Frustrated
I've been laid off 5 times in the last 10 years, so my resume looks very chopped up. For the first time, I put my pride aside and took unemployment. Since it's running out, I've been applying like crazy. I've resorted to writing a letter of application that asks people to look past the length of time I worked at a place since I had the misfortune of being laid off, and wanted them to know that I DO have the work ethic and skills they need.
Then the other factor is that I'm 64. Say all you want, but there is job discrimination against age. I can't prove it, but when you have to list what year you graduated from high school, then it's a no brainer to figure out my age.
I'm starting to think that I should just retire early. I've only had one interview in the last 6 months. When I can, I submit references which are very complimentary...
Frustrated in Oklahoma.
Hi Sally, I definitely understand your frustration having been laid off five times over the last 10 years. The gaps are going to show on your resume but explaining the circumstances on a cover letter is a good idea but make sure you focus more emphasis on your skills and abilities. Age bias is out there unfortunately but not an abundant practice among all companies. Service related industries and companies that cater to a customer base within our age range is a good place to start (Retail banking, Insurance, Home Health). Employers usually try to staff resources that offer the best opportunity to establish a relationship with the customer. I’ve had pretty good results using the career centers in my local area. They have employment counselors that help and advice job seekers in all professional levels. I did some searching online for you and found this career fair in tulsa this week (http://www.workforcetulsa.com/events/job-seekers/hot-jobs-recruitment-event-(3)/). Keep searching of you feel that you're not ready for retirement yet. Hope this helps.
Hi Sally: I'm sorry you're going through this right now. My first instinct when reading your post is that you might be doing yourself a disservice by pointing out your choppy resume right in your cover letter. I think calling it out only emphasizes it, which means it's the first thing employers learn about you. What kind of job roles have you been applying for?
You actually can't be required to include your graduation year. Also, try calling a little while after putting in your applications to check on them.Could help you get more interviews.
One other thing that I would suggest is use every online job board that you can. I currently have had the most success with careerbuilder, however I have my resume on indeed, Glassdoor, monster, and a few others i can't recall of hand. One other thing I would suggest is get rid of dates on your resume. Most employers are only looking at your resume for specific job experience a resume helps them find it.