I posted this on another group about ageism and thought you guys would benefit from it as well.

Age discrimination, unfortunately is a reality and companies that won’t hire people over a certain age have to be totally clueless about the many benefits and advantages they’d gain by hiring “older” workers.

After skimming through many of the postings I want to share some things and ask some questions.

It’s pretty unanimous that most of you have applied for umpteen jobs and can’t seem to get hired. Okay, so there are two things to look at here. I am curious as to how many people have sent out countless resumes but don’t get interviews, opposed to how many people are going on interviews but can’t seem to snag the job.

I have a feeling the first scenario is more likely to be the case….

When I learn that intelligent, hard working people, with a decent work history are not getting interviews, I have to believe the problem probably has something to do with the resume. I say this as a professional resume writer, who’s had 13+ years of experience dealing with clients who have wonderful histories, but lousy resumes. I’ve had clients of all ages, but the majority are well over 40, with many who are into their 60s.

When I get a prospective client, I ask him/her to send me a copy of the current resume. I do this for several reasons. First, I provide each individual with an in-depth critique of their resume, at no cost to them. Also, since I don’t have “one price fits all” rates, there are certain things I look for in the resume that gives me what I need to provide the fairest quote.

That being said, I’ve learned that it doesn't matter how smart the person is, how much education they’ve acquired, what level on the corporate hierarchy they’ve reached, or the salary they have received. There is typically one common denominator. Their resume is appalling! I’ve had numerous clients who were earning well into the six figures, yet their resumes were horrifying – truly shocking in some cases and they weren’t getting interviews. Once they received and started sending out the new resume, the interviews came almost immediately, and in 8/10 cases, it led to offers, multiple in some cases!

I’ve never had a client, of any age, who has NOT gotten interviews! Trust me, they certainly would let me know. Yet, when they do contact me, which is often, it’s to tell me they had X number of interviews, with Y offers, and are now gainfully employed. I’m not making this stuff up!

On the other hand, if you are getting interviews but the buck stops there, it’s likely that you’re not interviewing well. Here, the reasons and problems are endless, starting with one’s appearance (clothing choice, hair, makeup, etc.) to verbal and nonverbal communication, behavior, attitude, and more.

I actually hesitated to write this because I didn’t want anyone to think I was doing this in order to get clients. I simply wanted to share my 13+ years of experience working very closely with thousands of people who are looking for jobs.

I just wanted to offer some ideas about where the problem might stem from and give everyone something to consider. (I am not at all implying or saying the problem is with any of you.) The issue is many resumes and/or how you interview might inadvertently be giving off the wrong impression, particularly if you haven't done this in 20, 30+ years! It's no one's fault other than the companies who discriminate against their best group of workers!

#ageism #resume #over40 #interview #age discrimination

Age discrimination, unfortunately is a reality and companies that won’t hire people over a certain age have to be totally clueless about the many benefits and advantages they’d gain by hiring “older” workers.

After skimming through many of the postings I want to share some things and ask some questions.

It’s pretty unanimous that most of you have applied for umpteen jobs and can’t seem to get hired. Okay, so there are two things to look at here. I am curious as to how many people have sent out countless resumes but don’t get interviews, opposed to how many people are going on interviews but can’t seem to snag the job.

I have a feeling the first scenario is more likely to be the case….

When I learn that intelligent, hard working people, with a decent work history are not getting interviews, I have to believe the problem probably has something to do with the resume. I say this as a professional resume writer, who’s had 13+ years of experience dealing with clients who have wonderful histories, but lousy resumes. I’ve had clients of all ages, but the majority are well over 40, with many who are into their 60s.

When I get a prospective client, I ask him/her to send me a copy of the current resume. I do this for several reasons. First, I provide each individual with an in-depth critique of their resume, at no cost to them. Also, since I don’t have “one price fits all” rates, there are certain things I look for in the resume that gives me what I need to provide the fairest quote.

That being said, I’ve learned that it doesn't matter how smart the person is, how much education they’ve acquired, what level on the corporate hierarchy they’ve reached, or the salary they have received. There is typically one common denominator. Their resume is appalling! I’ve had numerous clients who were earning well into the six figures, yet their resumes were horrifying – truly shocking in some cases and they weren’t getting interviews. Once they received and started sending out the new resume, the interviews came almost immediately, and in 8/10 cases, it led to offers, multiple in some cases!

I’ve never had a client, of any age, who has NOT gotten interviews! Trust me, they certainly would let me know. Yet, when they do contact me, which is often, it’s to tell me they had X number of interviews, with Y offers, and are now gainfully employed. I’m not making this stuff up!

On the other hand, if you are getting interviews but the buck stops there, it’s likely that you’re not interviewing well. Here, the reasons and problems are endless, starting with one’s appearance (clothing choice, hair, makeup, etc.) to verbal and nonverbal communication, behavior, attitude, and more.

I actually hesitated to write this because I didn’t want anyone to think I was doing this in order to get clients. I simply wanted to share my 13+ years of experience working very closely with thousands of people who are looking for jobs.

I just wanted to offer some ideas about where the problem might stem from and give everyone something to consider. (I am not at all implying or saying the problem is with any of you.) The issue is many resumes and/or how you interview might inadvertently be giving off the wrong impression, particularly if you haven't done this in 20, 30+ years! It's no one's fault other than the companies who discriminate against their best group of workers!

#ageism #resume #over40 #interview #age discrimination

I am a 48 year old male looking to begin a new career, I have been putting out quite a few job applications for positions that seem well suited to my education and experience but am not hearing back from any potential employers. Are there others out there facing similar challenges in finding a new job and what advice can you share if you have had success landing a new career?

I'm 49, well spoken,articulate,professional,social and world traveled. I got divorced 8 years ago and went into a deppression.I recently got my head back together and really want a job that I would love,only my resume has totally deteriorated and I have nothing big to show for the last 10 years. I don't know what to do and how I can convince a decent company to hire me. Please don't be sarcastic in your responses.

I was just offered a job in my field starting at $100k with full benefits. I am truly happy and so is my wife for obvious reasons. I am just a bit scared as I am not the same man I was 5-6 years ago nor am I in shape. At 49 years old this is going to be the fight of my life to succeed. Thx all for your support.

I am 49 and living once again in Montgomery Alabama and unemployed. Montgomery Alabama is one of the worst cities to be in unemployed I was out of work as a mechanical engineer from April 2016 to July 2017. Had to do many things to survive such as selling anything valuable to the pawn shop which included both my wife and my wedding rings. I was fortunate though in Nov 2016 to get a CAD operator contract job on 1099 for $25/hr which I quit in July 2017 to work as a mechanical engineer for $90,000 in Orlando Florida for Metters Incorporated until Oct 2017. The entire Metters Orlando Division of sum 100 plus people including the plant manager did not receive any pay check for the month of Oct and the company files chapter 11 bankruptcy so no chance of getting the back pay owed. I was and am living pay check to pay check and as a result on no pay for October behind in utilities and rent and unemployed. Wife and I are trying to get help from local charities but haven't had much luck. Will likely be without utilities soon then evicted. Don't know what I am going to do as I have applied for fast food places, Walmart and like with no responses. I even spent two days trying to get work as a day laborer with Labor Finders with no luck. Spent 5:30 to 10:00 am waiting two days to go out on a ticket only to see younger men go while I sat with old men. I've tried to sell plasma for past two days and have been turned away one due to blood pressure today over a heat rash on arm from wearing my jacket inside too long. I've setup a Gofundme account to receive some help if interested in helping see: gofundme.com/qwa9sr-out-of-work-help Just feel a sense of panic and feel worthless and alone.

I'm 45 yrs old and I'm looking for a position as a specialist in Russian language and culture. I'm a professional. Have the great pedagogical experience, energy and creativity.

I am 43 yrs old & trying to get into admin asst/hr type of job. That is what my current job is in now (retail) A lot of my experience has been in retail and 4 yrs in a call center. A lot of other varying jobs too in different fields. I keep getting told I don't have the experience. How can I get the experience in these positions if I am not given the opportunity to gain this experience? I also have a Bachelor's degree in Communications (plus an A.A. degree as well) & vast knowledge of computer programs commonly used today. Should I ask why I am passed over after interviews? Any advice welcomed!

HELLO I AM TRYING TO GET UNCONFUSED SEEMS LIKE EVERYWHERE I TURN THERE'S A ROADBLOCK IT ALL STARTED WHEN I HAD MY STROKE BACK IN JANUARY OF 2012 THAT'S WHEN MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS TURNED THEIR BACK ON ME AND SINCE I HAVE HAD TO STRUGGLE EVERYDAY IT'S BEEN REAL ROUGH ON ME I NEED TWO SURGERIES THAT MY INSURANCE WON'T EVEN PAY FOR I FILED FOR DISABILITY AND SSI BECAUSE OF ALL THE PROBLEMS I VE GOT BUT THEY TURNED ME DOWN AND TOLD ME THAT I CAN GO TO WORK SO I HAD TO GET A LAWYER FOR MY DISABILITY CASE BUT I STRUGGLE EVERYDAY I DON'T HARDLY HAVE ANY MONEY NO TRANSPORTATION AND NOW MY FINALIZATION OF MY DIVORCE I LOST EVERYTHING INCLUDING MY CLOTHES EVEN THO I PRAY EVERYDAY SINCE MY STROKE I HAVE CRIED AND SHEDED MORE TEARS IN THE LAST 5 YEARS OF MY LIFE THAN I HAD IN MY WHOLE 48 YEARS OF LIVING I HAVE ASKED ALOT OF PEOPLE FOR HELP BUT THEY ALL TURNED ME DOWN I HAVE TRIED TO GET JOBS BUT I AM JUST NOT GETTING HIRED SO NO WORK NO HELP EQUALS STRUGGLING WHEN I PRAY EVERYDAY I ASK GOD WHY ME AND THEN I ASK GOD TO BRING CHANGE INTO MY LIFE BUT I THANK ALL OF THE JOB CASE PEOPLE FOR THEIR CONTINUING HELP AND SUPPORT EVERYDAY THANK YALL FOR LISTENING GOD BLESS

Job searching is tough for anyone, but when you're over 40, it can be really confusing to fit all of your experience into a cohesive "story." Here are some resume-writing tips when you have a lot to write about: ~ Focus your resume. Don't overwhelm a manager with details - focus on one or two positions you're pursuing. Use a one-page resume, if possible; no more than two pages! ~ Use the right "key words". Read the job description very carefully and hone in on words you know will attract the recruiter's attention. Use specific examples to 'prove' you've got the right experience pertaining to those terms. ~ Leave graduation dates off resume. Be honest (always!), but don't highlight your grad date. Also, it's ok to omit anything prior to 15 years' work experience. (Especially since it's probably not relevant.) ~ Quantify your accomplishments. Write down all the key skills and traits you have that qualify for the job you want, and then write out specific incidences and examples that prove you have these skills and traits. Use percentages, dollar amounts, and quantities wherever possible, as they're tangible and persuasive. Emphasize current skills and the results you've obtained using them. ~ Stay current. Research your desired industry, company, and/or position so you know what's happening in the market TODAY. Use this information in your conversation with interviewers. ~ Be persistent and positive. The job market is tough for everyone ~ if you're not selected, you may never know why. Remind yourself of how awesome you are and bounce back quickly if you get rejected. The more lines in the water, the more fish you'll catch!

Good luck, Jobcasers!! Marijoy