Getting hire after 50+_

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".

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- 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?

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?

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?

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

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.

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.

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!!

Displaced, when you work for an propert management company you are not in the corporate office. Most Property Managers are off-site workin in a development. Trying to connect to other employees who have been discriminated against would be extremely hard but I have thought about it. Thanks for the tip!!

Per my past experience calling & consulting w/ lawyers for my own experiences, I can tell you that unless 2 people are willing to speak against your/their company in court you will not have a winable case.

Current employees will not speak against the company since doing so would but them on the 1st list to be downsized or somehow Exited out of the company. THEY would be pretty much guaranteeing their own demise. 1st as unpromoteable & 2nd as Unemployed.

Unless you quit hiding the name of that company who descriminates you'll never find allies.

Malcolm in CT said: A little over one year ago I was laid off from a small software consulting firm

After tons of experience in IT related group downsizings from previously solid companies, I can assure you that MOST hiring companies will discriminate against hiring you as many manager still think you did something wrong or the company would have kept you.

I have had high level Managers actually tell me that "companies keep the best employees in a lay-off."

.... uh... If you have to tell them that you are currently working on a project for xyz company (made-up) and have a friend back you in saying the project has been completed... do it.

I was always a straight up honest person until I lost everything financially with the above type Manager beliefs. Executive Recruiters have told me repeatedly that "this manager" or company "absolutely will not hire someone who is not currently employed."

Executive Recruiters & employers will also calculate your age by asking "When did you graduate..." questions. You see if you tell them when you graduated from college they can get a good idea of your age...... & ..... if you tell them when you graduated from HS they can get almost an exact age.

I was advised by a Job Search/Resume' Writer not to put the years of graduation on the resume' so that they can't eliminate you before they actually see you in person.

AARP Volunteer Legal Review Program If you think you're a victim of age discrimination, send a detailed letter to P.O. Box 50228-MO3, Washington, DC 20091-0228 (or email to litigation@aarp.org). A volunteer attorney can assess your case. For an online copy of AARP's booklet "Age Discrimination on the Job" (D12386), go to www.aarp.org/litigation/publications.html. For a hard copy, email member@aarp.org with name and stock number.

[QOUTE]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.

Well, I don't have a law background of any sort, but I will say that I wasn't referring to the willingness of the lawyer to accept a case of age discrimination, but to tactics I reasonably assume a defense lawyer might employ to make one think he/she had no case against the client company. ??

My tendency is to think of the bigger picture; today especially, when the issue is prevelant not just in this forum, but everywhere. Ideas like "class action lawsuit" and "The League of Geriatric Ladies and Gentmen" spring to mind. Ok, laugh, but you'd agree I think that a union of sorts representing our exponentially graying workforce is definitely not a BAD idea, right? Like I said- I think big.
I'm 38 - not old - but definitely not young; and, I'm aware as much as I need to be of the sudden stricken and uncomfortable looks I receive when meeting an interviewer for the first time. I hear the same schlock: Over qualified. A nice euphemism for "ugh, you're just too old!" If this sort of discrimination is not litigable, at the least worthy of restating one's rights under the law, then I guess the bigger question would be why the heck do we bother to pass laws for things that most people, especially someone with a law background, believe to be untenable? Anyway, that's my song and dance for the evening.
Here's something I found online that might be interesting, gives me some hope: denver.injuryboard.com/employment-law/age-discrimination-decision-against-walmartsams-club.php

I'm 38 - not old - but definitely not young; and, I'm aware as much as I need to be of the sudden stricken and uncomfortable looks I receive when meeting an interviewer for the first time. I hear the same schlock: Over qualified. A nice euphemism for "ugh, you're just too old!"

I don't really agree that it's that you're "too old," that's silly! Unless you are interviewing with 20-somethings. And you wouldn't want to work with the air heads anyway!

It's that they think you will want more money than they want to pay. The air head 20-somethings will work for nothing! They're willing to work at career level positions for $24,000 a year!

Barry, most of the HR people I interviewed with were 20'something. They can't see past your resume, they get stuck on the little lines on your face!
Displaced, I went to an attorney and he said (he is tops in hie field), show me the proof then I'll take the case. There is more to the story but I will not post here on Indeed, it's too personal.

I can not find the article on "what's Old Is New" online but check out the book, ""Finding a Job Afte50: Reinvent Yourself for he 21st Cetury" by Jeanete Woodward, (Career Press, $14.99). I'm going to check amazon.com

Lawyers generally only want to accept cases that are Win-Able.

I was once told: You do have a case but with out 2 other females willing to also say the same thing or that they witnesses the discrimination then I did not have a Win-Able case.

Lawyers often keep their Win/Loss % and find this to be extremely important when accepting a case.

It all comes down to how much money THEY can make, has nothing to do with helping someone with a case.

Displaced, Thanks for the input. I'm glad to see someone out there has trust in lawyers. I found the book by Joanne Woodward over at amzaon.com Think I'll purchase it.

Unemployed Property Manager in West Palm Beach, Florida said: Barry, most of the HR people I interviewed with were 20'something. They can't see past your resume, they get stuck on the little lines on your face!
Displaced, I went to an attorney and he said (he is tops in hie field), show me the proof then I'll take the case. There is more to the story but I will not post here on Indeed, it's too personal.

I find it sad, as well, that employers overlook the generation that developed computers for widespread use (and in effect, ushered in the "high-tech era") in favor of a generation whose knowledge of a computer is, by and large, limited to pressing its "on" and "reboot" buttons. In my experience, younger workers don't know how to troubleshoot hardware and software problems. That job usually fell to me (the magazine editor!) as the only employee with an understanding of how to fix glitches that would invariably arise.

Displaced, Yeah,you are right about the good lawyers out there. I just have had two that weren't up to my expectations and was up against one who was a nut job. I was just venting about things that happend in the past. Onward and forward!!

ps... there was more the car dealership service dept.flasher. My husband told me that she actually snapped her own bra, you know snapped it in the back. My husband being who he is was not sure what that meant. I had to tell him she was impling something.

Unemployed Property Manager in West Palm Beach, Florida said: ps... there was more the car dealership service dept.flasher. My husband told me that she actually snapped her own bra, you know snapped it in the back. My husband being who he is was not sure what that meant. I had to tell him she was impling something.

Oh Lordy. I've seen/heard a lot of the same types of things. Sadly, in my experience, these same loosey-goosey young women (and young men - seriously!) are usually the ones to be promoted; I believe, not because they have earned the promo, but because a clued-in decision maker wants them out of the dept. where they're causing trouble, yet doesn't want to risk liability by terminating the employee. My hat's off to those younger workers who find their way clear of the entitlement mentality shared by so many of their peers. I've witnessed a definite lack of propriety (not to mention fungible ethical standards!) amoung many of these workers.

I know someone who was fired from her job at Echostar and tried calling Frank Azar (the Strong Arm.") He didn't even want to talk to her. I know someone else who tried to call him and he didn't want to talk to them either.

It seems that too many attorneys these days ONLY want the "for sure win" cases with $$$ big dollars. They really don't care about the clients at all. I understand they need to earn a living too, but to just dismiss a great portion of the population seems very wrong to me.

I think some lawyer,not all, do not really care about their clients. Of course, the one that Displaced mentioned, is rare. They are out there and like anything we have to pick and choose. Don't forget like Displaced posted, get the property type lawyer for the case you want to pursue.

Unemployed Property Manager in West Palm Beach, Florida said: ps... there was more the car dealership service dept.flasher. My husband told me that she actually snapped her own bra, you know snapped it in the back. My husband being who he is was not sure what that meant. I had to tell him she was impling something.

This sort of idiocy really irks me. I really prepare for an interview from the inside out. I research the company, research the interviewer(s), research the industry - and come prepared to present my skills in a manner that butresses the needs of the company in relation to the industry. I take a beauty day at the spa a day or two before, and dress appropriately in high-end suit jacket, skirt, and heels. The heels I can do without!!! One interviewer insisted upon showing me the company's "cool campus." He made me WAIT while he changed into a track suit, then took me outside to the company's "regulation-sized" track. It was a nice place, really! But I was made to fast-walk beside him in high heels while he went on and on about being a team player, being prepared for anything, etc. After 40 minutes, I thought it must be some awful interview test of endurance or something! In desperation, I told him I'd like to continue the discussion, but in attired appropriately. I invited him to meet me at MY high school's track after five that day. I think he thought I was hitting on him! But he met me there anyway, and I was very hopeful that I had showed initiative and would be getting an offer. I got nothing but a letter thanking me for my time, and a standing invite for race walking! Tore that up, needless to say. That some dip like the one you describe could even remain in the job, let alone be promoted, goes against everything I've ever been taught. My brother has a good saying: When someone tells him that something is the normal state of affairs he says "the trouble with normal is it just keeps getting worse." How true.

I went on an interview like that once -- the manager spent soooo much time showing me all their facilities. I really didn't even care -- facilities are nice but the job specifics are what is important.

Heck, I can go the gym on my own. It was more like a PR thing --- not an interview.

I can appreciate that he was "thrilled" with the facilities himself but most job seekers really don't care about that kind of thing unless they've already secured the job!

They're clueless.

Anne in Littleton, Colorado said: I went on an interview like that once -- the manager spent soooo much time showing me all their facilities. I really didn't even care -- facilities are nice but the job specifics are what is important.

Heck, I can go the gym on my own. It was more like a PR thing --- not an interview.

I can appreciate that he was "thrilled" with the facilities himself but most job seekers really don't care about that kind of thing unless they've already secured the job!

They're clueless.

It's like they're just boasting, in case you don't get the job they want you to be bowled over enought to tell other people all about that great company that passed you over: "Golly Gee! That XYZ Co. sure is some kinda wonderful!" Right. My response: "Gee that XYZ Co. was nice on the outside, but the offices smelled like rancid cheese and sweaty feet!"

I am not quite 50 (I'm 47) but recently began to wonder if age is the problem in my current job search.

I have a college degree, 20 years of experience, and an awesome resume. But I haven't been able to secure even one interview yet. I feel that my salary expectations are more than reasonable, so I don't think that's the problem.

Every day I look at the hundreds of new jobs posted online and can't believe that not even ONE person has responded to my job application.

I was downsized from my job last year and moved to TN to be closer to my daughter... so I'm new in town and don't really have a network of contacts to rely on. I registered with 3 temp agencies several weeks ago, but so far they've not been of any help. (I did get two offers to work with no benefits for 60% of my requested pay rate, if you can call that an offer.)

I have also been looking at the websites of the major employers in the area, but haven't seen much there. I know the economy is not stellar right now, but the Nashville area is supposed to be doing better than most...

My bank account is now down to 90 days of living expenses so the situation is getting critical. I am not married so I have no other paycheck to depend on. This situation has completely caught me off guard as I've never had a problem in the past with securing employment.

I am stumped as to what to do next. ANY suggestions from anyone?

I am stumped as to what to do next. ANY suggestions from anyone?

Make sure your resume is ATTRACTIVE to employers!

Check out: expertresumes.com

Displaced,

Why is it so important to apply via regular mail and not e-mail?

I'll admit I hate how some of the e-mail upload programs delete all the formatting from my resume (bold, underlining). It makes everything look so unattractive.

What if a company specifies you must apply online? Would you mail a separate hard copy of your resume, too?

You have two options: Take the low-paying job offer for the interim, even if it's a pay cut (and it's not really that, since some money coming in is better than no money coming in), or, second option, continue to refuse work, and get deeper into debt. The only good thing about refusing work is that in some respects it makes you a free agent; free to pull stakes, free to network yourself all around town and back again, etc. However, keep in mind that while you're sitting back refusing work because it doesn't meet your criteria, temp agencies are pulling you from their call lists.

I hope you opt to take that interim job. But, before you accept any interim offer, let your prospective manager know that you have a recurring "committment", once, maybe twice a month, for a few hours in the morning or late afternoon. Use this time as a buffer to schedule interviews during the week with potential employers who ARE willing to meet, or come close, to your salary and benefits expectations. During your interim job, do NOT tell anyone that you are job prospecting; co-workers are obviously off-limits, but so are your neighbors, and the network of people who cross your path on a daily basis; you'd be surprised at how fast word gets around, and in ways and from sources you wouldn't expect.
The only people who should know you're job hunting are: You, your headhunter-if you decide to utilize one, and your Monster.com Job Agent (just remember to make your name and contact info. "private" so that anyone looking at resumes on Monster doesn't find you, just your quals and a secure email link).

Friend, I'm in almost the same situation except that I've been there longer. Take the temp job or find something part-time. Some income is better than none. If you're new in the area and don't have an immediate circle of contacts there's an easy way to acquire some: join a church. Any church. Whatever denomination. You'll find good people willing to be helpful and supportive.

I appreciate the advice, but taking something part-time isn't really going to help. It might delay bankruptcy by an additional month? I keep reading about people who are stopping their job search due to a weak market, but I'm a single paycheck household -- it's not an option for me.

I did call several of the temp agencies I'm registered with to say that I would take a short-term temp job... but in spite of their submitting me for several, I still haven't done even ONE interview.

I'm living off of my income tax refund at this point. I've cut back to eating only one meal a day. Cheese sandwiches cost about 50 cents each, and a $2.00 box of red beans and rice is 4 meals...

Any ideas why these temp agencies can't get me any interviews? I wore a gorgeous suit and heels to my interviews with them, passed their tests with flying colors, and provided excellent references. I am not unattractive, nor am I overweight. (However, I am 47 years old, although I do look younger.)

I'm applying to companies directly, also. So far, I would estimate I've sent out 30-40 resumes. Not ONE response -- not even a telephone interview!

I'm really puzzled... and very scared.

Temp agencies due to their very nature of placing lower level jobs in many circumstances (not all) do place a lot of younger, more inexperienced people. I've found that most of their own staff is quite young unless you're dealing with a true executive head hunter. It's really not all that surprising that they are caught "off guard" when someone more mature walks in. The majority of jobs at places like Office Team etc. ARE entry level, which would make sense (younger people). Older people are not generally "entry level." I said "generally." Obviously for women who have been home raising kids, etc., or other circumstances, it happens and more often that these agencies seem to be able to accept or understand.

As far as applying direct, you need to follow up -- any way you can. If there's just an e-mail address, follow up that way. If it says "no phone calls please" call anyway. I've never not been able to get thru to someone when I said "I'm following up on my resume." Not once.

Today I received about six or seven "New Comments" and they all turned out to be the same and I received the orignal one weeks ago. This isn't the first time something like this has happened. Somebody needs to give the offending software a GOF (good, old fashioned) eyeball inspection.