Overqualified?
I have been searching for work for over 6 months now and at times felt so discouraged, that it was mind boggling. Recently I was given the opportunity to interview with a company in Novato which showed promise. I did a little due diligence and researched them. Not a lot came up, however, there was one "review" that indicated it was a solid company. I had spoken the HR director 3 times over the phone before the face-to-face interview. I arrived promptly at 8:20am for an 8:30am meeting. I was to meet with her, the head of accounting (just in case that was a better fit for me) and the CEO. Needless to say I was super excited. I felt my answers were on the spot and although the position was for an HR Admin, I was willing to take that and start from the bottom. After 3 and a half hours of being interviewed, questioned, prodded, I was finally on my way home with a promise of an answer that same day.
Side note - during my interview the CEO, he asked very technical questions and made the comment at the end of the interview that he thought that the HR Director could use someone like me. Not in need of a lot of training time and someone that could just come in and become part of the team. I was extremely pleased with the comments and replied that I would love to be part of the team, however, I was not looking to displace or come in at the same level with the director.
Well, low-and-behold. I received a call that afternoon and the news was devastating. I was passed up, because according to the HR Director, "they" felt that I would be bored in no time. I was very surprised and let her know my disappointment. And she said she understood, and her parting remark was "I still have plenty of good years in me and I have no intention of retiring!"
I could not believe what I had heard and I asked her to repeat, and she stated the same thing, wording it a little differently. My response was, that I had no intention of displacing her and that I was sorry she felt that way.
Well, that was that, and now to searching again! It is very frustrating for a mature, qualified, subject matter expert to be taken seriously and given merit for years of experience and knowledge.
Employers want the "younger" candidate and I am feelinging that Age Discrimination is in complete control of the job market.
Thank you for allowing me to express myself!
Have a great day! Debbie
I know this I isn't a direct answer to you, actually more of just a comment. But being overqualified is not really about your boredom or having a younger supervisor, a lot of it is you know what they can't make you do and and you know there are better jobs out there, and you won't be intimidated by lies or idle threats.....
This isn't about age. These people are ins ecure in their position and fell threatened. It isn't even about money. It is pure fear and insecurity. Just an opinion
Hi Debbie. I completely feel your age discrimination pain... I am also going through that very same thing... Alot of these companies say that they DO NOT DISCRIMINATE based on AGE, GENDER, Race and so on.... but I believe that,that is a lie.. I believe that they ask you those very questions so that they can weed out certain people..But they'll argue that it's to determine a type of census for certain employee tax credits and so on, but I think it's a lie...
I have a question? So if all of the qualified personnel leave their positions because of age and experience than what will happen? Just asking, our system regardless of computer or anything else may need to be replaced. So who will be doing the replacement of the replacer so the system can continue to upgrade and do the replacement of the replacer. Go figure therefore we as a people will always be needed, welcomed and appreciated. You Know - The Watchman, that Watches the Watcher, Who is in charge of the Watchman, Who never fails to WATCH now figure which one are you and what are you actually watching and WHY.
Now I am TOTALLY disgusted and depressed... I have actively been looking for work... ANY type of work. I used to be a facility admistrator (I ran the entire faciliry) of a hazardous waste transfer facility then i went to work for a registered hazardous waste transporter and now I have not gotten any response from ANY of the jpositions I have applied for.
I think I failed some kind of psychological test with Burlington's Coat Factory for a stupid cashier / stock position. It is so depressing... I am willing to work to do anything... and I Cannot get my foot in the door at all
I believe many employers view older people as a liability, or baggage. It's kind of true, in a way. We are likely to have more medical challenges, we may not be as fast, and we are closer to retirement. Companies looking for long-term commitment and energy will likely pick younger over older. I understand this, but really only in theory, To think a younger person that's also lazy and self-centered will be seriously considered for a job over an older person with integrity and experience. It stinks.
At age 64 with 40 years of experience and 2 college degrees, it makes no sense to start over where I was 30 years ago when I was young and strong. Your story is very good however it won't work for everyone.
I too feel your pain. I'm 58 yrs young,& can run circles around some 20yr olds. I have experienced what I believe to be age discrimination in the food service business. Good luck to you, stay positive.
Hi Debbie, Well said, I feel the same way...I've been looking since last month, I went on several interviews already, I had one I taught for sure it was mine. I interviewed three times in the end they went with some on younger and paying less. The person that called you was out of line. Be strong and keep the faith something will come through
At some point, and hopefully soon, employers will realize that experience will trump young age and cheaper labor. You get what you pay for. There are plenty of companies out there looking for someone like you. Don't give up. I am 53, and have had more offers and made contacts in the last year b/c I "doggied down" my resume. That, worked for me, it may not for you. I no longer want to be a CFO or Controller. I am perfectly happy being just an accountant, and doing it well. I won't even accept a promotion. I am in my comfort zone, and will ride this for the next 12-15 years...