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Over 60 tips
Hi! I’m over 60, with a masters and can’t get an interview of any kind. It’s been over ten years since searching so pointers are appreciated. Have taken dates off my resume that tip off my age, but how do I approach the application that demands dates?
Evon Young, MBAIn Business... I am a continuous game changer
158
09/30/20 at 8:02PM UTC
I agree with the other comments. Also, finding and building a good relationship a couple of really good recruiters is a good way to land a new gig. Wishing you the best of luck in your search. E!
Lynne CoganCareer Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
871
09/29/20 at 5:55PM UTC
As far as the resume, take dates off of education unless the dates help you; i.e., dates that show you are a life-long learner. But leave dates for jobs and other experience. However, modern resumes only go back 10-15 years, so the dates won't hurt you.
Some applications may go back further than 10 years but many do not. If an application requires dates put them down. Just make certain your resume speaks very precisely to the job description and what the company is looking for. Show how you can solve its problems, achieve its goals, and improve its bottom line by making or saving money.
That said, applying online is the worst way to get a job.
As Mindy wrote, networking is considered the best way. That includes being referred, but you can be by networking with hiring managers, too.
Unfortunately, starting to network when job hunting is challenging. It should be a way of life--just like making new friends was when we were kids. The emphasis is best placed on those you are networking with: developing relationships and serving them. Let them ask about you and what you are looking for. Be very specific. Do not say "A ___________ job." Say you are looking for a connection into X Corp or for someone to review your resume or someone to help you research 10 companies.
Another approach is sending cold letters/emails to hiring managers--or better yet, to CEOs. Again, this would be explaining how you can solve the organization's problems, achieve its goals, and improve its bottom line. This will take research, which could include viewing the website, articles about the company, financial and legal info (Hoovers is a good resource that is free through many library systems), and informational interviews.
If you still can't find a job, consulting or freelancing might be the best approach. They certainly are extremely viable possibilities while you are looking for work and might lead to a full-time position. Temping can also get you in the door and provide networking possibilities. So can volunteering.
Mindy ClaggettMarketing | Communications | Program Management
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09/29/20 at 1:10PM UTC
Hi, Lynnda - As a 50-year-old who just went through all of this, I feel your pain. I was laid off at the end of last year, and it took me 6 months to find a job. I was able to disguise my age enough to get past the phoners, but I can think of at least 3 positions that I'm certain I lost due to age, once they saw me in person. So, even if you can disguise your age on your resume, that will only get you so far.
I was always a skeptic of the "networking gets you jobs" trope, but that's exactly what happened to me. I had a networking meeting scheduled with the president of a local non-profit the same week one of her staffers turned in her notice. Our networking meeting ended up being an impromptu interview, and everything progressed from there. I got the offer within a few days.
I'm an introvert, so networking is EXTREMELY painful for me. I hated every minute of it, but I forced myself to do it because I never knew when I was going to meet with someone who could help me find a job.
Go down your list of contacts and start with 5 people you're comfortable with. Meet them via Zoom or socially distanced at a park or something like that. Be frank with them about your situation and ask for the names and contact information of 3-4 other people whom they feel you should meet with. Don't ask any of these contacts for a job -- always make it about expanding your network and getting more contacts.
This job market is brutal and even more so for those of us who are more mature. Employers don't want to pay for our experience and education. Of the dozens of jobs I interviewed for, only one was paying more than I made in my previous role. My current job pays $17K less than I was making before, but at least I'm back to work.
I hope you're able to find something very soon. Good luck!
