Very Perplexed
I have 14 years of successful executive experience, bachelots degree, post-graduate teaching certification, Master Life Coach continuing education, have hired hundreds of people over the last decade and have been sought out by 6 fortune 500 companies for beta test product launches... JUST FOR STARTERS. I have read all the advice, tailored my resume', applied for 79 jobs so far and gotten nothing but scams and pyramid schemes talking to me... I've never been fired, committed a felony, or have a bad mark on my DMV report. I just saw that my WORST hire I ever made, she was a nightmare from Hell, got a high paying consultant job... Why is this process entirely upside-down for me? It actually seems insane, I see complete blithering idiots get good jobs but all I get is scammed. Maybe someone in an HR department can let me in on the secret, but I have to warn you, I think every HR person should be fired immediately, you make ZERO semse to me. I feel like I'm living in a bizzaro world. In fact, I HAVE fired HR people, if I found out you missed me as a hire for my firm, I'd fire you immediately. So, give a legitimate answer, I know bullsh*t when I hear it.
I've been told ageism is a thing, is it literally that I'm 53? I look better in a bathing suit than 99% of men half my age, I'm healthy, reasonably tech savvvy, and look like I'm in my 30's. Do people in 2019 actually think a person over 40 doesn't know how to work!? My crew leaders, mostly Millennials pretty much cheered when I hired anyone over 50 because they know the work ethic is exponentially better. I have 3 kids and a mortgage and am scared out of my mind. The complete insanity of this process has me snakebit and utterly panicked. How the hell can there be the lowest unemployment rate in my lifetime but can't find work with a track record of success spanning the last 16 years when I see a friend of mine, 35 years old and female, who has been fired from her last 4 jobs, never had a success anywhere, never worked anywhere for more than 1 year, get a great job!? I mean, this is so insane it has me thinking in conspiratrial ways like it's ageism, sexism, racism, not because I like conspiracy theories but because NOTHING explains what I'm experiencing. Will someone who actually knows just level with me, trust me, I've poured over hundreds of advice articles from "experts" and have implemented the advice, I interviewed great, am charming, articulate, and can sell my butt off... but I'm pretty much losing my mind here. What gives?
Oh, add conscientious, I just poured over this post 4 times to correct any spelling errors ; )
You had me at, "I look better in a bathing suit than 99% of men half my age." I think that is a very interesting way to view your appearance, haha but you're correct in that appearance sadly is often prized over skills and experience when it shouldn't be. I think you are a fantastic candidate that is meticulous and cares. If you are showing this it will only be a matter of time. The fact that you are landing interviews is a wonderful sign! This means your resume is appealing and has what it takes to be noticed and hook employers. Don't compare yourself to others. I know this is hard, but worry about you and not what others are doing. I felt the same way when I was fresh out of college with a Master's degree and could not land a job when my friends all were. It's important to push away that negativity and focus on you, but I get it, it's frustrating to say the least! My advice, keep applying and don't let your worrying prevent you from moving forward. It does take time. Spend extra moments checking out the company and how you can assist them in solving issues and making their brand better. What do YOU bring to them? Sell yourself, but sell yourself in regards to the company and why they need you. Leave them saying we NEED to hire this guy. You have got this Paul Budish keep going!!!