Getting hire after 50+_

juana in New York City in New York, New York said: To Blondie in Cincinnati, hang in there I found a job after 5 months. try the health care industry. They are much more forgiving ....Good luck

Not necessarily. A Head nurse of mature age told me it gets harder & harder for her. She also said the young ones don't show up for random reasons. Another person in the teaching field made the same exact comment.

Which leads me to believe that mentioning on a interview how reliable you are/have been at never being out of work, or sick or such would be to our/your advantage.

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!!!!!!!

I'm in your same metroplex. I've experienced the same thing more than once in the most recent years after decades of uninterupted work success. May I ask what company you used to work for? I'm just curious.

blondie10198 in Cincinnati, Ohio said: I live in southern Indiana, I was (replaced) as my ex-boss called it. I have been looking for work for 2 months now. I have had 3 interviews, some say I'll call you but they don't.
I agree with different ones on here, we have been out there working and know our jobs. Hopefully someone will hire us so we can prove to them we are just as good or even better than the younger group wanting our jobs.
We are the delf trained, learn from the old school ways of doing things, but it works.

Many years ago I was Replaced by the owners future daughter-in-law. No other reason other than it was a small insurance company and they needed an open position for her.

Andrea in Kingsland, Georgia said: Has anyone tried RETIREMENTJOBS.COM?
They claim to be a 50+ friendly employment sight I have ran across some pretty good jobs on there. Also there is retireecareers.com

Yes, tried this and I'm on a Job Alert. Most of the jobs are not meant for long term employment. They are actually geared toward someone who has stopped their full time growing the family jobs & just want a lesser responsibility job to do during retirement for a few bucks. Still, it's worth it as each of us only needs 1 (one) job and someone might post that 1 job there.

Olivia in Osseo, Minnesota said: I get so frustrated in my office. I am in my 30s but I work next to (2) 24 year old girls. They come in late, talk on their cell phone and sit on myspace. I have to pick up their slack and I have tried to say something to my boss and she tells me I am not being a team player. I WISH I could tell her to hire someone over 50. At least I know they will work and be proud of their accomplishments. (I am not trying to sterotype younger workers but all of them that work in my company are like that)

Oh, it is actually common in several fields for 20-somethings to do just as you've mentioned. There are a few (as a whole group) who are not like that. On the flip side, there are Many 38+, 48+ and 58+ ect. who will do their part and show up on time... plus do extra as a whole (with a few who won't).

In other words their is a greater # of mature workers who will be better, more solid employees.

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.

Ask the next call center person you speak to directly if they are in India. Specifically Dubai, India. Most are. Also, when you really can't understand an English speaking person tell them I don't understand your accent. People in the US from India have told me several times that English is considered the "Business Language", therefore, they start learning English in school at 3 yrs old. All children start school at full time school at 3 years old per my Indian neighbors.

Amy in San Antonio, Texas said: Barbara LaRock:
Thanks for the tips on over 50 job searching. Im on the "edge" of 50 and it has been very hard to explain to Gen-X HR people why I am not excited about the IT field anymore after 20+ yrs in it. I have also tried entering jobs from the past 15-18 years only. I never reveal education dates. I am going to do some more research and continue to revise my resume and keep my hair colored!

Did you come up with any solutions that were helpful to you in getting hired and past the younger HR & hiring mgrs. I too know tech well but it's not new and WOW - OOOOHHHHH to me any more. It just is ummmm... interesting. The younger people do expect you/us to be still WoW'd by every new thing like they are.

Hey, puppies are cute too but Adult dogs are generally better trained & house broken!

papamiller in Rochester, New York said: I think there are a lot of low paying jobs out there. The problem is, you need 2 or 3 of them to pay the bills. My god, you need a part time job just to put gas in your car.

Besides, who wants a low-paying unrewarding job that won't pay the bills any way. I looking for realy jobs at a career type level. Unless I win a million I do not expect to retire for decades.

I'm sitting here laughing to myself. CD devices, Blackberries/Blueberries, text msg. cell phones, ear phones, bluetooth whatever is necessary to keep in touch right? I am trying honest to keep up but it's hard. I'm use to the tube radio eating popcorn listing to the Green Hornet and Lone Ranger. I have a certificate in the medical field along with certificates of excellence. I am a Notary and Licensed Property Manager. Groomed to the hilt (if you youngin's know what that means) and experienced in any field you can think of (Real Estate Agent too) still can't get a job because I'm 63. There isn't anything I can do put keep trying and trying.

Cyndi DuPont in Cleveland, Ohio said: 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?

Actually, yes. It gives me hope & reminds me to think in a more uplifting way... which does attract people better.

You'll be interested to know that after my 1st read & 1st listening to the DVD I tried a simple thing. I ask for the Law of Attraction (God and all the positive energy from the universe) to reture to us Tiny Bear. Tiny Bear is a very small yellow stuffed bear that had disappeared abt. 6 months before. I'd looked everywhere. Ironically it appeared under my bed. I have nothing under my bed. I had changed the sheets many, many times in those 6 months so if it had been caught it should have fallen already &/or been discovered. There it was! I really thought that it must have been lost from falling out of the car or such. There it was within a day or two in a place/places I'd looked a zillion times.

Tried it again on other things and it did work.

I can assure you I'm just as surprised as you or others.

Hasn't worked yet on a new job though or for the winning of a spacious house. I'll keep you posted.

The current economy is not that bad in my area unless you are in Real Estate or Mortgage industries. If you lose your job or if the interest rate increase makes it impossible for you to pay your house pymt then YES the economy is bad.... otherwise.... it's mid-range here.

Up beat managers on the phone have a lose of interest in person when they see me. These are usually much younger managers. I'm trying not to travel for my job any more so I'm looking at lower leve jobs and new title and industry jobs.

Yes, I dress in suits, wear heels, fix my hair appropriate for the industry and speak well.

There is an obvious Light in the Eyes that goes out and they seem to be just going through the motions.

I focus on how I can benefit the company and how I can benefit their earnings in their department to make them look good to their own bosses.

Juana in New York City in Little Neck, New York said: What is up with this companies and agencies? They do not want to hire someone after 50. If you don't put the dates on the resume, they'll contact you wanting to know the dates and then when you tell them, they never call you back. You would think they want some one reliable and with experience.

Do you or anyone else know:

What Grants are available specifically for Mature people who need to re-career to new areans?

What Education will get me into a specific new career title?

I already have a BBA and decades of business work experience.
I am already highly computer literate in business related software.
What else should I add?

Anonymous in Plano, Texas said: I think getting a job is based on Law of Supply and Demand. I always chuckle when I read that companies are experiencing a "shortage" of skilled workers. Gee, I'm a SALT tax professional (sales & use tax; excise tax; franchise tax; property tax; payroll tax), with a B.S. in Business Administration. I have experience in: telecom, aerospace, oil & gas; software, and government. I also have systems implementation experience with SAP & Vertex.

Guess what? The demand is in Income Tax, of which I have no experience. I'm having a tough time even getting consulting positions.

When I look at "Hot Jobs", if I filter out years of experience, it's intersting to see that the number of openings with over 5 years of experience is slim pickings.

I fully understand why the Boomers are going into their own businesses and becoming successful. Let the young folks try to run the corporations.

When you think about it, the old and young can have magnificent results by utilizing each other's skill sets and working as a team. That is something ALL of us have to learn.

Unfortunately, the mature workers with experience do understand this but the younger workers often think it's hog-wash..... or they don't even bother to think of it at all.

Unemployed Property Manager in West Palm Beach, Florida said:

Ok so I am old and forgot to add a comment (lol).. I'm headed to the website you mentioned expresspersonnel. See what they have to offer. Thanks for the tip.

Check the AARP website for their list of Best Employers. Maybe there is something there.

Long term employment seeking - Unemployed is unemployed. I may be a few yrs younger but it's still the same problem....not to mention the child care & needing both of us to have health insurance.

I need to expect to work for another 25 years.

I'm truly trying to re-career with some kind of new education. I'm looking for industries and job titles to funnel my energy toward.

Even the long term over 65 school teachers tell me they have hiring & employment issues due to their age.....and That industry has a shortage. They tell me that the districts hire new grads and young people repeatedly who only stay 1 - 3 years. Teachers in Tampa, Florida and in the DFW suburbia metroplex have told me this.

Pitiful.

Try this Free Profile of Interest & Importance items. Maybe it'll help move you/me toward a better and more rewarding profession in our next career.

O*NET

I've looked at many of the above posts. Some of these companies apparently use headhunters for their recruiting or are headhunters themselves.

Although these headhunters may specialize in placing older candidates, just beware of everything headhunters imply. I.e., lies, broken promises, inconsiderate treatment, phone calls not returned.....well, you know it all already. In other words, don't get your hopes up. View things with a jaundiced eye and you'll be better off.

Displaced, I won't go near headhunters. I did try a temp employment agencies about 3 weeks ago because the position they advertised sounded great. Never heard from them again. Guess I'll just sit here at the computer and do "job searches".

jacks013 in St. Louis, Missouri said: Would you be interested in working from home? Owning your own travel business? Gaining income through commission booked through your site AND through referring others?

I have a great company/program I would like to introduce you to.

Let me know if you are interested.

-Jackie

Another shill.

Unemployed Property Manager in West Palm Beach, Florida: "I won't go near headhunters. I did try a temp employment agencies about 3 weeks ago because the position they advertised sounded great. Never heard from them again. Guess I'll just sit here at the computer and do 'job searches.'"

Sure. Guaranteed, your time will be far more productive foraging for jobs yourself than attending some headhunter interview that will lead you to oblivion.

Applying directly to companies requires much more work, but who said that serious jobhunting is a part-time job. By applying directly you are in control of your job search instead of dealing with the secrecy that shrouds headhunter jobs. Not to mention bogus ads, unreturned phone calls, rudeness and general lack of consideration which have been addressed ad infinitum.

Im not a headhunter. I just want to extend mu business to you. It is not a scam, or a temp agency.

If you would like owning your own business, this may be for you. I work full time at a law firm in STL , MO, and i have this job on the side to make a little extra $. I learned a lot from it and it is fun. Many people have quite their full time jobs to be referring travel agent.

jacks013 in St. Louis, Missouri: "I'm not a headhunter. I just want to extend my business to you. It is not a scam, or a temp agency.

"If you would like owning your own business, this may be for you. I work full time at a law firm in STL , MO, and i have this job on the side to make a little extra $. I learned a lot from it and it is fun. Many people have quit their full time jobs to be referring travel agent."

I neither said nor intimated you are a headhunter. I don't see how you drew that conclusion. Headhunters are an issue separate and apart from what you're offering.

I can speak only for myself, but I have grown weary and entirely skeptical of work-at-home offers. These scams appear all across the internet job board universe. They generally are too good to be true. Anything too good to be true usually is.

I feel the same way about insurance sales (from primarily obscure companies) and "financial advisor" "opportunities," etc. that greet you right after you post an internet resume.

I still can't get over how employment, employment placement, employment services and get-rich-quick schemes have become such a major industry. It is despicable how so many of these operators prey upon desperate job seekers.

jacks013- A friend of mine tried the referring travel agent. She didn't do too well but she did make arrangements for her friends and co-workers. You can make something but not much according to her.

Tell your boss (in private) that THEY are not being team players -- ASK FOR A RAISE SINCE YOU ARE PICKING UP THEIR SLACK!!

OR stop picking up their slack!!!!!!! :)

Small Town near Big Town in Fayetteville, North Carolina said: What has happened to appreciating experience? What I have been told is that some businesses now what a degree, experience, and younger person - so they don't hvae to pay as much. I got news for them, the double effort it takes to train someone, or the extra time it takes a more "seasoned" person to do it for them, is far more costly than keeping the experience. ... /QUOTE]

Laid off or long-time unemployed? Thank NAFTA (the North American "Free" Trade Agreement), ageism and age prejudice, as well as outsourcing and corporate greed. Where you and your peers may once have made a good income (at least a living wage), based on your experience and tenure with a company, that company is now forced to bear down in a market where companies must run lean by hiring youth for less, in order to compete with outsourcing; where labor is paid pennies on the US dollar. You indirectly support these UNCONSTITUTIONAL and CORRUPT practices when you purchase products made in countries that degrade the American dollar with near sweat-shop and slave labor practices; countries such as China, India, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and some former Eastern Bloc countries. (Remember, China is the country putting lead into our childrens' toys, and condoning "dumping" practices; whereby dangerous -aka radioactive and lead-based- recycled material is incorporated into their export products). By law, anything imported into the US must have a "Country of Origin" label or a stamp. Turn over that product before you buy it, and check the label of origin. If it's not made in an ISO-compliant country (or region) like the US or European countries, don't buy it, AND PUT AMERICANS BACK TO WORK.

[QUOTE who=Small Town near Big Town in Fayetteville, North Carolina" What has happened to appreciating experience? What I have been told is that some businesses now what a degree, experience, and younger person - so they don't hvae to pay as much. I got news for them, the double effort it takes to train someone, or the extra time it takes a more "seasoned" person to do it for them, is far more costly than keeping the experience. ..."]

Laid off or long-time unemployed? Thank NAFTA (the North American "Free" Trade Agreement), ageism and age prejudice, as well as outsourcing and corporate greed. Where you and your peers may once have made a good income (at least a living wage), based on your experience and tenure with a company, that company is now forced to bear down in a market where companies must run lean by hiring youth for less, in order to compete with outsourcing; where labor is paid pennies on the US dollar. You indirectly support these UNCONSTITUTIONAL and CORRUPT practices when you purchase products made in countries that degrade the American dollar with near sweat-shop and slave labor practices; countries such as China, India, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and some former Eastern Bloc countries. (Remember, China is the country putting lead into our childrens' toys, and condoning "dumping" practices; whereby dangerous -aka radioactive and lead-based- recycled material is incorporated into their export products). By law, anything imported into the US must have a "Country of Origin" label or a stamp. Turn over that product before you buy it, and check the label of origin. If it's not made in an ISO-compliant country (or region) like the US or European countries, don't buy it, AND PUT AMERICANS BACK TO WORK.
(Addendum to last remark:) I also think there should be a law requiring US corporations that outsource their labor to low-wage countries to be taxed at a much higher rate, as a penalty for taking jobs away from US citizens.

45+, 50+ AARP Best Companies in Frisco, Texas said: Check the AARP website for their list of Best Employers. Maybe there is something there. ...

Even the long term over 65 school teachers tell me they have hiring & employment issues due to their age.....and That industry has a shortage. They tell me that the districts hire new grads and young people repeatedly who only stay 1 - 3 years. Teachers in Tampa, Florida and in the DFW suburbia metroplex have told me this. Pitiful.

They have trouble finding work because traditionally, by the age of 65, teachers took their hard-earned IRA and teacher's pension, left the work force, and settled in some warm climate. That is just a dream now. Now, they can't sell their tiny houses because they are paying anywhere from 4-20k a year in property tax, so that their town can let some third-rate land developer raise yet another anemic and taste-challenged condo development to house the ever-growing population of people coming here for the perceived "American way of life" and who add daily to the exponentially larger pool of work-force candidates. It's laughable, and we need to wake up and deal with immigration and foreign policies that before too much longer, will do no one any good.
And this "economic stimulus package?" Ppphhttt!! Don't get me started! But seriously: could we be offering any further inducement to the idea that we're becoming an entitlement country in trying to improve the state of our economy by providing more money to the already self-entitled masses? I think not. This is almost unbearably depressing.

I think the key to getting work today is selling your services directly to the companies-

Anne in Denver, Colorado said: I think the key to getting work today is selling your services directly to the companies-

If you can get a foot in the door, that is. Most won't talk to a job seeker, refering potential candidates instead to the staffing agency to which they've outsource their HR role. Then, you're typically (at least here on the east coast), talking to some transient worker with no clue about the industry for which he staffs.

Sulynn in New Hampshire said: If you can get a foot in the door, that is. Most won't talk to a job seeker, refering potential candidates instead to the staffing agency to which they've outsource their HR role. Then, you're typically (at least here on the east coast), talking to some transient worker with no clue about the industry for which he staffs.

I am referring to making it seem as if YOU are a COMPANY. Create a website; offer services.

hmmmmm. Currently embarking on such an endeavor.
Now, if only easy financing would make a comeback. Oh, wait...

Regarding the Resturant server positions:
This is not a job that a mature adult would be likely to be hired into in the DFW area. The fact is that there are plenty (incredibly abundant) of young, energetic and cute people available and more than willing to take these jobs. Possibly in the Midwest or similar cities it might fly. Employers are primarily going to hire for the young appearance in DFW 1st because that generally the appearance of "in" they want to portray.

Can't say that most mature workers could typically work those evening hours either.

I been following this thread about 50+ workers. All the companies I've applied to are looking for young 20+ something's to fill the positions. Waitress,receptionist, Admin., whatever,you won't see a "mature" looking face any where nowadays. Walk into any building, restaurant, and you have a 20+ something heading your way with a pad and pencil,or if it's a receptionist a earbud sticking out of her ear so she/he can talk to their other 20+ something friend. Ask for directions in a big building and that 20+something will say "like errr huh?" You repeat your request and get "like it's over that way look for the blah blah and hang a left". But she/he is yelling at you as if you are deaf! They all figure, and this goes for 20 something's,30something's and 40 something's,over 50+ is old and we can't follow directions or we are deaf! But, the reason, I feel, that companies hire these inmature workers is because their skirts are high enough and their blouses are low enough. Don't see too many men in a receptionist or Admin. position (they can fill the spot too) because they,most of the time, wear slacks, dress shirt and tie so you don't SEE anything on a male!! Maybe I should drag out my mini-skirt, get me a low cut blouse and put tons of make up on (to cover those mature lines on the face),put my stilettos on and go on an interview. Think I'll get it?

Unemployed Property Manager in West Palm Beach, Florida: "Maybe I should drag out my mini-skirt, get me a low cut blouse and put tons of make up on (to cover those mature lines on the face),put my stilettos on and go on an interview. Think I'll get it?"

You need a few tattoos as well. Adopt the Amy Winehouse look. Do these things and you may have a chance. Good luck!

Displaced! There you are lol... I always wanted a tat, Betty Boop!! That gal was wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy ahead of her time!! Shall I start swingin' and a swayin' think anyone will remember Sammy kay?

I've heard of Sammy Kaye. I remember watching Betty Boop cartoons when I was a kid.

Sammy Kaye - My brother is the one who would remember him. I'm too young!

A little over one year ago I was laid off from a small software consulting firm because our major client just decided to pull the plug and go it alone. Since then I've been looking for anything similar to what I had been doing. I've been through the usual sign-up with a number of local search firms, careerbuilder, craigslist and others and here I am still - and about to dip into my IRA to make ends meet. This is really getting to be uncomfortable. I would like some feedback about something else that I want to try. I am thoroughly convinced that I've been running into age discrimination. Yes, I've gone over my resume and minimized the number of places where dates show up but it's still possible to figure out that I'm one of the original baby boomers. I've been told that I'm "overqualified" and that, yes, they really do prefer someone whose only experience is a summer internship and I've answered job postings that I would respond to if I were the hiring manager only to see that same posting appear again with a new date. I'm thinking of sending my resume directly to the CEOs of a couple of companies (registered mail, certified delivery) and asking why, if what you have posted is really what you're looking for and this is what I have and have done and could do to meet the need your business has, I shouldn't conclude that, by not receiving any form of reply, what I am experiencing is discrimination based on age and/or veteran status. (I admit that part of my reson for wanting to try this is just plain vengance - I want to twist some SOB's skivvies.) Any ideas, comments? And thank you.

Malcolm, Don't get discouraged, we can all relate to what you are going through. To share a little story with you to make you laugh.
Husband took car in to be serviced this morning. A 20 (could be 18 also)receptionist greeted him in the so-called waiting area after the service tech took the car. She proceeded to tell him about her cat and boyfriend. Ok,husband thought, I'll just deal with this. THen she said that boyfriend started his car and she was carrying the cat and the car started the cat. The cat scratched her breasts (yep she said that) and then she pulld down her bra to show him. The blouse he said was already opened pretty low. So, you tell me, hire a boobie showing 20 year old or someone who know enough NOT to do that. Get my point? At first it didn't make sense why a big car dealer who hire someone like that. Then I sat and thought about it, blouse opened down to the yang yang and boobies flopping around,mmmmmm it had to be a MALE manager don't ya think?

What a story! What is going ON with this world?

Actually, your husband should complain to the store's owner. Not only was this girl burdening your husband with her story inappropriate, flashing him was, to say the least, outrageous behavior in a place of business.

Don't forget the thong! University of Phoenix managers like young girls who wear thongs to interviews! It's a guaranteed JOB!

Malcolm in CT: "A little over one year ago I was laid off from a small software consulting firm because our major client just decided to pull the plug and go it alone. Since then I've been looking for anything similar to what I had been doing. I've been through the usual sign-up with a number of local search firms, careerbuilder, craigslist and others and here I am still...."

Have you tried applying to companies directly? How about Sikorsky, P&W, etc. Don't waste your time with search firms and headhunters. As you've discovered by now, these outfits are a bunch of baloney.

"I am thoroughly convinced that I've been running into age discrimination. Yes, I've gone over my resume and minimized the number of places where dates show up but it's still possible to figure out that I'm one of the original baby boomers. I've been told that I'm 'overqualified' and that, yes, they really do prefer someone whose only experience is a summer internship and I've answered job postings that I would respond to if I were the hiring manager only to see that same posting appear again with a new date..."

Of course it is age discrimination. You're not alone. While I think that new millennium HR is fundamentally inept, I give it credit for one thing. No matter the pains you take to conceal age, HR has this uncanny paranormal ability to divine it off resumes. Something like Carnac. I'm serious.

You could delete every date reference from your resume, including dates graduation and dates of employment. Try listing only aggregate experience. Of course you know to leave off employers from longer than ten years ago. For that matter, why not try a functional resume format? A functional resume emphasizes knowledge, skills and abilities, and deemphasizes chronology. With a functional resume you can conceal employers near the bottom of your resume. Might be worth a shot.

Continued next post...

Continued from above post...

At least you're not dealing with a termination or resignation. No hiring manager could be so inhuman as to hold a layoff against anyone.

"I'm thinking of sending my resume directly to the CEOs of a couple of companies (registered mail, certified delivery) and asking why, if what you have posted is really what you're looking for and this is what I have and have done and could do to meet the need your business has, I shouldn't conclude that, by not receiving any form of reply, what I am experiencing is discrimination based on age and/or veteran status...."

I hear you, but don't waste your energy. Your letter will wind up in the round file.

All legal cases are hard to prove and age discrimination cases are extremely hard to prove. The company holds the cards. It only has to say it liked other candidates better than you. Moreover, your odds of finding someone in the company to corroborate your allegations are slim and none, and your odds of finding supporting documentation are also slim and none.

What needs to happen is Congress and whoever occupies the White House should enforce existing age discrimination laws. By not enforcing these laws, they are creating a vast underclass of people who will become increasingly dependent on the government for support. Not wise in the face of a recession. If Congress and the White House occupant enforced these laws and made employers do the right thing by considering older jobseekers, tax revenue would increase, deficits would decrease, and our society would be more productive. It's just as simple as that.

Best of luck with your efforts. You deserve it. We all do.

Unemployed Property Manager in West Palm Beach, Florida said: 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!!

Your experience is like that of many older job hunters. If you believe you've been discriminated against because of your age, then why not sue the company? The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)protects workers over 40. You can find more on AARP's website. Change will only happen if enough people make enough noise. This is a national disgrace. It's not right that older American workers are being asked to work up until age 75 - 10 years past the traditional retirement age - at menial, low-paying jobs that have no regard for the accrued wisdom that comes of years of experience in the workforce. What a tragedy.
www.aarp.org/money/careers/jobloss/a2004-04-28-agediscrimination.html

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: Continued from above post...

At least you're not dealing with a termination or resignation. No hiring manager could be so inhuman as to hold a layoff against anyone.

"I'm thinking of sending my resume directly to the CEOs of a couple of companies (registered mail, certified delivery) and asking why, if what you have posted is really what you're looking for and this is what I have and have done and could do to meet the need your business has, I shouldn't conclude that, by not receiving any form of reply, what I am experiencing is discrimination based on age and/or veteran status...."

I hear you, but don't waste your energy. Your letter will wind up in the round file.

All legal cases are hard to prove and age discrimination cases are extremely hard to prove. The company holds the cards. It only has to say it liked other candidates better than you. Moreover, your odds of finding someone in the company to corroborate your allegations are slim and none, and your odds of finding supporting documentation are also slim and none.

I have to respectfully disagree. Companies and their hiring bodies want you to believe that you're powerless. Undercutting confidence and resolve is the first tactic of any lawyer worth his fee. I think the poster who wanted to send his/her resume direct to a CEO might have been on to something. Take the bull by the horns-sometimes that's the only way to ride it. At the very least, an in-your-face approach would be remembered. Too many meek little resumes already see the circular file for not standing out in some way. There's no law that says a prospective employer must reply to your resume. But, if more people contacted CEOs or hiring managers outright, they would begin to take those inquiries more seriously, see you as a possible future witnesses in an age discrimination suit...who knows? More thought for fodder.

Sulynn in New Hampshire: "I have to respectfully disagree. Companies and their hiring bodies want you to believe that you're powerless. Undercutting confidence and resolve is the first tactic of any lawyer worth his fee...."

I generally agree with you, Sulynn, and enjoy your posts, but this time you are wrong. I was in the legal field for more than eleven years. For nearly seven years I did plaintiffs' litigation and WC claimants' work. My job was to help the attorney help clients obtain relief through the legal system. I lost count of the number of suit papers I drafted and cases I worked on during the years. I know whereof I speak about proving a case. I can assure you that establishing ANY kind of case is tough. Establishing a prima facie employment case is especially tough for the reasons I outlined in my post, above.

Further, I can assure you reputable attorneys are more than willing to take good cases. They WANT good cases. They can do more for clients who have good cases than those who do not. By the same token, reputable attorneys will turn away clients whom they feel do not have cases. Call it undercutting of resolve, if you want; it is really a reputable attorney being candid and, more importantly, acting ethically.

Re: Rejecting Older Workers:

The company can always use the excuse, "We felt he had so much experience, that this job was beneath his potential and once he found something higher level, he would leave."

Companies can always try to make up excuses why they don't hire older workers. If the job is well suited (by any reasonable outsider looking in) to the person and they don't get it, then that could be a winning age discrimination case I would guess. Comments? If their excuse is plausable, maybe not.

Anne in Littleton, Colorado: "The company can always use the excuse, 'We felt he had so much experience, that this job was beneath his potential and once he found something higher level, he would leave.'

Sure. Companies also use that reason for rejecting so-called overqualified workers. Companies say they can't pay them enough money. How do they know it's not enough money?? They should try offering it. It just may be accepted.

My wife has told me stories about how she would be brought in for interviews and the first words out of her interviewers' mouths would be she is overqualified.

"Companies can always try to make up excuses why they don't hire older workers. If the job is well suited (by any reasonable outsider looking in) to the person and they don't get it, then that could be a winning age discrimination case I would guess...."

Here again, proving individual age cases is extremely difficult. But if a pattern of discrimination can be demonstrated and proved, there's a chance of winning.

Displaced, The service department always calls the house a few days letter to see if we were happy with the service. Guess who is going to tell them about the gal with the cat scratched boobies!!
As far as proving age discrimination is impossible unless you get someone on tape saying hey you can't do the job your old, get something in writing that says "Dear Employee, You are old", Sincerely, Your Boss. Plain and simple, as I have stated before, age discrimination is alive and well in every company. And THONGS yes have seen way too many on company employees, in fact one regional manager even went as far as telling the staff she either wears thongs or nothing at all. The meeting had male and female employees!! Go figure!!

Unemployed Property Manager in West Palm Beach, Florida: "As far as proving age discrimination is impossible unless you get someone on tape saying hey you can't do the job your old, get something in writing that says 'Dear Employee, You are old', Sincerely, Your Boss. Plain and simple, as I have stated before, age discrimination is alive and well in every company."

I don't disagree, but if a company has discriminated against you it likely has discriminated against others. If you can gather individuals and direct evidence that others in the class have suffered discrimination - in other words, show a pattern of discrimination - you could have a chance, and, I emphasize, chance. As with any legal matter, you can lose.

I have a pilot friend who had interviewed with a regional airline in St. Louis. He was over fifty at the time. According to my friend, he had departed the interview and was outdoors when someone from the airline approached him. This person told my friend the airline rejected because of age. How's that for proof? Without a doubt, if confronted that person would deny what he told my friend.