How do I address my obvious lapse in employment?
New member Debbie Cruz raises some pretty serious concerns in her recent post Seeking advice on resume and frank discussion on age !.
"will anyone be interested in hiring me at my rather advanced age?"
Extended lapse in employment to care for ailing parents and/or Loved ones, re-entering the workforce in a new profession at an advanced age, finding work life or manageable work/life balance are a series of concerns affecting job seekers of all ages today.
How do qualified candidates like Debbie attract employer attention and remain competitive in todays impersonal and highly automated employment community?
Your suggestions, comments, and tips are greatly appreciated! Thanks in Advance!
There are 7.3M open jobs and only 5.9M job seekers. Employers are therefore more open than ever in hiring older workers. You do however need to go about your job search smartly. For step by step guidance, check out my book 3 Steps to Your Best Job Ever- Over 40 and Hired Edition on Amazon and Kindle. Good Luck!
Wow! I have similar concerns about age, as I have always defended F-500 corporations on their fair and impartial practices. What I have found amazing is that a very nice recruiter brought me in to meet her, as my resume is solid, but when we sat to talk, her comment to me was:
"Your perfect for my client but you may be uncomfortable there because they are an Austiney vibrant group, you know, care free like Austin TX"
I replied: Are you saying I'm old? Is my experience not appropriate? How long have you been a recruiter? Im here in traditional corporate attire and can fit in any environment because I recruit talent as well.
Needless to say, I am still confident that companies will hire professionals with age in experience, but in today's mindset (my observations) some less seasoned professionals, do not understand equal opportunity, that is until they themselves are directly impacted by it.
You keep plugging away. It's all a numbers game. God Bless
"Better to find the right place a little bit late, than the wrong place quickly" Tony Pacheco The River of Success dot com
14 Freedom Place Anytown, CA 95864
The only gaps I've had in my resume are back in 2016 when I left my first job in Mental Health in order to concentrate on my Master's program. The job didn't pay enough and took too much time away from my education. The only other gap was one month when I was between jobs. My advice is to explain the gaps honestly. Provided they aren't year long gaps, you should be fine. If you've been out of the workforce for over a year, you've got some explaining to do. Employers will ask.
@DebbieCruz it sounds like you are already on the right path forward in going back to school and getting your MA! If your dream job is really working at a Head Start school having a Master's degree in Public History will definitely put you in the running.
Having an extended gap in work history is something that is quite common, from a recruiter or hiring manager's perspective it's all how candidate's frame their experience. I think if you are drawn to teaching, a position that requires empathy, patience and a caring heart that you should be able to draw on some of your experience as a care giver when chatting with potential employers about skills/lessons you learned while caring for your parents. At the same time, going back to school shows you are passionate and committed to continued growth.
I noticed you are outside of Austin, Tx...it looks like there are a few options for Head Start Teachers/Coaches/Assistants in your area...depending on the job they require different levels of classroom experience, but it wouldn't hurt to send your resume to a few of these places and see what they say.
I don't know much about remote research positions, but I'll do some digging and add links below if I find anything that looks good!
I Totally agree. I also had two Great job offers at 55 and decided to go with the one just a few minutes from my home. Its all about 'Time and Chance'. Keep Pounding
Yes, they will. I am a 55 year old woman and I currently have two very good job offers on the table. Believe it or not I actually have to pick which one I'm going to take. Two universities offered me a job. One is paying $40,000 a year; and the other one is paying $33,000 a year. Imma tell you why they want to hire me. It's because my resume is strong. You cannot expect a job offer if you have a weak resume. Your resume speaks to everything; especially with what you've done during your working years. I wish you the best Lenin.
Thank you so very much Mr. Pina for your time and interest in helping me! I appreciate it greatly and look forward to any feedback, Debbie Cruz