
Remarketing myself at age 50
Just recently laid off after 29 years of service. Very nervous, any suggestions of how to approach the job seeking arena.?

Looking to work with some one soon

Gwendolyn, I am so very sorry for your loss. I cannot see your resume, but I suggest you work with a professional to update it well. Check your local library and senior center to see if anyone can do it for free; if not, go to beyond.com (PartnerResources@email4-beyond.com) and request one. I also suggest doing mock interviews. If it's been 29 years since you had an interview you might be a bit rusty. Don't pass up the medical receptionist postings; they would appreciate the billing experience you would bring. Perhaps if you could get another billing job they could subsidize your returning to school for the coding certification. And get yourself on LinkedIn so you can network. According to your picture you look strong and cheerful. Keep it up! Wishing you the best.

You need to list your technical skills on your resume. EX: Microsoft Office, what programs you used, any email programs you are familiar with like outlook. Also you need to do a spell check on your resume. You spelled Children's wrong on your second job listed and it really sticks out since you used bigger lettering.

I've been there also. Life shakes us up to reach our full destiny. If you are in the healthcare field look into the EVS industry. HHS, Sodexo, Crothal.

Your resume is in desperate need of rework

Don't let fear put out your spark. This is a major life change for you, which is always a bit stressful, as you are entering new territory. Keep your spirits up, because people are automatically attracted to others who are positive and upbeat, and you want to attract a new employer. I myself will be 49 soon, and won't be looking for work till next year, after a 17 year break due to illness, so I also will be in the same boat, but even more at a disadvantage, so we are in the same boat, to some degree. Just keep your resume simple, and one thing might be not to oversell yourself, because some have said that they got "overqualified" rejections very often. Seems like they feel that people who are older and highly qualified will cost them more? It's a nutty job market, so we all just have to adapt and keep on plugging.

I know the feeling of being nervous after being laid off... It happened to me at age 48 and shortly thereafter I was in the middle of a divorce as well. It was a difficult time, but looking back I just kept trying to remind myself this was a blessing--and it truly was! Of course, no one knows your situation like you, but I would say first of all, to rest assured that God has you in his very capable hands and that he will provide. You undoubtedly have years of experience as well that you can draw on to get back into the job market. Maybe this is a chance to try something new! Assess your abilities and pray for guidance and direction. It sounds cliché but God really does have a plan for your life. Every day and every new experience is a new opportunity. If you do your part, God will do HIS!

Take community classes to be familiar with technology, Microsoft office suite & social media. Then be confident of your skills- be proud of 29 years!!! You have a lot to offer and don't be afraid to say, I've been doing this a long time!

Research the next field you would like to get into, and then research it some more. Start with a fresh resume and interview skills. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH! Best of luck to you Gwendolyn
Congratulations for being that stable! Since you only have one job, you should look into doing a "skills" resume https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/927/02/
You should also include any volunteer work you have done, and look at resumes from other people who have the position you want. Phrasing is key to get past the gatekeepers. Most of all, believe in yourself. The job hunt is a bummer and it really starts to sap your confidence after a while. Keep reminding yourself that you have done great things, and you will do more of them in the future. Good Luck!