Preparing to #EEOC interview on the Topic of #Hiring #Age #Discrimination
I am a long time Mainframe Adabas/Natural Programmer/Analyst who spent too much career time with this really very good product (1985-2014). I also worked and working with Visual Studio (more VB and less C# but not at work) and SQL Server (at work, 2003-2014). I am doing home projects with all these Microsoft Products: SQL (BI, SSIS, ETL), VB, Excel, Access.
One of these projects: my job search tracking. Between May and November 2016, I've submitted 750 job applications and had 35 interviews. As of today, zero job offers.
There is a link to my blog: http://www.michaelealfes.com/blog/my-job-search-status-detailed-report-as-prepared-for-eeoc with attached detail report of my job search and its zero results. http://www.michaelealfes.com/uploads/4/7/6/2/47624087/michael_alfes_-_job_application_log_20161106.pdf
04/10/2017 - Finally, I filed my complaint with EEOC and was interviewed. Got a Case #.
Hi Michael,
Yes, age discrimination is alive and well. It is a loss for the industry to not be able to recognize the skills that a seasoned software developer has.
The skills in your work experience are directly applicable to any software position that is out there. In general, what one can do in a particular programming language can also be done in another and it is very easy.
Java to C# is a good example and any of the less popular languages like FORTRAN, COBOL, and PASCAL.
I think what would help is if you work with a resume specialist, or you can do this yourself but the resume writers are very good, to highlight the pathway in your experience to the language and position of your choice.
Hang in there, you'll definitely get a position. Be sure to include a well written cover letter and seek advice from professional resume writers to get the right wording.
I've hired developers regardless of age and have found that the seasoned developers like yourself are some of the best to have on a team.
Keep in mind that when interviewing to just be yourself and talk about how your skills are easily adaptable to the position. Share scenarios where you jumped from one language to another.
Search for privately held companies and go to their website to apply for open positions and if they do not have any listed then send your resume and cover letter via postal mail.
You can also find via internet search companies that specialize in career development. Some of these firms are very good at breaking through the age issue.
I learn from people of all ages and I find that the mix is incredibly rich.
Craig
Michael they are crying for good mainframers.. I know my son is part of the upper 25 in the states and he is 46 years old and having his door beaten down regular.... are you on Linked in... put up a photo of you ..from a few years ago.. I did an interview with gent . that I looked up so I would know something about him.. and oh my heavens when I walked in to the interview... I was shocked .. no kidding.. I am 66 years old have a G4 security clearance and have had a ton of temp jobs.. will stay right here.. in mail and copy until I am 72 .... why cause I have it better right now .. more then any point in my life... keep trying never stop.. with what you do and why there is a huge need for the older wiser mainframer.. trust this old Mom.. good luck kiddo..
Hi Michael: Thank you for sharing your blog article with the community! I'm sorry to hear about your struggles with your job search - let us know if there's anything the jobcase community can do to help!
Start a class action suit. Present a company that you feel many over 45 years old have applied to. Make an example out 1 company!