Getting hire after 50+_

I noticed that you were quick on the "defense" about your interviewing skills. Perhaps you are acting defensive on interviews as you are already convinced you would be getting offers if you were younger. You can't change your age, only your attitude.

Do you present yourself in an upbeat, energetic way? Or are you a more slower mover and talker?

You're not getting older, you're getting "better" as the slogan goes!

How does someone start a new thread? There doesn't seem to be a way.

Here's an ad I thought I'd share. Is this employer for real? Offering $10-$11/hr. and they have to ask if the person has a Master's degree? You could make more waitressing!

The person is insulting too about the comment about "idle chatter." Do they expect to hire a child or an adult?

Position Description: The administrative assistant will be responsible for assisting the staff in the branch in answering phones, filings, mailings, research, correspondence, and customer assistance; and will help with overall branch administration such as answering the door, ordering supplies, monitoring expense reporting, preparing purchase orders, and other duties as assigned..

Specific Responsibilities:
• Answers phones and makes calls, as requested
• Greets visitors, customers, and vendors that come to the door
• General filing
• Types letters and mails letters
• Helps in research as needed
• May help in developing flyers or promotional materials
• Will help in cataloging of data
• Will manage and order supplies
• Sets appointments
• Prepares reports for management and customer database management
• Other things as they arise

Formal Education Required: _X_H S ___Associate ___College ___Masters ___Other

Specific Skills Desired:
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to handle multiple priorities
• Can work with various types of people

Note: This is a service environment where people are billed for their time, so candidate must recognize that lots of idle talking in not productive in this environment.

Location: DTC
Compensation: $10-$11/hour
Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
Please, no phone calls about this job!
Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

Oh, yea -- did you notice the

"other things as they arise?"

What's that-- taking their clothes for drycleaning, gassing up the car? Making the boss's hair appts?

Linda in Austin in Austin, Texas said: I think that we the experienced, talanted, educated group of workers (over 50)should band together and hire each other! HA! We could really do some good!!

Sounds good to me !! I think all us Baby Boomers that are being hurt by this crap ought to band together and protest those Butt heads in Washington. There is still enough of us!

The road to financial freedom, Job Security, and Happiness is working for yourself... not someone else. There are many opportunities for those who are willing to go the extra mile. I just completed Medical School (12 years) and now the opportunities are endless. You have to believe in yourself or you will never be successful or happy in life. Oh... by the way... I'm 47.

Liz Denver in Denver, Colorado: "Maybe you could try dressing more contemporary? Just guessing. I don't really think it's your age as many 'older workers' get hired all the time. Does your resume suggest you are still 'learning'; i.e., taking classes, etc.? Still open to new stuff? :) Just trying to help."

I have two suits. One is about two years old. I purchased another suit in March because I thought I might have some second interviews. So, no problem with clothes, given the limited chances I've had to show them off. I look very professional in both of them.

I am willing to learn, but no one is willing to teach. Going to classes doesn't help because companies want experience in the subject. My resume shows I have experience with Windows and Mac platforms. While I've been off work I have taught myself Word and Excel, so I am very willing to learn new things.

I applied to a job which required Adobe Framemaker. Adobe Framemaker is a desktop publishing program. I did not expect to be called for that job, but I was. During that phone interview I emphasized to the interviewer I had thirteen years of computer experience and would be willing to learn Framemaker. She said she doubted the hiring manager would want to train me.

I came in second for another job. I lost out because I had no experience with TimeSlips, which is a legal billing program. I had experience with another billing program, TABS III and I had told the employer I could learn TimeSlips. He had said in his ad he would train on his software. So much for that.

One can be willing to learn if someone is willing to teach. The problem is employers are not willing to teach.

Joe in Denver, Colorado: "I noticed that you were quick on the 'defense' about your interviewing skills. Perhaps you are acting defensive on interviews as you are already convinced you would be getting offers if you were younger. You can't change your age, only your attitude.

Do you present yourself in an upbeat, energetic way? Or are you a more slower mover and talker?

You're not getting older, you're getting 'better' as the slogan goes!"

One may be getting better as one gets old, but companies want younger and, perhaps, mediocre. If age discrimination in employment wasn't a problem, why would there be the ADEA and the EEOC?

Believe me, I know how to present in interviews. I answer the questions I am asked in a straightforward manner as I have in job interviews all my life, just as I try to be in life. In the few interviews I've had lately, I don't recall any questions that have put me on the defensive.

Joe in Denver, Colorado: "I noticed that you were quick on the 'defense' about your interviewing skills. Perhaps you are acting defensive on interviews as you are already convinced you would be getting offers if you were younger. You can't change your age, only your attitude.

"Do you present yourself in an upbeat, energetic way? Or are you a more slower mover and talker?

"You're not getting older, you're getting 'better' as the slogan goes!"

One may be getting better as one gets older, but companies want younger and, perhaps, mediocre. If age discrimination in employment wasn't a problem, why would there be the ADEA and the EEOC?

Believe me, I know how to present in interviews. I answer the questions I am asked in a straightforward manner as I have in job interviews all my life, just as I try to be in life. In the few interviews I've had lately, I don't recall any questions that have put me on the defensive. The toughest question I've faced is why I am longer at my previous job. Even that question has not been asked at every interview.

I'm about to sent off another email job application even though the first line of the description says "... seeking a recent college graduate ...". I suppose it could be said that recent college grads can be any age but, since most recent grads are in their 20's, doesn't this constitute up-front age discrimination? Any ideas? comments?

As far as the rest of the description goes, there's nothing there that would outright disqualify me and, since I'm changing careers it should be understood that an entry-level salary is OK. I'm also going to bring a lot of experience to the job that no college kid has yet had the time to accumulate.

We'll see what happens. I think I'll also buy a lottery ticket today. Which do you think has the better chance of being a winner?

Malcolm in CT: "I'm about to sent off another email job application even though the first line of the description says '... seeking a recent college graduate ....' I suppose it could be said that recent college grads can be any age but, since most recent grads are in their 20's, doesn't this constitute up-front age discrimination? Any ideas? comments?"

Yeah, "recent college graduate" could presuppose a particular age and would be a form of profiling. But, you could have enlisted in the Marines right out of high school, served in the Iraq war, came home, went to college on the GI Bill and graduated in your mid-to-late twenties. Is 27 years old too old any more? Or, you went to work right after high school because you had to, gained great work experience, but, in your late thirties, hit a glass ceiling. You could gain college credit for your work experience and only needed a few classes to earn your degree. Who would YOU want to hire? Unfortunately, it would be the 22-year-old. Companies really don't give a damn any more about wisdom and experience.

With that said, to me, "recent college graduate" is a veiled message saying the job probably is an entry-level position that will pay little. Companies wouldn't be interested in my two examples, above, or someone else who is older. Somehow, when you are older, you are always branded as being overqualified, which is secret code for wanting more money and/or being too old. Being "overqualified" is another excuse for age discrimination.

"I think I'll also buy a lottery ticket today. Which do you think has the better chance of being a winner?"

How much is the Connecticut lottery paying these days? Maybe I should buy a lottery ticket, too.

Good luck with your job app.

Another problem:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCbFEgFajGU#qR_g3S40kj4

Olive Oil in Stamford, Connecticut: "Another problem:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCbFEgFajGU#qR_g3S40kj4 "

WOW!! That's on a par with bogus ads headhunters run. Maybe worse.

I can say the following because I have worked for attorneys: How do these lawyers sleep at night?

Friends it sounds like age discrimination to me.

First of all you should never put anything that is over 10 yrs old on a resume as far as prior work.
The second thing is you should never put down the dates of education because that will date you.
Third if they call you to ask you for those dates you simply tell them how you are qualified for the job and how you would be good at it.
Last if they try to force the numbers from you, that is when you ask why that information is relevant to you working there, they will probably stumble around the question.
If they come up with an excuse you can tell them you don't feel that information should be required because it is illegal to ask anything that would allow age discrimination.
It's not really a big deal to say that at this point because they will not call anyway but it's fun to listen to them scramble to find an excuse and to listen to the tone of their voice change when you let them know you're not stupid!

Take action and file a formal complaint in Denver, Colorado said: COMPLAIN TO THE EOEC! Equal Opportunity Employment Commission!

They do NOTHING! EOEC is a joke.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCbFEgFajGU#qR_g3S40kj4

turtle241 in Walbridge, Ohio: "[Y]ou should never put down the dates of education because that will date you...."

I agree, but sometimes you run into online apps that ask for graduation dates. Those apps won't let you proceed unless you fill in dates. Typing "NA" doesn't help.

Oh, well........

BTW, the name of the agency is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. EEOC.

Amy in San Antonio, Texas said: Good news, Im starting a new job soon for a company that seems to be comprised of people over 45! Pretty funny. From the receptionist to the 2 managers , the average age is about 52 and thay all have over 20 years experience. They are a mature succesful group of people who value experience. I struggled through tons of interviews where I felt older than dirt(at 49) and saw cute young babes teeter totter in for interviews behind me on their spike heels and , guess what?...I never heard back from the contacts. They wanted perky, naive and low pay employees. So dont give up! There are places who appreciate "experience".

That would be my kind of place where there are no gunky kids.

Actually, this is for Amy in San Antonio. First of all, congradulations. Now, please let us know if this great new company of yours has branches in other parts of the country and, if so, where.
Also, what do they do differently when they are looking to hire someone and what, if anything, did you do differently that brought you to their attention?

Malcolm in CT said: Actually, this is for Amy in San Antonio. First of all, congradulations. Now, please let us know if this great new company of yours has branches in other parts of the country and, if so, where.
Also, what do they do differently when they are looking to hire someone and what, if anything, did you do differently that brought you to their attention?

This was just a fluke. I actually responded to an ad in the newspaper ( after months of scouring the net!) When I went in to the interview, the staff all looked "mature". This is an IT consultant company working on medical communications. They are only in my area,but handle accounts nationwide. The company is small, not impressive. However, they boast on their website and brochures that the staff has combined experience of 85 years!!
Each of us has over 20 + years in IT. So, obviously they were impressed with experience. I have found that I can get my foot in the door much easier when replying to Craig's list or newspaper ads. When applying for the jobs on the job board sites, the HR depts ignore most or all of the replies and it seemed like a waste of time for me. If you dont mind working for small companies, look into the more "personal old school" approach of written ads.

What GRANTS are available for Education for Re-training adult workers into new fields?

States? Criteria?

What positions can I re-train into that will give me an ability to work for myself - if needed?

I'm .... an over 45 female ... and have received the age issue for the past 3 years.

I do belive it start sooner w/ Females. Tech and/or Manufacturing related industries & such are particularly difficult for Females over 40.

Sad to say that Managers started asking tell-tell or very direct questions about my future Pregnancy plans aroun 27 years old.... well before my 1st child! SAD that the age backlash is now an issue after decades of proven SUCCESSFUL employement.

WHO are the companies that are great companies for over 50?

I suspect that if they hire lots of over 50 people it's a better choice for my long term future....

Amy in San Antonio, Texas said: This was just a fluke. I actually responded to an ad in the newspaper ( after months of scouring the net!) When I went in to the interview, the staff all looked "mature". This is an IT consultant company working on medical communications. They are only in my area,but handle accounts nationwide. The company is small, not impressive. However, they boast on their website and brochures that the staff has combined experience of 85 years!!
Each of us has over 20 + years in IT. So, obviously they were impressed with experience. I have found that I can get my foot in the door much easier when replying to Craig's list or newspaper ads. When applying for the jobs on the job board sites, the HR depts ignore most or all of the replies and it seemed like a waste of time for me. If you dont mind working for small companies, look into the more "personal old school" approach of written ads.

Look on the Watch Out! for these companies forum. Avoid list.

Also, send the resume' via the online App route AND then also FAX it w/ the person you want to reach specific name. Call the company for the President if you must! This way it gets to them in a paper format for at least a glance. If they are receiving 3000 resumes' + they will Delete without reading any EXTRA incoming resumes'... they'll never even open it after they have enough lined up.

D Pinehurst FL in Tampa, Florida said: When the world trade agreements were signed, we got scr--ed. Make any phone call to any company and you will end up speaking to someone in the Phillipines, India, China, or even Russia. Companies that specialize in training these people to sit in front of a computer and type in your question and they are also trained (some better than others) to speak English without an accent. It is why most other countries teach English in all their schools. Now, when all of these jobs are taken by other countries, the people that used to have these jobs have to do something else so that hurts the employment rates for other fields. And they can not longer do lawn work, install cable, or work in a restaurant because we have over 12 million illegals doing those jobs. Production plants are now in China and Mexico so those jobs are gone for Americans. Products are cheap and have little to no regulations so we end up getting products that kill our pets and harm our children.
The rich are getting richer by selling out our country and killing us.

The unfortunate China issues with CVS pharmacy & other pharmacies receiving FAKE meds from China that even the US manufacturers can't tell apart w/out testing by the scientist are a huge problem.
The similar issue is with the Toys & lead paints.
I am hopeful that this will help FIX some of the outsourcing mfg to China!

There's an equal issue with India and US call centers. When you call your average monthly bill companies ask them where they are located. If they evade you ask if they are in India. Frequently they are!

Illegal does mean NOT LEGAL. Why do these Hispanics that wish to have RIGHTS protest US laws? YOU ARE NOT PAYING TAXES. If you do not pay taxes you are not paying for the school, the hospital, the charities, the roads and such that YOUR Children and family are using for FREE. Become Legal or Leave the USA .... whether you are Hispanic or from another country

I would suggest sending your resume to the position, interview if they call you, and if they don't hire you, file an age discrimination complaint with the EEOC. See what happens. If more people do this, maybe they'll stop using the term "recent college grads" as this seems very discriminatory!

Not Quite 50 in Hinsdale, Illinois said: First of all, I really like using Indeed.com. What a great idea to have all of the job sites stream into one location! Now, I don't have to search each site separately; it saves a lot of time each morning.

Also...Juana in NYC, I agree with you. I just had my first phone interview from my latest attempt to find a job. There's nothing worse than a 20-something person sneering at you, like you're a has-been. The attitude is indicative of our culture that emphasizes that young is better. I can understand a company wanting low-cost employees, but doesn't experience and reliability mean anything anymore? Hang in there! I hope something comes along soon for us "older" workers.

I've been seeking a similar pay replacement job to a 25% corp downsizing for 1 year. I've worked for 25 years w/out a break & didn't even take a few vacations due to default of growing busy companies. In the last 5 yrs. I've been group downsized 3 times! The only people who've hired me were 100% grey haired managers which often also equals mature & more experienced. Not 1 of the younger hiring managers gave me the time of day upon meeting me.

Ironically, when I was in my early 20's until my late 30's I was ask by Owners & managers various questions regarding my plans for pregnancy. Some were bosses I worked for at the time. 1 company, ARAMARK, put me on the short list for out-sizing shortly after a miscarriage. The Manager stated that "the cats out of the bag now" meaning that the assumption was that I'd be trying to get pregnant again .... just prior to my downsizing.

It's a catch-22. Reporting such things also puts you on a "out" list. HR looks for ways to make good appearances while they are actually looking for a way to make it look like a legal cut. The way they do this is by using a "group downsizing."

anon in Houston, TX in Houston, Texas said: The job climate is "supposed" to be excellent in this sprawling city by the Gulf but don't tell that to us "old timers" the older you get the worse it gets. After all the rejections, I'm beginning to feel unwanted and unloved (like George). I just keep putting my best forward and selfishly pray alot.

Nothing selfish about praying a lot for yourself to support yourself!

Remember, for the praying perspective, poor people can't contribute much financially to the needs others! If you've obtained a good paying new job then there might be at least a few bucks to donate to ... oh... a children's home or such.
Sure time is a good contribution but both time and financial help is better.
Thus, you need a great job!

If we aren't working we are in need ourselves vs. be a contributor.

Have you read the bood The Secret? Actually, I liked the DVD movie version best w/ the little quick book as a fill-in. It gave/gives me a hopeful perspective to keep getting up each day.

It's been forever since I've had a meaningful enjoyable job that felt like I had a future. I seeking now too.

Malcolm in CT said: I'm about to sent off another email job application even though the first line of the description says "... seeking a recent college graduate ...". I suppose it could be said that recent college grads can be any age but, since most recent grads are in their 20's, doesn't this constitute up-front age discrimination? Any ideas? comments?

As far as the rest of the description goes, there's nothing there that would outright disqualify me and, since I'm changing careers it should be understood that an entry-level salary is OK. I'm also going to bring a lot of experience to the job that no college kid has yet had the time to accumulate.

We'll see what happens. I think I'll also buy a lottery ticket today. Which do you think has the better chance of being a winner?

I'll bet on it that you didn't even get a reply from that "college grad wanted" AD!

turtle241 in Walbridge, Ohio said: Friends it sounds like age discrimination to me.

First of all you should never put anything that is over 10 yrs old on a resume as far as prior work.
The second thing is you should never put down the dates of education because that will date you.
Third if they call you to ask you for those dates you simply tell them how you are qualified for the job and how you would be good at it.
Last if they try to force the numbers from you, that is when you ask why that information is relevant to you working there, they will probably stumble around the question.
If they come up with an excuse you can tell them you don't feel that information should be required because it is illegal to ask anything that would allow age discrimination.
It's not really a big deal to say that at this point because they will not call anyway but it's fun to listen to them scramble to find an excuse and to listen to the tone of their voice change when you let them know you're not stupid!

It would seem that your advice is reasonable... but.... it should only be used (in general) if you've already realized you won't be getting the job. Those statements will mark you as a potential HR problem.

I absolutely must re-career.
I have a list of potential jobs in which new education would potentially start me in a new direction and in which I could build on the past education as time passes without dumping absolutely everything into the obsolete bucket every 3 - 5 years as I do in technical related work.

I'm looking for more ideas. What work can I start now & improve my chance at employment long term for another 25 years?

50 - closing in Job ? in Frisco, Texas said: Nothing selfish about praying a lot for yourself to support yourself!

Remember, for the praying perspective, poor people can't contribute much financially to the needs others! If you've obtained a good paying new job then there might be at least a few bucks to donate to ... oh... a children's home or such.
Sure time is a good contribution but both time and financial help is better.
Thus, you need a great job!

If we aren't working we are in need ourselves vs. be a contributor.

Have you read the bood The Secret? Actually, I liked the DVD movie version best w/ the little quick book as a fill-in. It gave/gives me a hopeful perspective to keep getting up each day.

It's been forever since I've had a meaningful enjoyable job that felt like I had a future. I seeking now too.

I am reading that book now. (The Secret)
Just curious, has it changed your life in any way yet?

One long pep talk. Yet again, wouldn't it be truly wonderful if it actually worked?

Marianne in Littleton, Colorado said: I would suggest sending your resume to the position, interview if they call you, and if they don't hire you, file an age discrimination complaint with the EEOC. See what happens. If more people do this, maybe they'll stop using the term "recent college grads" as this seems very discriminatory!

It's hard to prove any discrimination at all. Just filing isn't going to do it but it might be worth a try for someone out there but not for me. I just keep plugging away and if it's meant to be I'll get a job. Happy New Year

Just a thought. Is anyone out there good at designing a webpage? Maybe we all could get information together and start a webpage of do's and don't's (and complaints too) for us over the hill gang? I understand there are lots of info out there but if we all pool our thoughts we can help each other with issues that face older workers. Give out information on how to start in a field (like Healthcare, property management, legal. Give info on education needed, advice where to look in your town etc. What do you all think? I see almost the same names over and over on Indeed so lets get together and start something good for 2008. I realize Indeed is a good place to post but something for us oldies (but goodies) would be of a benefit.

Ive said this before I will say it again, Go into business for yourself. In this Im saying,Go into the SERVICE Indusrty. For great money, and a short learning period. Most times age is not a factor , in fact the employer looks for older people. What you earn is up to you mostly. If youve never done this before, you will have your job dowm pat by this 4th of July or sooner. Its really up to you. This job is that of a Server,(waitress) in a FULL FAMILY RESTAURANT. The company does pay you a salery, but the real money is in your tips.
The way to go about this is find the most popular Restuarant in town.Thats where the money is. As I said the restaurant pays a small salary, but go at this as if your in business for yourself. Learn your customers names, learn their childrens names.Remeber everything you can about them, make them come to the restaurant to experience YOUR service, because they like you. Do this 15 - 20 times a shift you can walk out of there with a couple of hundred dollars or more a day. Its up to you!

bo825 in Bullhead City, Arizona said: Ive said this before I will say it again, Go into business for yourself. In this Im saying,Go into the SERVICE Indusrty. For great money, and a short learning period. Most times age is not a factor , in fact the employer looks for older people. What you earn is up to you mostly. If youve never done this before, you will have your job dowm pat by this 4th of July or sooner. Its really up to you. This job is that of a Server,(waitress) in a FULL FAMILY RESTAURANT. The company does pay you a salery, but the real money is in your tips.
The way to go about this is find the most popular Restuarant in town.Thats where the money is. As I said the restaurant pays a small salary, but go at this as if your in business for yourself. Learn your customers names, learn their childrens names.Remeber everything you can about them, make them come to the restaurant to experience YOUR service, because they like you. Do this 15 - 20 times a shift you can walk out of there with a couple of hundred dollars or more a day. Its up to you!

Think someone in their late 50's or early 60's can do this job? I know I wouldn't be able to. It seems slepping around trays, taking orders, cleaning up the tables is hard. I think some can do it but I know I couldn't. Thanks for sharing this idea it might help someone who really can do the job or really needs the income.

The long and short of being a restaurant server is that it is not "going into business for yourself." You are still working for "the man."

Server is a tough job. You have to be on your feet for longer periods; not everyone can handle that. Servers take guff from customers. Servers can be injured on the job. Try to get the owner to own up to a Workers' Comp claim.

Finally, servers can be fired. That reason alone automatically makes not "going into business for yourself."

The long and short of being a restaurant server is that it is not "going into business for yourself." You are still working for "the man."

Server is a tough job. You have to be on your feet for long periods; not everyone can handle that. Servers take guff from customers. Servers can be injured on the job. Try to get the owner to own up to a Workers' Comp claim.

Finally, servers can be fired. That reason alone automatically makes it not "going into business for yourself."

I have to laugh at the comment "working for the man" any job you do, your working for the man. This was meant to be, a way of controling your own future,in a reasonable short amount of time. If you do not like working, or prefer making excuses for reasons , you wont do a job. Youll be as you are now...for a very long time.

bo825 in Bullhead City, Arizona: "I have to laugh at the comment 'working for the man.' Any job you do, your working for the man. This was meant to be, a way of controling your own future in a reasonable short amount of time. If you do not like working, or prefer making excuses for reasons , you won't do a job. Youll be as you are now...for a very long time."

Whatever. When you are in business for yourself, you are not "working for the man" and you know that's so. A restaurant worker is a job, not one's own business. Your suggestion about becoming a restaurant server as a way of going into business for yourself is, at the very least, preposterous.

I can understand your cercumstances, your wisdom shows in your words Displaced!

I am glad you do, my friend.

The word is spelled "circumstances," by the way.

Have a Happy New Year.

Elizabeth McLaughlin in Sparta, New Jersey said: I do not think it is age, it is the state of the economy. I am 53 and found secretarial temp jobs and hey a material handling position, wowwwwww! Had four jobs this year and layed off of all of them.

I completely agree with you it is probably the state of economy and competition. It seems that competent individuals that can do the job and interview well will be granted regardless of age. Individuals of age fear their expierence will be a draw back and yound individuals fear the contrary/ opposite. It seems as if oppurtunity comes to those who knock! Happy New Year!

I don't think it has anything to do with the "state of economy and competition". I applied for a job answering the phones and was told "you are over qualified". I just wanted a job regardless of my qualifications. The words weren't spoken but I know in my heart it was the lines in my face (my hair is dyed). I refuse to get a face lift, boob job, fanny lift, tummy tuck to satisfy the HR managers out there. I am me and like the way I am. It's the age factor, plain and simple. The company should have been happy to get an "over qualified" person for a mear $9.00 an hour answering the phones. They would have gotten a licensed property manager cheap!! I know my job, I know what I'm capable of doing at my age. I can't be a construction worker or a waitress but I can answer the phones!! I'm licensed, I'm qualifed, I'm experienced but I'm old and that is the bottom line!!

Rachel Vishnevsky in Spring, Texas: "It seems that competent individuals that can do the job and interview well will be granted regardless of age...."

Not necessarily. I read the comments, above, about dressing more "contemporary." One can get an interview but after the interviewers meet you, they see how old you are. And that's where it ends. And that's the truth.

"Individuals of age fear their experience will be a draw back and young individuals fear the contrary/ opposite."

No, you got it backwards. Younger individuals who do the hiring fear older, experienced individuals. Younger individuals who do hiring fear older, experienced individuals will show them up as lacking experience. They also fear that older, experienced individuals will cost their companies more. They're more apt to hire younger individuals, despite their inexperience. They figure younger, inexperienced individuals pose no threat, either experiencewise or costwise.

"It seems as if opportunity comes to those who knock!"

One can keep knocking until one's knuckles are bloody and/or one runs out of doors. In either case, as I wrote, above, the doors still slam shut. That is REALITY.

Way to go Displaced!! You better write that book!! You are giving us all insight and your words have a way of hittting our hearts. Please keep replying, I enjoy reading your responses and posts.

Unemployed Property Manager in West Palm Beach, Florida: "I don't think it has anything to do with the 'state of economy and competition'.....**It's the age factor, plain and simple.** The company should have been happy to get an 'overqualified' person for a mere $9.00 an hour answering the phones....I'm qualifed, I'm experienced **but I'm old and that is the bottom line!!**"

(emphasis added)

Of course it is, although they probably figured you would not have stayed. They figured you'd leave as soon as you got a better job. Such morons don't realize that fewer opportunities are available for older people. These morons don't realize that because fewer opportunities are available older people are likely to stay and hold on to jobs, even if they are "overqualified" for those jobs.

The irony of all this is an older person can be working at a job, doing it, being productive and providing value. Lose that job and at that blink of an eye that older person has lost all value. Nothing has changed with one's knowledge, skills and abilities - but no one wants that person because the person is OLDER.

Unemployed Property Manager in West Palm Beach, Florida: "Way to go, Displaced!! You better write that book!! You are giving us all insight and your words have a way of hittting our hearts. Please keep replying, I enjoy reading your responses and posts."

Thanks again! :-) I think I do better in this kind of format. It reminds me of my younger days in talk radio.

"It seems that competent individuals that can do the job and interview well will be granted regardless of age...."

Not necessarily. I read the comments, above, about dressing more "contemporary." One can get an interview but after the interviewers meet you, they see how old you are. And that's where it ends. And that's the truth.

"Individuals of age fear their experience will be a draw back and young individuals fear the contrary/ opposite."

No, you got it backwards. Younger individuals who do the hiring fear older, experienced individuals. Younger individuals who do hiring fear older, experienced individuals will show them up as lacking experience. They also fear that older, experienced individuals will cost their companies more. They're more apt to hire younger individuals, despite their inexperience. They figure younger, inexperienced individuals pose no threat, either experiencewise or costwise.

"It seems as if opportunity comes to those who knock!"

One can keep knocking until one's knuckles are bloody and/or one runs out of doors. In either case, as I wrote, above, the doors still slam shut. That is REALITY.

This I believe is absolutely true. In the technical industries, even if my own job would not technical beyond basic computer needs & such, the younger mangagers will ask questions pertaining to what type of phone or device I'm carrying. That is, is it a Blackberry, an 8125 or other texting/e-mail device. I probably know more now and with the history of the devices than these people do, however, they assume I'm closer to their parents age and their parents are not on top of the "in" tech info. This is actually another age descrimination question but I don't think it's illegal. I am substantially more tech knowledgeable than most under 35 in devices, as well as, wired & wireless hard items in technical areans. It really doesn't matter if I'm not THEIR age generation.

anon in Colorado in Lafayette, Colorado said: oh--Meow, Meow, Meow,

Put your claws back in and go groom yourself if you can't simply laugh like the rest of us. As a matter of fact, I'd hire ....as soon as I get my company going...(blasted hiring freeze for those over 50 is darn chilly with no global warming in sight!
(ha-ha)

How old are you?

biffula in Arlington, Texas said: Americans you need to wake up! It's a global economy. We've lived fat and happy so long we're in for a big wake up! When dirt poor people around the world are willing to work for less what do you expect to happen? Companies are only smart to outsource the jobs. Labor is a commodity. Companies will go where it's cheapest. Get yourself educated and stop your pathetic whining!

Listen, although your economic statements are true, I do have substantial education, re-education, continuing professional education in several areas. I have a huge library of business related books, DVD's, Cd's, tapes (older ones) and more. I listen to the CD books in the car. I listen to the multi-lingual CD's with my child in the car for our mutual language learning. I'm currently taking an online Real Estate program with no specific job with pay in sight. I'm just expanding my business and life knowledge. I'm also reviewing another degree option for another job title type. I'm still having the Age issue on the job search front.

me in Richardson, Texas said: Excuse me?

When you have two children, day care costs are incredible and to work in a country that is "phasing in" an increase in the min wage over 2 years (yet the bill collectors won't wait two years for me to pay them), health insurance is another joke, esp if you discover you are pregnant and can't get it b/c of some "insurance guidelines"....You put yourself through college and when you go after the "crappy" jobs that you are willing to take to help your famiiy and they say: you are over-qualified, yet under-qualifed for the "better" ones. I had a great job, but the COMPANY CLOSED OVER CHRISTMAS WITH 1 WEEK NOTICE (12/24 NOTIFIED, LAST DAY 12/31) AND LEFT MY FAMILY WITHOUT INSURANCE, STABILTY, ETC. I think I speak for a lot of people here speaking in the boards that we are willing to work for little to nothing to have a fair chance at opportunity and stability.

Why don't YOU grow up? Reality SUCKS sometimes, you just have to do what you can. A lot of people on these job boards are not whining, they are venting b/c they know that somewhere, someone else is walking in the same shoes they are. A little encouragement goes a long, long way!!!!!!!

For those uninformed,
In the North Dallas Texas and extended surburb area PER CHILD:
Child Care for 1 (one) child under 18 months is $815. - 1,100. per month + $ 150. - 250. avg enrollment + 150. avg. annual supply fee.

It gradually goes down - slowly as each child get older.

At 4 years it goes down to: $615. - 815. per month.

This is not a private school. It is standard ordinary child care center with minimal education employees as teacher. Generally no teacher certification unless the teacher is on summer break, unemployed otherwise or it's next to a major University.