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.