older job candidate

I'm 59 years old and having trouble landing the job. What can I say in interviews to compensate for being an "older" candidate?

I am also having to deal with the age thing, even though I am a bit younger than you. At 47, I am finding it near impossible to find anyone that wants to hire me. Add to that a bad economy and trying to make a career change, well.... It's tough.
I have decided to revamp my resume, stressing experience rather than showing years worked,etc.
My last interview did not go as well as hoped, never heard from them! But, for the next one I plan to stress how RELIABLE I am, and experienced in dealing with people. Maturity should account for something huh?
No doubt about it though, I have NEVER had this much trouble finding work before.

older job hunter in Fort Worth, Texas said: I'm 59 years old and having trouble landing the job. What can I say in interviews to compensate for being an "older" candidate?

I'm 48, and have been in recruiting and placement for a number of years.

I guess I'd ask what kind of work are you looking for? How much experience is on your resume? (May need to "trim" there.) How do you feel your interviews are going? Do you feel like you are "close" or do you feel that the "age issue" is knocking you out of the box as soon as you get there?

Sorry you are having such trouble. I wish mine were my age. Unfortunately, I think my problem is the color of my skin. I know (don't go there) but you can tell by the look on their face when they see the person behind the resume. It's sad, we are told to get experience, go to college blah, blah and nothing. I can't even get an entry level position. I hope things start to work better for you. I have two small kids and it's killing me.

It is sad that discrimination of any kind is alive and well.
The world expects you to work and pay your bills and be a productive member of society, yet if you don't happen to fit the desired "mold", you seem to be out of luck.
I have been out of work for almost 9 months now, and am losing everything. Not from a lack of trying though!
Hope someone offers some real concrete advice to us!
Seems like a losing battle sometimes.

I guess we have no choice but to hang in there and keep trying. The last interview I went on I was looked at as if I was lost and needed directions. How hurtful is that when I served this country to protect those who now won't even look in my direction. I'm about to loose everything too. It's stressfull and you are suppose to stay upbeat for the sake of the kids. I'm staying prayerful, this won't last forever. Good luck to you!

And to you as well Nalla.
You are right, this will not last forever.
It just feels like it at the moment!

WOW, I'm not alone! I am facing age factor when I go for an interview. I posted to another person saying almost exactly the same thing. I heard "you are more the qualified", "your resume is great". No phone calls not even an email telling me thanks but no thanks. I can go between two occupations so I thought lucky me I'll switch over to the other one. Still no luck. I tried retirmentjobs.com (website for older workers) but it seems most of the ads are from agencies. Oh well!

Cyndi DuPont in Cleveland, Ohio: "It is sad that discrimination of any kind is alive and well.
The world expects you to work and pay your bills and be a productive member of society, yet if you don't happen to fit the desired "mold", you seem to be out of luck.
I have been out of work for almost 9 months now, and am losing everything. Not from a lack of trying though!
Hope someone offers some real concrete advice to us!
Seems like a losing battle sometimes."

For older people, even getting interviews is an SOB. Somehow, HR coneheads have paranormal abilities to ferret out candidates' age, even off the least obvious of resumes. Of course, one can recast a resume to appear "younger." List only the last ten years of employment, list aggregate experience but don't list dates of employment, leave off dates of school graduations, etc. These strategies may land an interview. Unfortunately, one must own up to actual dates if asked. That's when older candidates are screwed. About all one can do is keep trying.

Stay away from those tempting work-at-home schemes, such as the one being shilled above, which promise six-figure incomes without experience. As older people we are savvy enough, or should be savvy enough, to know that anything too good to be true probably is and that nothing is free.

Continued next post.....

Continued from above....

Finally, that Republican in the White House and Congress have no clue about age discrimination. None whatsoever. They do not realize that by not enforcing anti-age discrimination laws they are creating a vast underclass of needy people. They don't realize this needy underclass will become increasingly dependent on the government for survival because no one will hire them. To solve this problem, government should simply enforce the laws. The laws are already on the books.

Government must make employers do the right thing and give older workers fair consideration for employment. Of course, employers will argue they have the right to hire whomever they want. Not only does that absurd argument violate equal protection provisions of the Fourteenth Amendment, it is bad public policy.

I should add I'll soon be 57 years old. I lost my job nearly two years ago. I have more than eleven years of legal experience. I have experience in two other industries.

Including interviews, I have made more than two hundred contacts. My only offer has been to work part-time for Northwest Airlines for $9.40 an hour. After taxes, union dues, uniforms, gas, etc., I don't think I would have broken even with that job. I also know I'm worth far more than $9.40 an hour.

It is discouraging isn't it?

I myself have over 13ys experience in my chosen field, yet am being forced to re-think my career choice. This, in itself, is very stressful. Starting at the bottom at 47?

I am presuming most of us have worked our entire lives, honest hard-working people. Yet, this is the way we are rewarded? Being out of work is a soul shattering experience, but thinking that we are being pushed out by younger workers who will work for 9.40 an hour is just down-right depressing.

What is the answer here? I truly don't know. As stated above, employers do have the right to hire whomever they want. But I must wonder, what happens to all those who are not able to find a job? Are we supposed to just walk away quietly? To take a job, any job, that is well beneath our experience level and accept minimum wage pay that won't even come close to paying our expenses? Or even worse, having a supervisor half our age making more than we are!

I can very much relate to your situation. I too have about 100 or so applications and resumes out there. One offer, part time, no benefits 6.50 an hour.

The sad truth is that as long as companies value youth and workers that do not demand wages that match their experience, or benefits, it just makes sense for their bottom line.

And of course, there will always be vultures out to take advantage. Please do not fall for any work at home scheme that happens along. I do wish these boards were moderated. Please... if it were possible to make that kind of money stuffing envelopes at home (or whatever) we would all be doing it!

I have come to the sad realization that I will have to do just that, a job, any job! Maybe even two of them. I have too much stubborn pride to accept any kind of public assistance (not to offend any of you that do). I just cannot wait for things to change, respect for experience and wisdom of age seems to be a thing of the past, and does not appear to be changing anytime soon

Cyndi DuPont in Cleveland, Ohio: "As stated above, employers do have the right to hire whomever they want."

I submit they don't. I submit employers are bound by anti-discrimination laws. But try to prove an age case. Your first have to jump through government's EEOC hoops. Let's say the EEOC gives you permission to sue a discriminatory employer. An employer just has to say it liked other candidates better. It's daunting, at the very least, to find evidence and obtain witnesses who will support an age discrimination claim. Government must address this issue. Rotsa ruck getting a Republican to do so.

"But I must wonder, what happens to all those who are not able to find a job? Are we supposed to just walk away quietly? To take a job, any job, that is well beneath our experience level and accept minimum wage pay that won't even come close to paying our expenses? Or even worse, having a supervisor half our age making more than we are!"

Or work for a supervisor who knows half of what we know - if such person will hire you.

"[R]espect for experience and wisdom of age seems to be a thing of the past, and does not appear to be changing anytime soon."

Nope. I hope to live long enough to see these callow, punkass Gen X hiring types and even older ones who blatantly practice age discrimination get their just desserts.

Cyndi DuPont in Cleveland, Ohio: "As stated above, employers do have the right to hire whomever they want."

I submit they don't. I submit employers are bound by anti-discrimination laws. But try to prove an age case. You first have to jump through government's EEOC hoops and obtain permission to sue an employer for age discrimination. Let's say the EEOC actually gives you that permission. An employer just has to say it liked other candidates better. It's daunting, at the very least, to find evidence and obtain witnesses who will support an age discrimination claim. Government must address this issue. Rotsa ruck getting a Republican to do so.

"But I must wonder, what happens to all those who are not able to find a job? Are we supposed to just walk away quietly? To take a job, any job, that is well beneath our experience level and accept minimum wage pay that won't even come close to paying our expenses? Or even worse, having a supervisor half our age making more than we are!"

Or work for a supervisor who knows half of what we know - if such person will hire you.

"[R]espect for experience and wisdom of age seems to be a thing of the past, and does not appear to be changing anytime soon."

Nope. I hope to live long enough to see these callow, punkass Gen X hiring types and even older ones who blatantly practice age discrimination get their just desserts.

I, too, am searching for a position that fits my experience in UC claims and tax, bankruptcy, collection, and workers compensation matters, after leaving employment of 15 years...and I have 12 years experience before that in private practice and criminal law. I've had four interviews in 7 months, and no call backs. Everyone is looking for someone with 2 to 5 years expereince, and they don't seem to acknowledge that I am ready to go without further investment, that there is no firm time lost supervising/training me, and that I come with committment and contacts within my community. I have resorted to document review work, which is paying the bills, and while I appreciate the opportunity and income, it is VERY BORING STUFF. Those positions are available on craigslist, careerbuilder, monster, and on the various recruiter sites. Please post any success stories.

Let's call it what it is - age or race - it's still discrimination. we can blame the White House, we can blame the neighbor next door. It all comes done to ignorance of the HR department. The blame is in their lack of understanding. Older workers (I'm speaking for myself) are more reliable then the younger ones. We take less sick days, less time off for hangovers, less time off for child care. We do our work from 9 to 5, come in early to start the day and leave later to finish up the day's work.

Hannie in Columbia, South Carolina said: Hi Cyndi, I am very sorry about your problem and I know how that is as my sister and family went through all that when they moved from Florida to Charlotte, N.C. My brother has never found anything real good and at times had to work 3 jobs. I am sorry also if I gave the impression that one could make a 6 figure income right off. This is not a get rich quick scheme in fact it takes allot of real hard work!!! I do not want to miss lead anyone and would be please for anyone to check our company out totally as I did before starting your own business. However, if one would follow our guide lines and do our training, one should be able to make a 6 figure income within two years. The lady that started me into the business makes this income and I would be glad for you to talk with her if you would like. I have been with the company 6 months and doing well. I work this business part time as I work for the state of S.C but will retire in a few years and will have my business to a good point at that time. Please go to my web site for more information at www.freedomathometeam.com/pdennis or email me back with more questions at any time and I hope this helps and I wish you better in the New Year..God's Blessings..Patricia

You're a shill.

Unemployed in West Palm Beach, Florida said: Let's call it what it is - age or race - it's still discrimination. we can blame the White House, we can blame the neighbor next door. It all comes done to ignorance of the HR department. The blame is in their lack of understanding. Older workers (I'm speaking for myself) are more reliable then the younger ones. We take less sick days, less time off for hangovers, less time off for child care. We do our work from 9 to 5, come in early to start the day and leave later to finish up the day's work.

Couldn't agree more!
It's called having a work ethic and the youth of today (I really shouldn't generalize like that, should I?) just don't have it. They are just presented with another opportunity.

Well, no one said life was fair. Question remains, what are our options at this point?
Not being honest on our resumes? Facelift? Complete re-training?
Or perhaps just put us on a piece of ice and float us out to sea like some tribes do?
It is beyond depressing, and sometimes leaves one with the feeling of complete hopelessness.
For Goodness sakes, we are not lazy slackers, we WANT to work, eat, have a roof over our heads, pay taxes, support ourselves, and otherwise be responsible. But as Displaced pointed out, are we to depend on the government for our survival?
That thought sends chills down my spine.

Brings to mind a news story I saw the other day. An older man robbed a bank, has yet to be caught. Hmm, perhaps unable to find a job? Shows how well the government was taking care of him!

Unemployed in West Palm Beach, Florida: "Older workers (I'm speaking for myself) are more reliable then the younger ones. We take less sick days, less time off for hangovers, less time off for child care. We do our work from 9 to 5, come in early to start the day and leave later to finish up the day's work."

And employers just don't care. I didn't care to stay late, so I came in much earlier than anyone. I hardly took lunch. I probably put in a good fifty hours or more a week and was only paid for forty. It made no difference.

HR used to be astute, but no more. At one time HR would try to qualify candidates. Now, it simply dis-qualifies them. Less brain damage for the coneheads.

Has anyone tried retirementjobs.com or retirementworkforce.com? I been checking them out but it seems to be more employment agencies then private firms but it has tips for us over the hill gang. I am taking time off to re-evaluate my resume and life approach. There has to be something to trim down the age factor on a resume. Good too see that there are others out there in the same boat. Good luck to each of you and Happy New Year.

I had to share this story with you all. Reading all the posts about age recalls a very funny interview I had about two years ago. I am qualifed for the position but the young girl who interview me was about 20 yrs.old. Her skirt was up above her knees at least 6 inches. Since there was no desk we were facing each other during the interview. I saw more then I wanted to. Being young and dumb the questions had nothing to do with the job itself. She had canned questions. I laughed and walked out. Why do companies hire these girls is beyond me. Maybe the skirt has something to do with it. Just wanted to share.

LOL, for the very reasons I have been whining about!

Young, pretty, but dumb as a fence post. Willing to work for poverty wages because they really don't know any better.

Hmm, that's probably how she got the job in the first place!
So I'm guessing you didn't take the job?

Funny story though

No, I wasn't offered the position because I didn't have enough experience (had 5 years) but the question that was asked was can you handle this position at your age? I almost fell on the floor laughing and that's when I walked out. Oh well, on to better things and a job in 2008!!

Unemployed in West Palm Beach, Florida: "[T]he young girl who interview me was about 20 yrs.old....Being young and dumb the questions had nothing to do with the job itself. She had canned questions...."

A little over a year ago, a bank called me about a job. I am not denigrating females in any way, but the person on the other end was a young gal. She sounded like she was reading off a list of canned questions. One of the questions asked where I hoped to be in five years. I was unemployed, so I answered that at the moment I was more concerned about my short-term future than my long term. And my fate was in the hands of this young, probably inexperienced, imperceptive young person!

<sigh>

I don't think it has much to do with gender because it seems there are more females then males doing the interviews. We need to reflect on what we did during the interview also. Are we dressed in clothing left over from the 50's and 60's? Are we dating ourselves in any way? I won't go as far as getting a face lift to land a job but maybe a new hairdo or a younger fresher look in the makeup department. Is the resume too outdated? Let's see what we can do in that area. Any ideas how to approach it?

I agree and I have gone over and over things I could change for the next interview. It's very expensive but I always wear a dark business suit, my hair is freshly done, my nails are done and I wear no perfume. I make sure to give a firm handshake. I also send thank you letters that reflect what we discussed in the interview. I'm not sure what's left to do. I also might add, when you are not working, paying for these things each time is costly. Especially with kids.

Hannie in Columbia, South Carolina said: I'm so sorry.....I know these things are happening everywhere and something needs to be done about it!!! However, if you would like to try to work from home I would be glad to help you all I can. It is lots of work but it will pay off in the end...it isn't a get rich quick deal but if one will go by the guide lines you should be making a hearty income in a few months. Some takes a while and others right off so it just depends on what you want to put into it. We do have a one time fee of $45.00 and over head cost of $50.00 put with this you receive 5 professional web sites maintained by the company, benefits for self and entire family, and a kit that has $50.00 worth of vouchers to replenish your supplies when need be. Also, you can get 250 leads each month if you choose to do those. It is your own business but I would highly recommend the leads. Please check us out at my web site www.freedomathometeam.com/pdennis and my benefits site at www.freedomathometeam.com/pdennis Thanks, and hope to be hearing back from you. patricia Dennis

As well intentioned as your posts are, I really feel that they have no place here.

We are all very happy that you and your brother-in-law, sister, aunt's second cousin on your father's side have made such an enormous amount of money doing whatever it is that you are promoting. However, I think most here are looking for real jobs, not yet another work at home scam.

Please stop trying to hook people into what ever it is you are hawking. I have little patience for those who seek to make profit on other people's circumstances.

Have a nice day!

Cyndi DuPont in Cleveland, Ohio: "We are all very happy that you and your brother-in-law, sister, aunt's second cousin on your father's side...."

You forgot about her great aunt's third cousin twice removed....

"I think most here are looking for real jobs, not yet another work at home scam.

"Please stop trying to hook people into what ever it is you are hawking. I have little patience for those who seek to make profit on other people's circumstances."

Seconded! A con is a con is a con. This shill must think everyone here is gullible and will swallow any line of crap that includes money.

I never cease to be amazed by how unemployment, employment, job loss, job misfortune and just plain job bad luck has turned into such an industry and a a fertile market for predators.

Unemployed in West Palm Beach, Florida: "I don't think it has much to do with gender because it seems there are more females then males doing the interviews. We need to reflect on what we did during the interview also. Are we dressed in clothing left over from the 50's and 60's? Are we dating ourselves in any way? I won't go as far as getting a face lift to land a job but maybe a new hairdo or a younger fresher look in the makeup department. Is the resume too outdated? Let's see what we can do in that area. Any ideas how to approach it?"

Here again, don't give them excuses to eliminate you. You can state an aggregate experience total but just employers for the past ten years. They really care only about the last ten years. Summarize experience. Use a functional resume format so actual employers are de-emphasized. Unless you recently lost your job, leave off dates of employment so unemployment periods are not obvious. Unless you're a recent grad, leave off graduation dates. After working for several years, school graduation is less important.

Clothing is easy. Buy a new suit.

Ultimately, one can do little to deal with age discrimination. And, again, Congress needs to address institutionalized discrimination against ANY group.

Displaced Legal. How can you leave dates off a resume? Seems that the company would like to know your last job was 10 months ago or 10 years ago. I wouldn't even touch an application if someone didn't put dates down. As a company I would like to know a little more about the last time they worked. Did I misunderstand something? Please enlighten me because if that is the case I'm leaving off the dates on my resumes.

Nalla in ? said: I agree and I have gone over and over things I could change for the next interview. It's very expensive but I always wear a dark business suit, my hair is freshly done, my nails are done and I wear no perfume. I make sure to give a firm handshake. I also send thank you letters that reflect what we discussed in the interview. I'm not sure what's left to do. I also might add, when you are not working, paying for these things each time is costly. Especially with kids.

I have done that also, no perfume, nails done, purchased a new dress. I followed up interviews with thank you notes and one I even went as far as emailing the HR department asking what happened to the position I applied for, was it given to another person or is it still open, any decisions made. No responses back and this was from a company I thought for sure would responde back.

Unemployed in West Palm Beach, Florida: "How can you leave dates off a resume? Seems that the company would like to know your last job was 10 months ago or 10 years ago. I wouldn't even touch an application if someone didn't put dates down."

Let's differentiate between a resume and a job application. A resume is **your** document. Within ethical and honesty bounds, of course, you are what you want to be on your resume. Moreover, your resume is your calling card. Its purpose is to gain an employer's attention and motivate the employer to bring you in for an interview. At that point it is up to you to persuade the employer to consider you.

Further, so what if you've not worked in ten years or ten months? Many people take time off to raise families. Many people take time off to go to school. Many people must take time off to fight in Iraq or Afghanistan. Many people must leave work to tend to ill family members. Many people leave work simply to recoup. I think employers assume the worst and eliminate people outright if they see dates which, to them, seem incongruous. Here again, employment is an elimination process; why supply them with ammo to eliminate you?

On the other hand, an app is the company's document. You must be honest on an app. You must answer all questions honestly, so, on an app, yes, you would have to give employment dates. That doesn't mean you are obligated to answer illegal questions, nor are you obligated to disclose sensitive personal information such as your Social until you're hired.

Get the interview. Then let them ask whatever questions that your resume and cover letter don't answer. Only MHO, of course, but, again, why hand them an excuse on a silver platter to discriminate against you.

Unemployed in West Palm Beach, Florida: "I....went as far as emailing the HR department asking what happened to the position I applied for, was it given to another person or is it still open, any decisions made...."

Only my two cents, but I don't believe in making followups after I send thank-you notes. Look at it this way. They were able to find you to set up your interview; they certainly can find you again if they want to see you again.

I think following-up accomplishes many things, with none of them being good. For one thing, you demean yourself. You are a professional, aren't you? Act like one. Maintain your dignity. Further, hiring people are busy. Respect that. Your followup gives them one more hassle to deal with. Other candidates may be following-up and are irritating them. They may get so fed up with followups that yours could give your candidacy the kiss of death. The last thing you want to do is alienate, annoy or antagonize a hiring authority.

Give the employer time to follow-up. You can ask for a followup schedule at your interview. If you don't hear from them within that time or within a reasonable period, such as five to fifteen working days, move on.

Finally, be glad you didn't hear from them. A company's interview process provides a valuable glimpse into its atmosphere, culture and courtesy. Company follow-ups, which include rejection letters, are part of the process. Chances are good you would have been treated poorly had you been hired. Chances are damn good you would have been treated poorly if the company didn't send a rejection letter.

Nalla: "How hurtful is that when I served this country to protect those who now won't even look in my direction...."

Are you a veteran? If so, it is absolutely deplorable that employers won't consider you. You probably have more people experience and maturity than any potential co-workers or supervisors......well, maybe that's why you aren't getting anywhere.

Best of luck with your efforts. And thanks for serving us.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: Unemployed in West Palm Beach, Florida: "I....went as far as emailing the HR department asking what happened to the position I applied for, was it given to another person or is it still open, any decisions made...."

Only my two cents, but I don't believe in making followups after I send thank-you notes. Look at it this way. They were able to find you to set up your interview; they certainly can find you again if they want to see you again.

I think following-up accomplishes many things, with none of them being good. For one thing, you demean yourself. You are a professional, aren't you? Act like one. Maintain your dignity. Further, hiring people are busy. Respect that. Your followup gives them one more hassle to deal with. Other candidates may be following-up and are irritating them. They may get so fed up with followups that yours could give your candidacy the kiss of death. The last thing you want to do is alienate, annoy or antagonize a hiring authority.

Give the employer time to follow-up. You can ask for a followup schedule at your interview. If you don't hear from them within that time or within a reasonable period, such as five to fifteen working days, move on.

Finally, be glad you didn't hear from them. A company's interview process provides a valuable glimpse into its atmosphere, culture and courtesy. Company follow-ups, which include rejection letters, are part of the process. Chances are good you would have been treated poorly had you been hired. Chances are damn good you would have been treated poorly if the company didn't send a rejection letter.

I've read your post and it's interesting. I never follow up a thank you with is the job taken. Only one or the other never never both. Have you ever thought of having your own website for advise such as you are giving or make write a book? It seems to me you are hitting each quesiton with the a very good answer.

Unemployed in West Palm Beach, Florida: "I've read your post and it's interesting. I never follow up a thank you with is the job taken. Only one or the other never never both. Have you ever thought of having your own website for advice such as you are giving or make write a book? It seems to me you are hitting each quesiton with the a very good answer."

Thank you. Naaah, I'm just happy posting my two cents here. Some of my ideas go against conventional wisdom and I've been told as much.

An early interview book writer, H. Anthony Medley, author of "Sweaty Palms: The Neglected Art of Being Interviewed," recommends against sending thank-you letters. He says he feels sorry for a candidate every time he receives a thank-you letter. He also says thank-you letters confound their recipients because they don't know how to deal with them. He says hiring authorities may regard thank-you letters as self-motivated and insincere, and an interruption of their time.

Whatever. It remains proper protocol to send concise thank-you letters to each interviewer. And that's it. Wait for them to call or not call you. In the meantime, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Keep looking.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: Nalla: "How hurtful is that when I served this country to protect those who now won't even look in my direction...."

Are you a veteran? If so, it is absolutely deplorable that employers won't consider you. You probably have more people experience and maturity than any potential co-workers or supervisors......well, maybe that's why you aren't getting anywhere.

Best of luck with your efforts. And thanks for serving us.

Yes, I'm a disabled vet and you are welcome. That is the reason for finishing my MBA currently so that I can take care of myself and help my husband provide for our family. I'm not giving up, someone will hire me.

Of course someone will.

I'm sure you've checked into applying to the government. As a veteran you automatically have preference points and your unfortunate disability should provide even more preference points.

Once again, best of luck. You have it coming.

Nalla, Thank you for your service to our country.

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?

Pay ranges?
Education needed?

Unemployeed in West Palm Beach, Florida said: Nalla, Thank you for your service to our country.

You are welcome and Happy New Year to everyone. I have an interview on Friday for HR. Hopefully, it will go well. I'll let ya know if I get hired. I doubt if I get the surprise look this time as it is in a different part of town.

Ideas for mid-40's re-career job. in Frisco, Texas said: 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?

Pay ranges?
Education needed?

I would like to give you information but as it looks right now, the career path I chose wasn't a good one. I guess that means it's not good for me to give advice. (BA in Business Management/Financial Management, MBA Business/Healthcare Management. There is my info and I have experience with no job.I would have thought Business, Finance, and Healthcare would have ensured at least a job. Sorry, I'm not much help.

Ideas for mid-40's re-career job. in Frisco, Texas: "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."

It would be easier to give feedback if you tell us those jobs.

"What work can I start now & improve my chance at employment long term for another 25 years?"

Long-term employment, in any industry, is probably passe. No one can expect to continue to do the same work or stay in the job for twenty-five years anymore, unless one starts a business. Even starting a business is precarious. Moreover, staying with one employer is now looked down upon. For these reasons, as time goes on, changing jobs every few years will still be the rule. Expect that to remain hard if you're over forty.

Happy New Year to everyone!! Ideas mid-40's - Wow what can I say? I too am in the same boat. But, my friend decided after much thought and no job, to teach. Yep, she decided that she had the experience, the education in management so she is teaching in a small private college. Give it a thought. Nalla my friend the teacher got her degree in those areas you mentioned. Sounds like the same idea would be worth considering - teaching. Nalla have you been to Florida? Lots and lots of healthcare positions here!!

older job hunter in Fort Worth, Texas said: I'm 59 years old and having trouble landing the job. What can I say in interviews to compensate for being an "older" candidate?

Having the same trouble. If one more nonsense younger person has the same job conversation with me I think I'll scream.... ok, I'll smile but scream inside!

I have noticed that there is a Reading/Review of my resume' as opposed to a conversation/interview about what I can do for them/the company. There is a lack of them finding out how I can BENEFIT them. Some are even thrown off if I interject how I can benefit them into the "form" interview. Pitiful.

My best success in the past, as this starts for females around 40, is to Focus the interview on how you can benefit them and find a interviewer & Hiring Manager who is a Mature Adult themselves.

Job Search Dolphin in Tampa, Florida said: I'm 48, and have been in recruiting and placement for a number of years.

I guess I'd ask what kind of work are you looking for? How much experience is on your resume? (May need to "trim" there.) How do you feel your interviews are going? Do you feel like you are "close" or do you feel that the "age issue" is knocking you out of the box as soon as you get there?

I can say that the experiences of the other people are exactly like I've experienced myself for the past 6 or so years. I've been group downsized from technical related companies more than once.... the executives drop the ball & everyone else pays the price 1st!

You said "or do you feel that the "age issue" is knocking you out of the box as soon as you get there?"
Well, its the age issue as on the phone interviews the hiring manager is gung-ho.... until I arrive in person. Yes, I dress in polished suits with my hair appropriate for the interview. I arrive early too!

It's like a lightbulb goes off.

The only time this does not happen is when the hiring manager is a Mature Adult themselves.... if it's a male they almost always have grey hair. Yes, that's an odd statement but in reviewing each job-hirer vs. non-hirer that's what it's been.

I've had 4 females in 3 months who did not know each other and who were currently in professional jobs who told me that they had the same experience and to be prepared because it only gets worse each year they're older.

This is a 2nd slap since I was also directly & round-about ask about my pregnancy intentions with several different companies during my 25 yrs of continuous unbroken work-career of work history.

Pitiful but true.

Mature Candidates = Experienced in Frisco, Texas: "The only time [that hiring managers stop being "gung ho"]...is when the hiring manager is a mature adult themselves.... if it's a male they almost always have grey hair. Yes, that's an odd statement but in reviewing each job-hirer vs. non-hirer that's what it's been."

....but plenty of older interviewers and hiring managers also practice age discrimination. Age discrimination isn't limited to green Gen X types.

"I was also directly & round-about ask about my pregnancy intentions with several different companies during my 25 yrs of continuous unbroken work-career of work history.

"Pitiful but true."

And blatantly and patently illegal!! Employers are barred by law from asking family-related questions. They can ask if a candidate has any commitments that would prevent them from working a normal workday. The law notwithstanding, employers still will ask illegal questions - and get away with it. Most candidates would be afraid to call them on illegal questions or, even worse, don't know the questions are illegal.

I reiterate my earlier comments that for sure Congress must address age discrimination and all other forms of employment discrimination. Don't hold your breath about that Republican in the White House addressing employment discrimination any time soon.

Hey guys I finally got a job. It doesn't pay much but good benefit and 3% increase every year. I gotta start somewhere. I said I would let you know how the interview went but I lost power for 3 days. I wish all you the best of luck. I know how hard it is.

Nalla in ? said: Hey guys I finally got a job. It doesn't pay much but good benefit and 3% increase every year. I gotta start somewhere. I said I would let you know how the interview went but I lost power for 3 days. I wish all you the best of luck. I know how hard it is.

See? We told you you would find something! I, for one, am delighted for you.

Congratulations! As a disabled veteran, you have earned a break. You are entitled to all the best for putting yourself in harm's way for us. Best of luck with your new job.

Javier in Milford Square, Pennsylvania said: An employer can allege any sort of reasons why they did not hire you. That's why it is hard to prove that age discrimination is the cause for your job finding related troubles; unless you're able to obtain the qualification of the person that was hired after you for the same position you applied for and compare it with yours, if the main difference is age related, then you have a case and could sue said company...

Therein lies the problem with age cases and employment cases, but let me simplify it further. The **only thing** an employer has to say about **any** candidates it rejects is it liked other candidates better. Employers are so well trained to couch rejection reasons in vague terms that getting written proof is next to impossible. And, try to find witnesses within the company who will do the right thing and testify for you. Good luck!! It's not gonna happen.

I'll say it again: It's up to Congress and the President to enforce anti-age discrimination laws lest that underclass of older, unemployable people keeps growing and becomes a financial burden on government. The laws are already on the books; they only need to be enforced. Don't expect Republicans to have much empathy for this grave situation.