a month to discuss a hot topic but also networking is involved.
Lynne CoganCareer Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
871
03/12/20 at 6:32PM UTC
Question: You said that you have been networking. How do you network? Where? With whom? What do you do? What do you say?
Teresa Reinalda Artist in Greater Chicago looking for a mentor.
13
03/12/20 at 1:38PM UTC
Yes! I’m in the boat with all of you. I’m an art director, graphic designer and illustrator and I’ve been a contractor for most of my career. Starting something that empowers the experienced workers like us is ideal!
Anonymous
03/12/20 at 1:28PM UTC
Does anyone want to join together and create a staffing company geared towards older workers? I am game if you are. Not sure at all where to begin but it seems like there is a need!
Andrenia CheekAdministrative within multiple settings.
16
03/19/20 at 2:28AM UTC
Awesome idea.
Jillian PostBuilding better communication strategies
1.3k
03/11/20 at 1:40PM UTC
Wishing you good energy and renewed hope. Just want to say that it is so incredibly disheartening to see post after post after post from talented, hard working, driven, 50 somethings (like you and I) who can’t find meaningful work. Wth?
I’m right there with you and really have been struggling lately with situational depression, after 6 months of trying so hard. I’m always able to regenerate myself ... I’ve come through so many fires, but this hurdle seems insurmountable. It, along with all the chaos and wackiness in the country right now, are really causing me to feel discombobulated. Young hiring managers have shared suggestion after suggestion as a key to breaking the code. There is no key. When the answer to finding sustainable work is to be something I’m not (15 years younger), it makes me very pissed and sad. It’s actually a social justice issue and I feel like standing up and saying, this has to stop. Everyone is hyper aware of discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, and ethnicity (not to say we’ve erased all that by any means) but age ... no one really knows how to broach the subject.
I guess I better get back to the computer and search some more ... try and be more innovative in my approaches. So tired.
Anonymous
04/02/20 at 1:17PM UTC
So sorry for your situation, I'm in the same boat. I was close to getting several offers then the virus hit and all is on hold. I'm not sure if FGB would agree with me but I decided to build my brand into someone with a younger outlook - if that makes sense. I spend 2 hours everyday on LinkedIn - not looking for jobs- but following all the job help gurus like Madeline Mann. I listened to a live call with her yesterday - there were 100s of ppl on the call from all over the world. So I'm getting new fresh ideas for my resume, my LinkedIn profile and sources for jobs. I'm not applying for anymore jobs online - a friend in HR said they were getting so many ...
But I am applying on specific company websites per her suggestion. Or even better, send your resume to the HR person directly. You may tell me that's not a good idea as an HR professional?
HR is in demand - keep going !! We just have to try new tactics. And guess what - we have been around the block and have a few tricks in our bags. Stay safe and never give up!
Jillian PostBuilding better communication strategies
1.3k
04/02/20 at 2:18PM UTC
I’ve tried lots of that too. When I lived in New Jersey, it was a very successful method, although I still didn’t find a paying gig. I connected by going into the city and volunteering and constantly going to conferences and symposiums and just talking to people. It was fun, even if it didn’t lead to work.
Then I chose to do the right thing and move to Nebraska to help care for my mom who had a trifecta of health issues in 2018. My vocation is very niche and very underrepresented here. And now the virus ... bam, bam, bam, hit from all sides.
So .... I’m changing my approach again. Now it’s, apply and take anything I can find but I’m very leery of exposing myself to the virus, as my health insurance ran out in December and I’m nearing 60. I applied to InstaCart one day before the news articles about them striking hit the airwaves. We’ll see if I can make that work around here. I live in a rural area but I can drive to Lincoln or Omaha, if folks continue to use the service. Could start over with Door Dash or Grub Hub, but I feel like my info is in 100 places right now. And everybody wants a background check and some a credit check. I bet I’ve had 15 background checks done on me in the last 6 months.
P.S. I’ve applied to countless online gigs too, seems the job boards are overwhelmed and I am not having any luck.
Next, begging my mom for a loan. I’m lucky this is an actual option.
Mary OwensHR Manager/Director in Orange County, CA
43
03/10/20 at 5:23PM UTC
thanks so much! i will check these out!
Corina
855
03/10/20 at 8:22AM UTC
Have you tried remote work? There are many companies who work with remote HR professionals? If you're interested, here's a list of websites with remote jobs https://chasingourfinancialfreedom.com/best-websites-remote-jobs/
