How I combat ageism as a mature job seeker.
Hello everyone,
On my next birthday next month I will be 53 yrs young, and I can actually retire from the workforce in four years.
In 2013 as the new year rolled in, I turned 47 and then became unemployed. Scared about being middle age and unemployed, I had no time to feel sorry for myself, so I got busy reinventing myself and my career.
I first started with my resume. I deleted five years of prior work experience off of my resume, so hiring managers could not discriminate against me because of my age.
Next I updated my look. I cut my hair and changed my hair color and updated my make-up to give myself a more youthful look. My profile picture was taken two years ago 😉.
Then next I updated my wardrobe. I had tons of business attire in my closet from working so many years, but they were worn a dated.
Whenever #LaneBryant had a really great sale, I would stock up on the classic white button down shirts, cardigans and hosiery. I also brought two suits to wear for interviews. One was a navy pinstripes pant suit, and the other was a navy skirt suit. I also updated my interview shoes and brought two pair of #NineWest pumps( 2 inch heals, no stilettos).
I then did research on free computer classes and job training courses. I registered and attended a lot of free classes at the NY Public Library, and I enrolled into a free healthcare job training course, and now I have switched careers and have been working in the healthcare field for five years.
So I say to all of the over 45 and mature job seekers, don't give up and keep pushing ahead.
Yes, I agree with all you said, I two had to reinvent at 55 and not being ready to go. A person has to stay current with the look of success and current with skills. I have become an independent consultant and like working for myself. The best part is returning to some companies that past on my skills because of age, and to that I say "You Got To Want It". Good luck to all those looking and don't give up.
Excellent perspective and so encouraging. Thanks for sharing.
Agreed! I definitely have to look into the free classes option.
Very inspirational. Also I recommend older candidates bring your age up in the interview (rather than letting the employer think of it in thier own terms) and tout the benefits of hiring a mature worker: strong work ethic and very low incentive to leave after just a few years, the maturity to handle emergencies well, the experience to recognize problems early and creativity to solve them. They get the depth, breadth and maturity of your experience, with the committment to stay in the job.
I turn 59 next week, looking for work, so your story is a great inspiration!
I'm happy for you great story
Want to still make a contribution and make difference
Looking for job after retirement
like working on stuff
I now can see the direction I should take. My resume and my look can use an update. I'm semi retired but still need to work to make ends meet for Medicare! and other expenses. I've been in the housekeeping field forever and now want to try something new. Thank you for the tips, I can apply all that will work for me.