older job candidate

Especially because we live in a society where you spend less replacing the whole thing than fixing it. I agree that most everything is a rip-off. You know another reason my business is so-so these days (or better months)? Because I am honest and I try to give a good service, making honest money. People prefer other agencies, because they see lower prices, but "strangely" they end up being ripped off with a bait and switch technique. I can say that honesty rarely pays, but I simply cannot be less than honest on purpose; maybe for this reason I sleep at night.

This is a TV set warranty. First set gave up after 3 months. Manufacturer replaced it since it was less then one year old. Second TV installed 1 month later. Now company said that their warranty was fulfilled because they replaced it. Told them no, it was Manufacturer replacement, 2nd TV warranty is still in effect because it was repaired last year under YOUR Extended Warranty. Do I have a leg to stand on? I have paperwork stating NEW TV PURCHASED ON (DATE),so as far as I'm concerned NEW TV Purchase date is still good!! Sorry about the short sentences.

NP Displaced, I've misread a few postings myself lol.. well, more than a few LOTS lol.
I am pressing the issue and faxed my paperwork over to them this afternoon. I waited 2 hours and called. Oh we don't have any paperwork on you, Oh we can't find your paperwork, Oh the CSR you spoke to is gone for the day, Oh Manager isn't here, on and on!!

I think someone is out in left field. If I didn't post my age you would have no idea how old I was but with LA you can tell how old this person is.

This WAS a very interesting, intelligent thread about older workers
It's now devolved into
1) a consumer reports discussions about extended warranties and /or
2) p**ing contests about age/being boring.

PLEASE STOP IT- ALL OF YOU.

Please exchange email addresses
(go to gmail.com and get alias accounts so you don't have to give up your 'real' email addresses)
and take these topics offline/ELSEWHERE -whether it be warranty related or age issues.
PLEASE.

I'm trying to carve out a new reality for myself as a 40+ professional who has numerous earned qualifications and difficulty cracking 'the Rosetta Stone' required to again gain gainful employment in this economy.

I have picked up some interesting tips here (THANK YOU) , but energy spent on the current aformentioned topics have also caused me to think about holding myself accountable about the importance of investing energy toward useful ends- such as working on resumes, exploring enterepreneurial options, etc.- instead of reading about extended warranties and inappropriate age trolling.

This thread WAS providing useful information, and I'd like to see it get back on track before I cancel my subscription.

While consumer issues/warranty issues are aggravating- this isn't what this thread is about. And 'Yeah, you're boring /Yeah, you are too/says you/says your mother' arguments hold NO interest, either.

PLEASE- GET BACK ON TRACK.

Thanks very much-

I'm giggling about the post "warranty" issues. I was the one that started it,just chit chat. You are correct this is NOT a place to make friends,it's a place to give out information or seek advise.
Ok want it direct?
I have been offered positions that are below MY standards. I refuse to take any position that is not paying what I am seeking. Once an HR or whoever is interviewing me, takes one look at my face (yes I have wrinkles at 63) I am told "we will let you know", "you are asking too high of a salary", there are lots of other excuses. The phone interviews and my resume get me to the interview but once there and it's face to face, it's a different story. I had one interview over the phone and was told "when can you get here and start?" Walked in the door and that ended that.

PS there is NO subscription to this thread AND age trolling is someone looking of a young thang and I'm far from it. But, you are correct we should behave like strangers and not get too friendly!! So,my advise to you is keep looking for my warranty issues because I'm not done!

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: And, again, you prove my point that you have nothing to contribute except abuse. Go back to your sandbox and come back in twenty years. Maybe you will have grown up by then.

DLP, did you expect anything more from a poster in a job forum with the nickname of "F-Bomb"?

I assume you are familiar with the Amish punishment of shunning? I think that's the best punishment here. This poster's form of entertainment is to get the real users riled up and have a laugh at our expense.

>Ok want it direct?
I have been offered positions that are below MY standards. I refuse to take any position that is not paying what I am seeking. Once an HR or whoever is interviewing me, takes one look at my face (yes I have wrinkles at 63) I am told "we will let you know", "you are asking too high of a salary", there are lots of other excuses. The phone interviews and my resume get me to the interview but once there and it's face to face, it's a different story. I had one interview over the phone and was told "when can you get here and start?" Walked in the door and that ended that.
>
Am sorry to hear this- you deserve better.
I also know what it's like to have the pursuit stop once they realize 1) I'm female and have technical chops and 2) am over 40.
I can change neither of these attributes.
I've had people say to me 'Yeah, but would you WANT to work in such a company?' That's missing the point: I'm qualified, could make a contribution, and am experiencing illegal action due to things out of my control.

>
PS there is NO subscription to this thread
>
Indeed (pun intended)- there is no 'subscription' per se, but you can indeed subscribe to have updated of this thread sent to one's email box. See 'Get new comments by email'- it causes each and every post to be delivered to your email account.
Also- every reply has the 'Email me when new comments are posted to this discussion' option, too....
>
AND age trolling is someone looking of a young thang and I'm far from it.
>
Ok- I just didn't understand this sentence- could we try again.....

>So,my advise to you is keep looking for my warranty issues because I'm not done!
>
Fine- we have some warranty issues here at our home too, but am making a different choice as to where I'm spending my energy (as is my right, too.) I'm not talking about it on an employment forum- will take it over to Consumer Reports if the muse decides to strike...

>
You neither own the board, Lerrin, nor are you the moderator. You have no right to order posters to take discussions elsewhere or not participate. All discussions are open. Anyone can post any comment on any thread as long as the Terms of Service are followed.
>
Neither are you owner or moderator- but the terms of service do say 'Be Reasonable, Be Polite'.
I made a simple polite request to get back on the topic so stated at the top of the thread. If you want to discuss other things, open a new thread. Yes, you've posted a lot here, but you don't 'own' it either.

>
Further, age **is** the topic of this thread. For that reason alone, your demand, Lerrin, that posters take their comments elsewhere is uncalled for.
>
Age is a huge broad topic, and just because the recent flamings back-&-forth technically have that word (age) in them does not mean that these 'age discussions' are contributing to the base topic of displaced older workers.

I also made a polite request, not a demand, that is reasonable under the Terms of Service.

>
Finally, there are no "subscriptions" to Indeed threads. One chooses to read them or not read them at will. Same goes for participation.
>
Please see above- you can indeed have these posts sent to your email or RSS feed by a variety of ways- effectively constituting subscription. (& requires no tech savvy to discern this or do so).

Please refrain from making personal attacks that are irrelevant to the topic of discussion. These forums are monitored to ensure they are a helpful and safe environment for the exchange of advice and opinion.

>No money is being exchanged, hence, no subscription *per se*.
>
In the online / current workforce culture: 'subscription' is a far broader term than 'exchange for money'. There are myriad examples where people 'subscribe' online, and no currency is exchanged.
>
Your comment:..was inappropriately demanding and not polite....Okay?
>
Actually- I'll be happy to apologize for the shouting- not meant as such, but I understand the interpretation (not a big deal).
However, I do not believe that the rest of the post was unreasonable, 'demanding' or impolite. We can agree to disagree without being disagreeable: though tempers may be flaring because of stress attendant to unemployment, I believe there can be a wealth to be learned from each other.

Just how do these sniping exchanges move anyone 'one step closer' (on a daily basis) to the goal of obtaining income-producing work? What if this energy was invested figuring out how to get PAID for said energy? Yes, folks are frustrated, but what will this activity accomplish?

I just sat back and took stock: these are the simple facts about what I've done since my last post. Not much, but I'm moving forward toward gainful employment. Just one day, just one baby step.
Since last post: I've completed an online study course for 6 hrs. continuing ed in my field- for free. I emailed the school four weeks ago, and offered to do tech support during class sessions for free in exchange for the continuing ed, and they took it (and may employ me full time when the budget allows it).
No one offered me the opportunity, nor was it advertised: I took initiative, got creative, primed the pump, gave away something of value in exchange for value, and did a good job. It may or may not work out, but I've a new skill, with current technology, for the resume, plus a recent reference that says I do good work.
Have done this before with non-computer skills, too-everyone has skills to volunteer/barter- TRY/DO/TAKE ACTION-NO

6 hours of online free instruction? Yeah, I've done that too. But, you never stated in what. Did I miss it? Online websites, depending on which one, can be a farce. I took them too for fun, you can't add them to a resume, it's a joke. Unless you take college courses for a fee and it's a legit school. Anyone can take anything for free online So, tell me where I can get this hour free education? I would love to add that to my resume. I've taken free "courses" but they were not to be put on a resume. Tell me what website.Thanks

Would still like to know about these free courses, I want to take them!

Displaced as always a pleasure reading your posts.

Some people have consistently shared a wealth of knowledge and insight to the Indeed forum for their fellow job-seekers. (Humor included). One of them is a man name "Displaced" and I'm glad he's around. Thank you.

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?

Dear Older Job Hunter:
On interviews if you're asked this question, Why should I hire you? You answer the question pertaining to the job. For instance, you say I noticed you're looking for someone with administrative experience. I have (4) years in administrative work. I have good communication skills, I'm a team player, I believe in getting the job done, I'm proficient in ms word, excel, powerpoint, outlook, and can type 45 words a minute, etc. Don't give any negative or personal answers. If you're asked what's your weakness? You say, I'm a hard worker and believe in helping others, sometimes I go over the limit with helping others and find myself getting taken advantage of, etc. At the end of your interview ask questions if they ask you to. For example, Do you have any questions? You say would it be alright to call to see if the position has been filled? Can I have your business card? Do not discuss the salary. Let the interviewer encourage the hand shake. Because most of the time they don't shake people hands. You make eye to eye contact and smile. I think you'll do just fine. Practice these techniques. Ethel Brooklyn New York

deansuraci ditto on your comment!!

Ethel - read your post with interest. I goofed up on an interview years ago. I can look back on it now and laugh but I ans. the question -
What are your weaknesses? I have no patience for someone who is annoying and I always turn to my supervisior to settle the situation because I speak my mind lol...
Salary - What is your salary requirement? I said $X, was told the position is $X, will you take it. Yes I replied, didn't get the job.
Business card - I always ask for one and sometimes get very odd looks from ther interviewer.
Shaking hands - always shake hands when I enter the room and say thank you while shaking hands when I leave. Get odd looks because most people think a female does NOT shake hands and it's just a requirement for men to shake hands.

Displaced, I have always spoke my mind, that's why I have no job lol... As for the business card, I have a selfish reason - I keep them for a short period of time. This way IF I ever got a call from some company I interviewed with I pull out the card and have the name in front of me. No, I have never been offered a business card. I think that's because right off I was even considered for the position so why bother offering me a card.
What about shaking hands part? Is that only reserved for gentlemen?
Resume's have your name on it and when I apply for a position in a man's field I find that an issue with the company. Property Management is more or less a man's job. I have NO idea why either. But, one company I worked for had to have a man as the property manager and did not want a female filling the position. Never leaked out by staff but this time the fly on the wall told all!!

Displaced, I can't use first and middle initial... it would be P.P. errr not too good on a resume huh? lol
As for old fashion way of doing things. That is gone my friend, there is no such thing s "old fashion anything". It lets do whatever we like in today's world. I am still old fashion enough to call people sir and madame. What do the younger generation call people? Hey you, mister, lady, old man, old lady, am I correct in my observations?

Your age really shows when you start talking about doing something differently whether the interviewer(s) is a man or a woman. Gender has nothing to do with whether you are going to shake someones hand. And calling someone sir or madame? Welcome to the present day. No one does that anymore!

Actually age cannot even be an excuse anymore for you two. I work with many 'older' co-workers and they function just as everyone else does in the office. So it must be you.

Never mind, just keep doing what you are doing. It's obviously working out well for you.

How many interviews do you have lined up next week?

It seems that this Forum is now being monitored. I posted a response to F-Bomb and and got a red flag warning. So much for that.

Displaced, Seems I can not add any type reply because I got the message about comments made. Have you gotten them also?

>Online websites....can be a farce.
Agreed.
>I took them too for fun, you can't add them to a resume, it's a joke.
>
Some you can, some you can't. ('Dating over 40': no. 'How to Establish an Online Presence For Your Business': perhaps.)
On reflection, I really wouldn't put such on the resume, but on a separate list called Continuing Education Courses. (In my field (chemical toxicology /veterinary technology), 'CE' is known to be from ACCREDITED, known institutions - and required to show you're current in the field).
Still better- fill a resume with other tangible accomplishments (which reflect initiative, ability to persevere toward a specific goal, and ability to meet a deadline, regardless of personal opinions about the silliness of some of the requirements to do so- all valuable skills of interest to employers).
>
Unless you take college courses for a fee and it's a legit school....So, tell me where I can get this hour free education?
>
Sigh- I did NOT take a free class: I offered my services (a tangible SKILL of VALUE to the (legitimate, accredited) school) for FREE*, and THEN received free tuition/fees for the course in exchange/barter. That is NOT the same as a 'free class'.
I CREATED THE OPPORTUNITY for myself, tailored to MY talents and abilities, and offered them to a company which had something I valued.
That WILL NOT be the same for everyone- everyone has different skill sets, and not all created opportunities are appropriate for all.
*AFTER I also went back to school (2+ years ago) under the Workforce Investment Act (available in every state, if you can fog a mirror), worked my rear off, worked an unpaid internship, and passed my national board examinations, & kept up my licence.

Simply put: I acquired useful skills, found a company that had something I wanted, figured out what THEY would want that I could provide, and fired them off a proposal for the exchange. ANYONE can do this - but one must ACQUIRE, MOVE, FIND,& DO

Oh I have CE also. Guess I need to add them to my resume but still won't do any good. I'm over the hiring hill age.

>Your age really shows when you start talking about doing something differently whether the interviewer(s) is a man or a woman. Gender has nothing to do with whether you are going to shake someones hand. And calling someone sir or madame? Welcome to the present day. No one does that anymore!
>
Yes, in today's workplace, it would be regarded as quaint at best / possibly condescending/patronizing (esp. if a man did it to a woman) if you did the majority of things different for men/women. Opening doors is probably ok (though I know some women who would be irritated, I don't think it's a big deal); calling me 'madame' would be regarded as even odd by me (and I'm over 45), youngsters would likely be 'weirded out' over it - just too quaint, and it labels one (unfairly, but realistically) as possibly out of touch.
>
Actually age cannot even be an excuse anymore for you two. I work with many 'older' co-workers and they function just as everyone else does in the office.
>
Like it or not, I've had to learn to change to work with, and IN, today's economy. If I'm resistant to the way things are now (not as they SHOULD BE), life WILL pass me by, along with any opportunities for gainful income. No, I don't think it's 'right', as I think the culture IS devolving. However, I'm more in love with being employable and financially solvent than being RIGHT.

>Oh I have CE also. Guess I need to add them to my resume but still won't do any good. I'm over the hiring hill age.
>

Look, I understand that you're likely discouraged- and likely rightfully so.
SO: YOU'RE RIGHT: It's not fair, it shouldn't be this way, it's outrageous.

I can only speak to my own experience: I was outraged at my lot in life, thought it unfair, would not stoop to do things below my status / dignity /educational status, etc.

During this time, I wiped out ALL of my 401(k) retirement savings in order to 'preserve' my status and dignity. (I've been at this since 1996 (downsized just 27 days before my pension vested), with short employment stints of <1 yr interspersed).

I then noticed that life/society didn't stop to 'make it right' for me, either.

Success/opportunities never attacked me.
Success never assaulted me as I surfed online.
Success never waltzed across my living room.
And believe me- I waited & watched- with dignity!- I would NOT have missed it if so!

The skies did not open and suddenly change things: It's horrid*, but my circumstances did not change until I make the first move and did things (get skills) that life/society wanted, even if I didn't want to do them.
(*and I shouldn't have had to- I'd paid the prices, gotten the education, worked really hard, etc.- & I'm still ticked off about it.)

Hard lesson learned: Life/society will NOT pick us up- realizing our innate goodness/worth- just to carry us across the finish line, when there are SO MANY OTHERS running hard (if ineptly, if with less talents than us) who have talents and abilities WANTED in TODAY'S workplace (especially when they are younger, more attractive, more gullible, and less SOUR than us).

>
That attitude is a cop-out and an excuse for being rude.
>
Just reflecting some honest feedback that was *my*opinion*. If you choose to disagree- fine, but accusing people of copping out/being rude is not respectful, either.
>
Exhibiting respect is never quaint, patronizing, condescending or out of touch. Respect others and (hopefully) they'll respect you.
>
I agree- but common language and modes must be used to be understood- and respect will not be RECOGNIZED if delivered in ways & with words that are out of step with today's workplace. They will not recognize it as respect, but will leave the impression that the speaker is not 'with it'.

>You'll understand what I mean the next time you are loaded down and a jerk lets a door slam in your face.
>
GEE- this has NEVER happened to me- not in over 40 years- NOT! LOL
Frankly, I'm generally smart enough to anticipate and avoid such situations, and don't get so riled, indignant, and offended when they do - & I didn't wait to come down with cancer or other REAL issue to recognize this.
Why rail against how things are? - I recognize how they are, anticipate, and take actions so that I'm not in that situation.
Realitically- can't avoid all 'jerk' situations, so if I am in such a situation (with a jerk)- I recognize that that's how life is, and HOW I DECIDE to handle it is far more important than anything that happens to me.

Wayne Dyer wrote in 'The Power of Intention', that folks really need to get over being offended
(www.associatedcontent.com/article/41127/achieving_your_goals_with_wayne_dyers.html - see the last paragraph).
I don't agree with him in lock-step, but I think he's on to something useful.

Can only speak for myself- I'm over being offended, over thinking that I have to be right/life must be fair, over thinking that my way is the only way else the highway.

And...I'm finally making money, and a name for myself in a good way.
Guess it won't work for everyone.

Response to: "Yes, in today's workplace, it would be regarded as quaint at best / possibly condescending/patronizing (esp. if a man did it to a woman) if you did the majority of things different for men/women. Opening doors is probably ok (though I know some women who would be irritated, I don't think it's a big deal); calling me 'madame' would be regarded as even odd by me (and I'm over 45), youngsters would likely be 'weirded out' over it - just too quaint, and it labels one (unfairly, but realistically) as possibly out of touch."

Since when being polite and respectful "quaint or out of touch?"

Displaced, I'm not going to reply any more seems when I do it's red flagged. Guess someone turned me in for telling it like it is. I'm just post whatever I can lol...

>
"Yes, in today's workplace, it would be regarded as quaint at best / possibly condescending/patronizing (esp. if a man did it to a woman) if you did the majority of things different for men/women......"
>
Since when being polite and respectful "quaint or out of touch?"
>

It's NOT- and have said so in several different ways.

It's HOW that politeness and respect is COMMUNICATED (to be understood as a currently-ACCEPTED-as-appropriate communication style) in today's culture.

Specifically: When it can be interpreted as reflecting that you'd do things (communicate, take actions, show politeness/respect ) DIFFERENTLY because of someone's GENDER in the workplace.

(Sigh- as much as I wish it weren't true; 'timeless good manners' are LOST on many in today's culture- they didn't learn them at home, and barely appreciate the breeze as it flies over their heads. BUT: they ARE who is HIRING in today's workplace. They should speak our language, but don't- if we want them to understand, bilingualism is sadly required.)

Since when being polite and respectful "quaint or out of touch?"

Try reading the posts for a change: it's not that being polite and respectful is "quaint or out of touch."

It's using antiquated terms like 'madame' that is out of touch.

I think when I replied to Bomb using the F in front caused an issue. But, regardless, responding is not going to change closed minded people. Neither were taught respect.

Displaced, hope you are doing well. As for the topic that was not wanted on this forum warranty WARRANTY <--the dreaded word issue. TV was picked up but company is refusing to honor warranty. Ok there I said it, report me to the powers that be, this has notning to do with the topic.

Displaced, Sir,thank you I am great and will keep you posted. Have a great night Sir!

Happy Monday everybody!!

What shall we discuss today?

Well, now mmmm let's see. How about how I'm going to contact the AG over my warranty issue?

Or we could discuss repect and/or ethical issues?

too long a story and I don't want anyone accuse me of going off topic here. Sorry but you understand.

I have an excellent background in health care, I have several certificates as well in the field. I am very computer savvy, can learn anything new. I am a Florida State licensed Property Manager to boot. So,enough said?

Displaced Sir - TV repair might cost around $1,400. lol.... think I'll look at new TV, that is why company won't honor warranty (psssssssstt Displaced, is anyone reading this other than you? lol..)

And Bomb thank you for your suggestion.

You're welcome . . . I think you, myself and Displaced are the only ones left here.

Yes, I think so too but how can we disgree now? Sir Displaced and I see eye to eye on everything.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: 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

Why don't we all get together and take it to Congress. Because "united" we will be heard and get some actions from them, but divided and 'alone' we will continue to fall.

Well, but there is no reason to stop trying and wait. What we must do is find out what McCain is planning to do for us, and also Obama before they get elected, have the media there with us, and then maybe this way we will win the respect of the world.

What do you think? I am willing to get involve in uniting signatures from all those interested! And then, call the media to assist us.

i work at ups package 16 years ago will they know if i get a job at ups freight

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?

They say they can't ask abut your age. But, I feel your pain. I just applied for a job at J.C.Penney and right on the application they asked if I was over 40. I'm 58. It's hard to know what to say on an interview, because the person doing the interviewing is usually 20 years older than we are. Guess we have to emphasize our reliability. Try to look young and be very very upbeat if you are lucky to get the interview.