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!

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

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.

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!

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!!

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.

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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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 - Congrats! Best of luck to you.

Displaced? Mmmmm Republics are causing you to get old? ;)

I am not the only one who is possibly being affected by discrimation. To the Vet- Hannie thanks for your service and God bless you!!! For Cyndi, yes we are living in an environment where it is very hard to find work
so age/gender discrimination are paired with fierce competition. My background- a science degree-good leads but didnt get any thing yet. We have national competition for our very few good jobs, but if you try to get a lower paid job-you are over qualified- you know a rock and a hard place
I didnt realize that age discrimination would be an issue now since so many of us fought for equility, but unfortunately age/gender are alive and well here. I do think younger people who screen candidates may be infusing their own perceptions. It is important to remove as many dates as possible. Be technology savy. Find contacts in your field, I am currently building a network. To the legal professional-can you start your own business with your background? My ultimate goal is to start my own business and hire people who really are trying and just need a break. Good luck to you all!!! If you have any good ideas please post.

Nalla I meant to say thank you to you (Not the other person) for your service, Good luck to you in your new job. You should always have job. I thought the va is suppose to help the vets. Take care

Ann Miller in Cleveland, Ohio said: I am not the only one who is possibly being affected by discrimation. To the Vet- Hannie thanks for your service and God bless you!!! For Cyndi, yes we are living in an environment where it is very hard to find work
so age/gender discrimination are paired with fierce competition. My background- a science degree-good leads but didnt get any thing yet. We have national competition for our very few good jobs, but if you try to get a lower paid job-you are over qualified- you know a rock and a hard place
I didnt realize that age discrimination would be an issue now since so many of us fought for equility, but unfortunately age/gender are alive and well here. I do think younger people who screen candidates may be infusing their own perceptions. It is important to remove as many dates as possible. Be technology savy. Find contacts in your field, I am currently building a network. To the legal professional-can you start your own business with your background? My ultimate goal is to start my own business and hire people who really are trying and just need a break. Good luck to you all!!! If you have any good ideas please post.

I am some what "...technology savy". Have training in Property Management softward plus the standard Microsoft programs. I even applied to a small company as a receptionist. I left off the heading on my resume which was "LCAM" Licensed Community Association Manager. Still no luck. Companies either big or small want the younger generation. I am qualified, like so many others here but again and I repeated this on other postings "AGE MATTERS". A younger,pretty/handsome,well endowed/built etc always wins out over the more mature face and body (oh don't forget the experience part too). Older workers have experience but HR or any interviewers go after looks. It's due in part to ads we see everyday. There are younger models in prints,TV ads - look younger - look thinner and on and on. The end! lol

Just heard from the receptionist position with a phone call. Someone else got the position. Interviews were being held today and tomorrow. Seems I didn't even get passed the application stage. Now it leads me to believe my resume isn't up to par because I have dates in there that go waaaay back when which leads to my age. Also, I have to polish up the resume itself and omit somethings and/or add somethings. Oh well, maybe I"ll just go and eat a pint of ice cream. Have a good day everyone.

Yes, I have had abundant issues regarding age while I try to find new employment. It's been a long event of unemployment. I am technology saavy. It doesn't help me get a job in the tech field and it hasn't yet helped me get a job in a new industry to try to get away from the under 32 mind-set generation. Clearly the interviewers ask me questions that are assuming that I, a person of mature age, would never know how to text message or excel at the computer. In many cases I know more than them!

It's true, female & over .... is a job getting issue.

Congrats! Very happy for you.

Just wanted to thank everyone for the congrats and well wishes. I was given a 3000 dollar increase after lunch. I am so glad, my nipsco was off a couple of days ago. Just to show you how bad it got. Well, I'll have to make some adjustment because I'm in school full time but I would rather be tired any day from working. Again, thanks to all you.

Thanks Dislplaced. I am revising my resume today. I need time to think how to proceed. My major problem is I owned my own business so I do not have a what your would call a "real" job (this is according to one interviewer) I have to place that time in my resume some where inbetween the "real" jobs. I have it at the end of the resume. As for the phone call I received yes you are correct at least I got one so I have to look on the bright side. As for the ice cream,does ice cream cake count? Have a great day!

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: Why wouldn't owning your own biz count as a "real" job?? Just list it in precisely the same manner as you would any other job. Of course, play up your computer savvy. You know to try to keep your resume down to one page, etc.

I remember when I was younger I was told I don't have enough experience. Now that I have experience it is held against me. Economic issues aside, I think so many younger bosses these days are downright scared of experienced candidates. They are scared the experienced candidates they hire will take their jobs. I don't understand this nonsense.

With the big "R" looming closer, prospects are gonna get worse. Perhaps these smug younger bosses will lose their jobs and get a taste of their own medicine. We can hope, anyway.

Did you ever think about starting your own business? Maybe a contract worker who comes in when people are on leave. Also, I have a question what value does a paralegal certificate hold? I know it is a requirement for some legal profession but what does it teach a person to do? I thought to get it to help me in my business so I could look up complex real estate history. As far as the big R , I am not retiring-cant afford to.
Good luck.

Sir you're not alone, I am telling you this. I lost my job through the most irregular practices in our society (that's all I can say here) and since 2003 all I was able to secure (Commissionaires) = 000000. A job-placement agency that is beyond honest labour practices. I hope there is God up there because I believe we all get our share at some point. Good luck to all!

Cyndi DuPont in Cleveland, Ohio said: 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.

If it makes you feel less alone I can tell you My age & kid & job finding & losing everything is extremely similar to yours.

I've been looking for work longer than 9 months. I've made a few bucks on little things here and there but the Entry-Level jobs won't even give me the time of day per age & past experience apparently.

Females who are our age and older have told me it only gets worse. Even a nurse (a high demand field) says that with all the articles of nurse shortage she still gets people asking her what yr. she graduated from High School.... If they know what year you grad. from HS they can make a guess at your age.

Regarding the random schemes that are continually posted on indeed.com I agree with you. Real Jobs with guaranteed pay or base pay portion is the only thing that will pay the bills & buy food! They don't belong on a job search post.

I had my resume' "professionally" re-worked at the beginning of my search. It hasn't helped. Good-Grief I can see the face of the people go blank upon an in person interview. I am of moderate weight, dress in a formal suit, polished, educated and have tons of experience with lots of success documented & verifiable. Still when they pre-screen and telephone interview me w/ a manger they are Gung-HO. Soon as they see in person I'm not much younger their face shows that they're now just going through the motions.

Best of a future turnaround to both of us

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: 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.

You'd think that the laws would also require Recruiters/staffing agencies to NOT Disclose and NOT discuss Age, race and other. Unfortunately, I've been freely told by them that It's only illegal for an Employer to ask or such. It is not illegal for a Staffing firm or Recruiter to ask. This information is passed directly to the Employer!

I'm pretty creative in my business thinking and idea making regarding finding solutions to problems.\

I haven't been able to find a full-time job in a year.

These hourly rate low pay jobs will not cover my child care cost + gas + taxes.

I am forever amazed how well educated people can't do 2nd grade math. Math is not my strongest point but I can calculate reality.

The formula is: child care + gas + auto maintenance + taxes = the absolutely mimimum $ amount you can earn at a job to break even at 0. earnings.

You must make more than the 0. earnings to actually have take home pay.

My own mother (72 yrs) & brother and his wife (32 yrs each) speak to me as if I'm just a dead-beat. Unwilling to take a lower level job, not trying and such. No matter how many times I remind them of the formula above and tell them verbally or in print or the many jobs I've applied to... they think I'm doing the "unemployed" lack of earnings on purpose.

As I've explained to them NO ONE in their right mind would ever, ever live this way. A job is much better. Life shuts down when the job ends.... not to mention... what on earth is going to happen when those of us who've worked decades have already lost everything in our late 40's and older? Any retirement funds are used for current survival.

This is actually a long term issue that's been created by this unemployment.

Just dropped by to see how everyone was doing. I was hoping to hear better news but it seems to be the same. You probably don't remember me but I was the one who couldn't find a job for a year and just about lost everything. Anyway, wanted to say, I had 6 interviews today and in my mine age was not nor will ever be a factor. However, I am aware that it happens because it has happened to me many times (ayear worth). I based their interviews soley on qualifications. I needed the best for the job. I hope these companies wise up and forget about about age. It is so rediculous. Oh, and I definitely understand when it seems not worth it to work because childcare and the cost of getting to work is too much and you don't make enought. I wish all you better luck. Don't give up, someone will give you your chance.

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 really don't think it is so much age as it is the job market right now. I have been looking for a year and I think I have only had about 4 calls for interviews from the online job sites like Monster, Hotjobs, etc. Depressing!

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: Unemployed Property Manager in West Palm Beach, Florida: "Republicans are causing you to get old?"

Republicans are pro-business. Business will argue it should be allowed to hire whom it wants. That justifies, in its mind, discrimination. Republicans, therefore, won't do much about enforcing anti-discrimination laws and will let business run rampant and discriminate.

Displaced I have been reading your comments on the forum for quite some time. I feel that you give informative and accurate replies. I have situation that I would like your incite and maybe a lead in the direction to find the assistance I need. Please email at gwashing552@aol.com

What industry are you interviewing for?

Just interested in industries that adhere to proper legal rules.

Did you actually get offered in writting one of those jobs?

What type of earnings range are you shooting for?

Just wondered what's working.

Any time the job market shrinks the opportunity pool gets smaller.

If there are fewer jobs then there are more canidates to choose from to fill the 1 job.

I can only go by the change in attitude from the phone interviews that are gung-ho to the in person meetings where the people look like they're just going through the motions.

Yes, I'm polished and in a suit and early to the interview.