Too Old to Get Hired?

ITS TO BAD ALL THE PEOPLE WANT ARE YOUNGER PEOPLE ONES WITHOUT AND EXPERIENCE INSTEAD OF HIRING US BECAUSE OF OPUR AGE THAT DO.I HAVE HAD 3 JOBS TURNED DOWN BABISALLY BECAUSE OF MY AGE,THYETY TOLD ME IN SO MANY WORDS I WAS TO OLD FOR THEM.SO WHAT ARTE WE SUPPOSE TO DO?

Best of Luck to you Diana. If you aren’t computer savvy take a few free computer courses, which is what I did in 2002 and gained a wealth of knowledge and experience, now I am an expert in MS suites. Keep trying and never give up, the world is full of negative people like Kim. I have shielded people like her with keeping love in my heart and mind and never subscribing to negativity. Put the Job you want and need in the forefront of your mind and love on that job, feel it, think it, and want it so bad you can taste it and keep it positive you”ll have that job in no time…. what you put out you receive and Kim sadly you too!

Nice response to Kim’s narrow mindset and discountable comments that only communicate discouragement.

Frankly, we all can do whatever we want to do with effort and dedication and belief in our skills. We can learn more when we’re older, start new ventures, and frankly outperform a lot of the younger folks who are still waiting around for a mentor instead of getting started doing something worthwhile. Why? Because we have gained wisdom.

I’ll give you a famous example in my family. My grandmother’s first cousin lived to almost 101, and after a lot of teaching successes worldwide, ( in China for 2+ decades) at the “old” age of 73, she started a worldwide literacy foundation in India that gained her world acclaim and an eventual short listing for the Presidential Medal award.

How did she do it? With determination and belief in herself and what she knew she could do. She was a personal friend of Gandhi’s among other world leaders and her image ended up on an Indian postage stamp that honored her after her death. She was responsible for teaching literacy to well over a million people in India, and her foundation is still ongoing today some 30 years after her passing. Could she have accomplished her dream today with the age discrimination that is everywhere? I don’t know for sure, but I’m sure she would have taken them all on. It was her style. She was a feisty lady and remains one of my personal heroes.

Ok, Diana, re-read what you typed… You may not have been discriminated for your age, but more for your lack of typing skills… And possibly grammar. And why did you do it in all caps??? Are you yelling at everyone?

Who are you to put her down about her post? You have no clue what this woman has been through. In this economy it seems that people would learn to help each other instead of always looking for something to attack someone about. She may not be computer savvy but do have pertinent skills elsewhere. America has become a place where the have’s just sit and downgrade what is not in their view a perfect job applicant, perfect skills, or simply a perfect person. Hope you never have to walk a mile in others shoes god forbid, you wouldn’t make it

Kim,

That was really rude! Kids text that way all the time. Perhaps you are one of those lovely peple who do all the hiring? I’m older, and I decided that if no one wanted to hire me, ( or better yet, I didn’t want to work for them) I’d just start my own “thing” using the skills I have and know how to use. I now have worldwide clients and a lot of respect.

Frankly, I’d hire an older person in a minute. They know more, learn faster when they get some respect, and don’t have the attitude that the world owes them a job and/or a handout. Indeed, it’s the older folks who built this country and got it through most of its difficulties and will do so again.
That[‘s not to say that younger people aren’t intelligent and hard working. Many are, but they’re discriminated against in another way – a lousy public education system that’s getting lousier every day and a lot of preconceived indoctrination about older people not being worth much. Sad.

Latigo,

I wish you would hire me. I’ve applied for over 1,000 jobs in two years. It is so frustrating! Yes, I’ve been interviewed several times and was not selected. There are 10 colleges where I live, so I am competing with job-hunting graduates also. One employer said they had over 500 people apply for one job opening.

I have to agree w/ Diana. They give the jobs to people without experience and then those of us who are older are pushed to the side. We need to work as much as anyone else. Older people are more dependable than some younger folk, not all are that way, but the ones I’ve seen have been very irresponsible.

OK Kim: Maybe you should be more sensitive to others. There could be a reason for the way things were written by Diana. Isn’t there worse things going on in the world besides you ridiculing someone for their grammar or typing in caps. Get a real life and leave others alone when you have no idea of the circumstances. “Shame on YOU”

For the few interviews I have been able to get, potential employers are all ‘gung ho’ with my education and experience. Then when they see my face and see that I’m not a youngster, they dismiss me. You can see it in their faces when you walk into the room. But it isn’t only age discrimination we are facing, potential employers are treating people like crap — all people! They set appointment times and then make one wait for 30-45 minutes; they will ‘rush’ you through the interview or set up a ‘hostile’ interview. Some employers are very ‘dismissive’ and rude. They can be that way because there is a multitude of people applying for the same job. I have heard of employers not responding to your resume, but when it gets to the point of not responding at all to you when you’ve taken the time and the effort to come to their interview, that really is bad!! Ultimately, while I know there is ‘age discrimination’ out there and I have indeed experienced it, employers will take the cheapest labor they can get and that would explain why I see the same jobs popping up on job boards a couple of months after they are filled. Employers want to pay the least money for the most education and experience. Bottom line for the dummy employers: You get what you pay for!!

Well put Barb.

I’m 47 and I’ve seen the age issue for several years in my profession. Programmers are all young, right? Once you hit 40 you can’t handle the “fast paced” work environment. My resume opens doors, but my bald head evokes snickers.

I think same Colins, the age issue depending on occupation. especially programmers

I am a programmer and I agree with Colin. However, I am 38 and already see descrimination. I have a bald head too. I really like IT work, but the ageism sucks.

Start your own business or consulting firm and run the idiots who are so narrow-minded about us smarter “older” folks right out of business. Then they’ll respect you whether they want to or not because you’ve beat them at their own game! And while you’re at it, hire some older folks. Go for it!

I am 56 & am experiencing age discrimination. It does not matter that I launched, owned and operated a private health and fitness business for 15 years. It does not matter that I have extensive client centered customer service skills, am diligent, dependable, am knowledgeable in all of the latest and greatest software. It does not matter that I am willing to be underemployed, just to have a job. It doesn’t matter that I look at least 15 years younger…what matters is that I am not & therefore, I do not get hired.
I was self employed, business suffered during this economy and I had to close it. I cannot collect unemployment & I have no income…that doesn’t matter. I am willing, able, and WANT to work — that doesn’t matter. What matters is I am 56 & that is sadly harshly judged in today’s job market. It’s a shame that so many talented, vibrant, worthwhile & tremendous people are being kicked to the curb simply because of their biological age. I’ve often wondered the chain of events that led someone to become homeless…I get it now, I’m living it.

I have had the same problem at age 55. I am a college graduate with a good track record of acheiving results at a Fortune 500 company. I have had a few interviews but no offers. I have been looking for 2 years without success. I think it’s a combination of age and that people believe you will want too much money. I wish I knew the answer.

What we need is an agency that works only with older people and pushes for them to get interviews AND jobs. And we need firms run by older folks who will hire older people, even prefer them. I do a lot of resume and cover letter consulting and believe it or not, these folks are getting somewhere. You have to have the right techniques. it is possible.

It’s a well known fact … our society DISCRIMINATES against people over 40 … young people can leave one job, and withing the next few month’s be offered up to 4 or 5 other jobs … when a person over 40 leaves a job … it may take them up to 3 years to get another job … there is a massive unemployment problem in our nation, but, young people 18-30 can get hired far quickly than us middle age people over 40 … us older people are more SERIOUS and more DEPENDABLE … but, our society doesn’t care …. it’s ashame, but, it is the TRUTH !!!!!

Explain to an employer that your variety of talents can effect their bottom line. What kind of a business would turn down the chance to make more money?

Downsized companies leave remaining staff to expand their job roles. The clerical person now does accounting, as well as HR and answering phones! One person can save money by doing the jobs of two or more people. Do YOU already have a variety of skills that can be utilized to save a company money?

With a world of experience you can become one of the company’s top performers, saving TIME and MONEY. SHOW how much money the company can save if they hire you instead of 2 or more people.

Ask what the company’s goals are and explain how you would help them achieve those goals. Tell good stories from both your past work and life experience to provide proof. It is easier to remember you by listening to your stories, than by reading your résumé.

Many older workers already receive benefits and married people may already share their spouse’s benefits. Those who do not need benefits means more profits for the company.

Job seekers are tired of looking for work and feeling rejected. They have worked their whole life, paid their dues and feel it is humiliating to have to “bargain” for a job or get taken advantage of. The working world has changed! Accept it and get back in the game, especially with SO much to offer.

Are you depressed, frustrated, bitter or insecure? An interviewer will not be excited about hiring you if they sense this kind of bad attitude no matter how qualified you may be. Employers can choose their ideal candidate from a large pool of qualified individuals.

Illustrate that it is in the best interest of the company to hire you. GOOD COMPANIES WANT GOOD PEOPLE. They need them to survive! A business can not generate revenue all by itself. Good employees are essential to a company‘s future success. A business depends on YOU. Become a smart investment and bring returns.

Good pointers, but I’ll make one more. As an older applicant, you have to take the “age elephant” right out of the closet and set it on the interview desk – no age discrimination allowed – only judging me by my qualifications and experience. Sometimes drawing the line in the sand will make an employer wake up and smell the roses or least realize that they are playing a dangerous liability game. Once that point is clearly expressed, then you can talk some real business.

I’m 50 and I’m pretty sure employers are considered me an old lady. I can’t get an interview regardless of how hard I try.

My husband (47 years old) went to a local office supply store, looking for something even part time, and was told they just didn’t have anything…but they hired our 19 year old neighbor the same week….

I am 47 and look at the most 37. I work out, I have a professional wardrobe, etc. I have a BS Degree, excellent experience in my field with major companies. But I can’t get an interview for a job in which I would underemployed. When I was in my 20′s and 30′s, I could find a job within a month. I have been substitute teaching. I don’t think going back to college is the answer. I think that once you hit 40 in the US, you are not going to have a job unless you own your own business.

I know doctor’s that are moving for jobs because they can’t afford to run their private practices. So some of this is just a sign of the recession. I only know of one family that isn’t suffering due to the recession. And I have a huge extended family.

The government needs to look into this discrimination. It is real.

It may vary from industry to industry, but hiring older workers is more the exception than the rule in IT. I’m 51, have been looking for two years, and have a couple of degrees.

I never had too much of a problem getting hired in my 20s and 30s without credentials. Businesses are receptive to bringing on people in their child-bearing years, or people who already have children to take care of. I think there is merit to this when the supply of jobs are short.

Most people I know who are my age and employed are basically working for the government, or businesses institutions that may as well be part of government. They don’t move around a lot. In fact, they have held their jobs a very long time.

The problem we are facing is not so much age discrimination itself, but age discrimination in the context of an anorexic economy that has slowly starved itself of domestic job opportunities for a long time.

Outsourcing and visa workers have really cut-into the need for domestically-grown workers. The slowed-down growth of American business has reduced opportunities and raised the entry requirements for both younger and older workers.

As a professional, you are expected to compete against world-class labor force, some of whom are the cream of the crop in nations with billions of people to choose from. There are many very capable people in the third world who live on dirt floors and eat things you wouldn’t want stuck to the bottom of your shoe. These people are just an education’s length away from gladly taking a job and a better life in the United States.

I wouldn’t fret because of your age. If things were better, we would all be working. The US economy has always been about supply and demand, and really nothing more. If these companies could afford to hire us, they would.

To Tamara,

I like your answer and it is valid. However, many hiring managers seem not to be very interested in the value of a seasoned worker with good work ethics. I think it comes down to the bottom line (money). My take is they may see value of hiring an older worker but my think of them as being a added up front liabilty. He or she may ask for a higher starting salary, health issues or even a potential threat to their status quo.

I am an older worker (66) and have experianced the discrimination (both racial & age). I have a wide varity of work skills, IT, telecom, Military and managerial on the high tech side and have a degree. I get to the interview stage and this is where this phase ” we are looking for someone with the right fit” appears shows up. It goes down hill from there in most cases. My interview skills are good (I’ve been coached by professionals). I did find work but it was doing some of what Tamara suggested and some strong referrals to get the job.

So what is the answer? Short term: Perhaps taking the human element out of some of the interview process may help. Long term: Educate from childhood the the value of a person’s mind and skills without prejudice.

I’m 59 and have been in real estate for the past ten yesrs, since I was part of a huge layoff from my former large employer (about 1/3 of employees were gone, including in HR and the receptionist). Since real estate came to a screeching halt in recent years my husband keeps telling me to go out and get a “real job” because my personal income became poverty-wage. Unfortunately, because of the double-whammy of high unemployment and me being close to retirement age (though I have no intention of retiring until I’m dead), I’m more less hireable now than I was in 2001 when I was layed off (which is why I decided to become self-employed as a licensed real estate agent and find my own work; no one would have me then at age 49).

And I must comment on dIANE at top: indeed, it’s important at any age to show that you are educated and attentive enough to proof-read what you write. It’s part of a potential written aptitude test an employer may require. Even commenting here, we should be our best in order to get our points across. I agree with dIANA and her sentiment; I also agree with Kim’s response to a certain degree.

I think employers who really can hire are looking for employees that may not be tempted to retire in a few years, after time and money spent training us for the position.

I have no answers.

After being unemployed for almost 3 years and not getting 1 stinking interview a(fter applying for well over 1,000 jobs) I changed my game plan. I omitted my degree from the next online application I completed. I was hired for a PT $7.50 an hour job the next week.

At some point in the future companies will have to hire older folks because the country as a whole is getting older.

What hasn’t been mentioned and what I’ve experienced is discrimination based on race. Most online applications ask if you are hispanic. A larger proportion of jobs are REQUIRING bilingual Spanish. They should just blatantly say, “I need to hire a mexican to fulfill affirmative action requirements.” Even jobs I know do not require bilingual Spanish interaction are stating this in the job listing.

My resume is listed on LinkedIn, Indeed and Monster.
The ONLY job hunting emails I get are for Sales positions. My background is Communications and I want to work in Media Relations, Public Relations or as a Communications Specialist.

They higher younger because they are cheaper. They don’t care about qualifications or age would matter.

I was forced to leave a job in 2008 because I was told by the GM that I could not hire certain people. I refused, got a hold of HR, they would not help. My boss, made my life a living hell. I ended up leaving. I was denied unemployment. And I have not been able to get another job since. I am 59 years old, any suggestions?

At age 60, I have been hired three times in the past year. The problem is, once I began these jobs, I found myself working with women in their 20′s, 30′s and 40′s who did not respect me or act professionally. I was fired once because I expressed that I would rather not listen to hip-hop rap while I was learning the job! Another time, I was told it was taking me too long to “get it”, when I still hadn’t even received any formal training. Nobody knows how to train any more. The last straw was when I was accused of “not knowing how to type” because I use the top row of keys instead of the keypad for numbers within text. I am tired of this crap. Mutual respect and communication have gone out the window. I’m done. Everything I do from now on will be freelance. The money’s not worth the headache.

One thing not mentioned is that the older employees cost a considerable amount to insure. My previous experience tells me that companies like to weed out the tenured or older personnel since they generally have higher wages and their benefits cost more. As a hiring manager I was always looking for someone with talent, but also for someone that would be highly productive. Companies don’t want to invest in seniors because they view seniors as shorter term and high risk.

I am almost 59 and I breeze through the phone interviews. After the face to face I get told that I was in the top 3. I have no doubt that my age is the issue.

And now, Congress wants to increase the age for social security, etc. Those guys should get out and talk to people in their 50′s and 60′s to get a dose of reality.

I am highly frustrated and not very optimistic.

I understand totally what Steve is saying. I, too, am 60 and have had the same phrase used on me. “Oh, you were in the top 2 but we decided to hire the other person because we think they were a better fit for the position.” Yes, it is very frustrating, especially living in an area where the jobless rate is climbing. If I do acquire a position it will be Only by God’s grace and nothing else.

I have been unemployed for over a year now. I am right in the mid-range age of 43. I used to manage restaurants and was an Executive Chef for Boeing in Seattle Washington. I have applied to jobs that I know I am qualified for and they either never call you back for an interview or they tell you now to go online to apply. One company I will mention who does a pre-screening questionnaire is Sears. I know for a fact that I have all the qualifications for the job, but if you don’t answer their questionnaire correctly your not even called in for an interview. I have now applied for over 10 positions with this company in the last year and keep getting the same response that they have better candidates for the position. I have now hired an attorney and am in the process of legal action against the discrimination factor with the their process of hiring. As a manager of different companies,I have been told by the owners to hire people based on different factors. From age to sex and from just their looks. I have quit those jobs and they have been reported to the Department of Labor and Industries. I have worked with young and old alike and some deserved jobs and some didn’t. I have always been a hard working and honest individual throughout my life and to be discriminated against now really irks me to no end. It is time that people start standing up to these companies and make them take responsibility for their actions. I am now looking into opening my own restaurant and I have started other businesses to make money to feed my family. Another ploy they use and is illegal is doing a credit check on you. They can legally do a background check but not a credit check on you. They are now using bad credit as an excuse for not hiring you.

I am 58 and just lost my job. I feel lost because I do not have a college degree. I owned a business and have been a landlord for 30 years as being self employed. I had another job for the last 6 years but just lost that. I don’t know where to even start! I want to move to Seattle but I am afraid of the job possibilities for me at my age. I was wondering if trying to go to a training class for a certain career would be worth it at my age. Is there someone I can talk to about what my options are for my future? I am single and don’t have any help. My kids are grown now. I don’t plan to retire so I have to find something to do to support myself. I live in Alaska now and there are jobs here but I would like to move to a “more friendly” climate. Any suggestions? Thank you!

I have been unemployed for over 3 years now. I have my MBA, went back and got my PMP (Certified Project Manager) training, finished my ITIL certification, Got my Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, and also completed beginning and advanced Microsoft project Manager and Share Point Certifications. These certifications are supposedly hot. They did bring in phone calls and telephone interviews but the constant question came up

“When did you graduate from Graduate School, Undergrad, etc. I usually say that all transcripts and degree certifications will be presented should an offer be made.

Oh yes, I have read all of the books, resume tricks, networking books, done all of the things –networked my ass off, mailed out resumes to Presidents with a note attached and all marked up, “We should take a look at this guy Signed JT” ( well of course they will call, who the hell is JTI must guard my ass. They, them, who ever they are and who ever considers them knowledgeable, know this… it comes down to one things

COMPANIES DO NOT HIRE OLDER WORKERS.

So they say, start your on thing, use your years of experience…etc. etc. Well I have been involved in two start-ups. You need outside investors..cash flow… well..put you mortgaged house up as collateral, ya sure.. investment companies don’t invest in companies started by older workers..Do I know this as a fact…yes I can say that with some merit.

So here we are, highly educated, slowly sinking into poverty ( I am in a friends redecorate basement, without any funds now, car, etc.)

If I pulled together all of the anger felt by people like me who are older, well educated, think of the bloody revolution that would take place. When you starve someone out, it can happen. . Older people have nothing to lose but self respect and that is rapidly falling away from all of us as the U.S. work place permanently turns it’s back on us.

Maybe all they need to say is let them eat cake and it will happen.

kim so rude u tink everyone same as u?? others i can understand u all n i am trying to help u all. i am a student n im going to help all elderly to get jobs

I am in my sixties, with vast experience in my field. I am also staying current by consulting to various companies. Recently I applied for a position with a large Silicon Valley company . The job is a great fit (in my opinion!!). After exchanging a few emails with the recruiter, I was asked my age. I provided that together with experience etc.. The reply was not something I had expected: “I am afraid you are not fit for Company “X” position, and I can not recommend you to them. Our client hope their candidates can be younger than 45 years old, high sixties years old is really too old”
Obviously the recruiter is working according to Company X instructions, which is not consistent with “Equal Employment Opportunity Act”.

Age discrimination is here to stay..WOW!!!

I’m 56 and have experienced job age discrimination at the resume level. After two years, desperation and near bankruptcy set in. So, I changed the game plan, also, as some on this blog have. Went around and had perfect strangers guess my age. I then adjusted it downwards by ten years on applications where they do the “sneak” thing and ask you the year you graduated from high school and/or college. I don’t care if it’s a lie or not anymore. You do what you have to do to get a job. When or if they point out the 10 year gap, I just admit to a “typo.” Needless to say, I’ve finally gotten a job and so far they haven’t checked the age thing or if they have, it hasn’t been mentioned. My grandmother lied on her age in the 1940s on a job app as she looked ten years younger than she was. She worked for 35 years at the company. How sad it is that we have to resort to these things these days. But, if you have to, then you have to and I will continue to do it as long as I have to!!!!

In the last 1 month, it’s been stated outright to me they prefer to hire young. 1st time was in an interview. The second time was a comment from a friend who passed my CV to a hiring manager. He said they like to hire young. I’m 40 yrs old! Makes me want to go to law school to personally attempt to change the hiring system.

I have been unemployed since lay off in 2009! I have 35 years of solid business experience in all sized companies. My last position was 10 years complete with awards for my work and a very successful career.
Its not our fault our jobs went to India!
BUT IT IS MY FAULT THAT I AM 58!
I have got no replies other than standard rejections that seem automated anyway.
I am listed with agencies and get no calls even for temp work.
I have been trying for jobs just to make money in retail and restaurant and cant even get a reply for a local supermarket DELI!
I apply to jobs that I could have wrote for myself-all they could possibly need and ask for.
ITS AGE! PERIOD! SHORT AND NOT SO SWEET!
I have heard from associates in HR that they have been told “do not bring in anyone 50 or older or with a year unemployment”.
THEY DONT WANT US AND THATS WHY WE GET NO REPLIES.
Then we see articles saying follow up?
You cant even follow up on 3/4 of the jobs -” if interested THEY will call you” so dont bother us.
Follow ups being successful have gone the way of the “door to door foot search” that we used in the 70`s- EXTINCT.
There are search engines that can determine your age and you get nailed because you have to give graduation dates for high school or college.
I cant battle on much longer because the lack or response which basically are rejections are just not fair.
You know back about 20 years ago-guys with my gray hair and experience were valued and sought out.
But now when faced with desperation we cant even ask “if you want fries with that”.
My experience far outweighs the “job” and in those cases they think I will flee at first best offer-so overqualified and worried I will bolt keeps them from calling me too.
Now we are simply tossed into the “tar pits”.
Where do I turn now?

Another thing to all you “internet snobs”.
Please excuse anyone for some grammar or spelling mistakes.
We are all typing emotionally and want to get this out so be assured that the same people you attack can easily handle what they need to in real life.
For you think CAPS are RUDE- TOUGH!
Its not anything personal-none of us know each other so nobody is screaming but we are HIGHLIGHTING certain frustrating points and just bringing extra attention to those exclamations.
So stop attacking and just listen for a change.
We that come here are under enough pressure and negativity already.
If you have nothing good to say-SAY NOTHING AT ALL.
Thanks

I apologize for all the entries but its been 3 years out of work.
My next topic is JOB FAIRS.
Please dont get me started on those-ok go ahead.
These serve as nothing more than an even more age discrimination device.
I mean what better way to see in advance who you want?
The exact profile and they play the “handshake and next” game and thats all it is for us over 50.
I swear the last one looked like a bunch of dinosaurs circling the tar pits as far as the companies there with so called “open jobs”.
There were so many of us lets say 40 plus and some walked in and just walked out knoing the end result.
I gave out 30 resumes and why?
All they would say is “now go to our website” what was the point of “bringing your resume”?
But even worse was the look on these recruiters faces when they would look down the line and see aged after aged people trying to get work.
They were pretty much disinterested and not 1 would even say “you are a very good candidate and we would like to discuss the job with you”.
There was no feeling among anyone that those 3 hours were worth their time.
But ahhh we got to dress up and feel good about ourselves but when they saw us coming-THEY WERE NOT LISTENING.
So my last point is that in case anyone is wondering -yes I am 58 BUT also am in good shape-dress very well and up to date- speak well and very presentable-make a great impression and have no speech deficiencies.
No I dont color my hair and cringe at some of the poor fools that do so and come in with all kinds of weird colors and bad colorizing matches.
I am a natural say like Mark Harmon- so it looks “good on me”.
So what gives?
ITS MY AGE-PERIOD and yes I was shouting there at nobody in particular just at the space and situation.

I agree totally with Gary B. There is definitely job discrimination out there and there doesn’t seem to be anything to be done about it. I too have lied about the years that I completed my B.A. and M.S. I also graduated high school a year earlier so I look even older than I am on paper. I have been successful at getting contract work in IT and accounting although the contracts are not as long as I’d like….there was a period during 2009 and 2010 that I had to cover over on the resume…where there were just no jobs to even apply for. It looks a little better out there…my last contract ended at the end of March 2012 so I haven’t been out that long…yet. Even if you dye your hair….you can get through a phone interview but once they see you they are going to figure out that you are over 50. I’ve been told to capitalize on it…capitalize on the experience but I just think that this is all camouflage. I want a permanent, full-time job but I’ve been contracting since 2003. I get all kinds of emails from recruiters who have no idea what I do for a living. Many do not speak English….so I am trying to find some American recruiters and work with them. I. Companies just do not want to hire older workers….they want to hire cheaper workers who are in their 30s who have some skills. I have seen ads that say do not apply if you have more than 10 years experience. That is just another form of discrimination. I know of a lot of people who are suffering financially…they have no job, their homes are in foreclosure….and they are running out of hope! Some are suffering from health issues because of the stress and I think some of my health issues are a result of constantly being in job search mode. Most of the contractors I’ve worked with in the past 5 years are totally disgusted but I don’t think much will change. I

It’s happening with people not as old. I’m 28 years old, and i’ve been out of work since October 2010. I had a temp job for 3 months from September to December (assignment ended 2 weeks before christmas). I’ve been searching non stop ever since. I’m currently in school, I actually was in school before I started the temp job. I worked full time and went to school, but since I multi-task incredibly well, I had no problem juggling. But, now, I see more employers literally hiring people between the 18-21 age range with zero experience. I had applied to a position, and I was told that they gave the job to a 18 year old girl literally just finishing high school and had no work experience. And I’m healthcare (transcription, claims processing, claims examining). I’m on unemployment, I’ve modified my resume 100′s of times, to cater to certain positions. But, it’s like being almost 30 with 6 years experience with the same company, it’s like employers see “She’s too experienced, and cost too much money”, so they basically go with a hit-or-miss just to turn a profit. I feel people like us are in a gray area, and no where to turn.

To ANYONE that has X amount of time out of work-they discriminate against that too.
I just got off the phone with an agency recruiter-want to talk about uplifting Hallmark moments?
Here is what she told me.
Mr. Boyce you have some things that are just not wanted and 1 as you know these days the trend is towards the “less seasoned” worker. I said oh simple its the age discrimination thing! She said well lets just say that my clients give me a list of what they want and you dont fit their profile.
Well I cant even submit your resume to my clients impressive as it may be because you have done nothing for 3 years. We know its a bad economy and all that but you saying you have done odd jobs just to survive and make some money has taken you completely off the radar as a viable candidate. Again Mr Boyce these are not my rules rather those of my clients and sorry I could not submit your resume for these 3 months but I would be insulting anyone I would send them to and therefore insulting my agency. So you can understand my plight and what you need to do is go out and do some volunteer work at a not for profit and after maybe a year of that experience I may be able to send your resume out.
Why not be upfront and tell me what you really felt?
She said- well we are obligated to put the resume in the database but if nobody responds there is nothing we can do about that.
Then I said ok so lets play I do that volunteer for a year and then I send out my resume and now I am 59!
She just said- I understand your plight Mr Boyce but a bad economy and any “percieved” predjudices you think are out there are not “my problem”.
Then the nerve- please keep in touch and you know if I ever get some “oddball” request for someone that a company may need I will give you a call.
So now I am OLD- UNEMPLOYED and an ODDBALL! .Its time to latch on to the local traveling circus next time they hit town

I am 51 years old and frankly I do not wish to return to school. I have enough education and experience that I can do an honest days work yet I am always referred to some school. I went to Kaplan university for 2 years and was scammed out of my money. Now I owe thousands in tuition loans with no way to pay them off. My rent is currently over due by 11,000.00 and I will be homeless. All I want is a job yet when I apply I am always turned away and someone with less experience is hired. I have NOTHING, no income and no way to secure any. I can’t even apply for public assistance since I was told at an interview to just get a job. I feel like taking a gun and shooting up every place that turned me away.

I hear you Lena.
Agencies and so called “trade schools” are the VULTURES of this bad economy!
It has made me want to go postal on people too because I am looking at people who have “jobs” and go and I cant even get that?
No I am 58 and white -too old- too vanilla and way too overqualified but what they dont know is I would kill for a deli job just slicin ham and cheese yakking with customers for 25 to 30 hours a week and be the best they ever had.
But they are not going to give me that chance and some of the losers I see there now just make me feel even more a loser myself.
I am now down to trying to get a deli clerk position in my local supermarkets and thats not even happening.
I mean come on world!
I got 4 kids a high rent and am in debt -I just NEED A JOB!
Truth be told – all hope is seemingly lost.
The embarrasment is obvious in my wife and kids faces at my inability to just get a job- “Dad just get a job we dont expect anything- just get something-anything to contribute”.
This at the man that pulled the bullwork and bread winning for the 31 years of marriage.
Talk about losing your pride!
This is the USA?

I’m 44 am I too to get hired?

I think this age discrimination era has lowered its starting age to 40 plus.
Im your 40`s you are up against it-but still possibly can overcome it-I mean unless I am wrong and if so God Help Us all!
But when you hit that un-magic 50 spot?
Thats the death knell and that “gurgling” sound you hear is the end of your once good career or job you held.
I think if you are 40 something and still look 30 something theres a shot.
But at 50 and you look 40 you are too old on 2 counts -the actual and your appearance looking only 10 years younger-GAME OVER.
The last guy that could cover a 20 year age difference and look good has passed on-Dick Clark.

I worked for Chryler in Fenton MO for 13 years until they closed both the minivan and Dodge Ram plants in 2009: they sent the vans to Canada, and the trucks to Mexico. To make a long story short, I then returned to school, finishing up my B.A. in (elementary) education. Graduated near top of class, aced the Praxis, got scores of recommendation letters, and after 1 /2 years, can’t even get an interview for a teaching position. Oh yeah: I’m also 51 years old, and a male. You can’t tell me there’s no age discrimination. Can I prove it? No- you can’t show evidence of a mindset. But the effort I put into receiving my degree, the results of those efforts, and the subsequent lack of even a SINGLE interview can only mean that I am either being denied even the chance of a position due to my age or gender. It’s very discouraging, and more than a little frustrating. Any suggestions?

Hey John:
You are right on in your analysis of your problem.
ESPECIALLY in Education where the trend is always to the 30 or younger female teacher.
In education there is a huge bias against male teachers in the first place.
But you are not a minority?
Then you are equally dead.
I would say you are 30 years too old to even be seriously considered despite obvious credentials.
Exactly right-you cant prove a mindset but its blatant all over this country and everyone like us here knows it.
The ONLY chance one may have against age discrimination is if they are a MINORITY but even then you are still an OLD minority.

John: On review what I wrote was not helpful as you had asked for.
If one thing perhaps you could find some kind of work teaching an adult education class if I read correct and you dont have any education experience?
Its tough because now you went and got the degree credentials but now the question is experience.
Also school districts are highly political and tough to crack without those connections.
Good luck and hopefully things work out.

I hate to bore people with my thoughts and posts but I am not trying to come off as Mr Know It All. I am just another guy drowning in this economy like all who come to this site. I think therefore I post hoping to elicit responses and either yays or nays.
But my question is:
Why isnt there someone here that can answer these questions people pose and to also comment about the comments?
Isnt there some “professional” here that could at least chime in and say “yes you are right or no you are overthinking”?
Someone to say – “yes you are all correct and I know this from HR professionals”?
Be honest-straight shoot and stop with the cliche standard-”you can do its” because I gotta tell ya-sometimes try hard as you do- you cant.
But people like to hear straight shooting truth to know – ITS NOT US-ITS THE ECONOMY AND THE AGE DISCRIMINATION.
Its like we are all just tossing comments out here into space and nobody is responding?

I just turned 60 and have been looking for a full time position for over two years. I have a BBA and over 30 years experience in my field. I see jobs every day that I can easily do but when I send resume I never get called.
I was employee of the year in two companies by being creative and
saving the companies money. I have lost three jobs due to outsourcing and closure. I have been told over and over that I am over qualifed for
some of the positions that I have applied for. My wife has a good job
and I have enough savings in the bank to get by without working but
it is a shame that someone who wants to work is being held back
by age. I have plenty of computer skills but that does not seem to matter
when you are being interviewed by someone 25 years your junior. Good luck everyone in this position.

To put it bluntly.

Age 50 or over?

Experience- 20 to 3 years?

SPAM
They never even see the resume its on
AUTO-DELETE

Im really impressed at how candid and open all of you are.
I’m in my mid 50 ‘s and was getting interviews but no job offers.
One company had me in for three interviews ( 10 hours ) , asked me for all my marketing / selling strategies and gave the job away to someone half my age. That’s after they offered unlimited praise about how I was a fit. Ha!
My best career source for looking for a job has been LinkedIn.
You’d be surprised if you “scour” the network and friend as many people you know, people wil reach out. I’ve had several friends who are distant business acquaintances who reach out and put me in touch with a potential company.

I’m starting a new job soon because of LinkedIn !
Don’t give up!

Good luck to all of you- you have what it takes and stay forever young in spirit!

Congrats on the new job, B!

LinkedIn is definitely a good source of networking leads and job listings. Who you know can make all the difference in the world and can help mitigate some of the age issues, because you are being recommended to the prospective employer.

Alison

I was a 39 year old commercial banker with one of the twenty largest banks in the U.S. when the recession hit. I was making in the low $100k’s when I got laid off with almost no severance pay to speak of. I also had 15 years experience under my belt and numerous industry contacts. It took me 2 and a half years to find another full time job with benefits and it wasn’t in the banking industry. It took me two years of trying but it finally dawned on me that outside of maybe working as a self-employed bank consultant for 1/3 of what I used to make with no benefits I would probably never work in the banking industry again. When I finally did find a full time job it was only after I took some accounting courses at my local community college and listed on my resume that I was a new accounting graduate about to sit for the CPA. It wasn’t exactly lying but it also wasn’t exactly true.

Laid off from major corporation on 2007 (LEAN) and still unable to secure a full-time job. It is a hard pill to swalow to realize that no one wants you. Your skill set knowledge is just not wanted. All I was finally able to secure is aposition in a Call center ONLY 25 hours a week, making less that I did back in 1978. Have to work, but I hagte going to work every day. I am so ashamed of what Big Business has done to this country and that we allowd it to happen.

I hear you on the shame point. The best I could do in these 3 years now is my current job as a fill in part time SECURITY GUARD!
This from a guy with 30 plus years experience at time of layoff in 2009 and not getting any interviews etc and had been making $60K a year in the end.
Last year I grossed about $25K with a few odd jobs and the way its going now we do even less this year.
ITS ALL I CAN GET- I couldnt even get a deli clerk job at local supermarket and I had a connection in management there too!
Talk about feeling down and low.
ITS AGE AND EXPERIENCE being played against me after being told all those years of building a solid background and resume that “age and experience” are what business is seeking.
Nooooooooooooooottttttttttttttttt anymore!

It is touching to read most of your comments. I want to become a teacher at the age of 45 but after reading the comments, I feel scared that my decision may not lead me towards a job.

I’ve had 3 different careers in my life, working as a window cleaner then as a machinist. After several knee and back injuries I retrained and spent the last 15 years as a network administrator. I was laid off 6 months ago, and since then have only had 2 temporary gigs that paid less than my entry level salary 15 years ago. I just took on a second mortgage last week to consolidate all the debt I accumulated by taking expensive courses. I’ve had interviews, but it’s obvious that my age, 54, is working against me. I find it frustrating that I’m being interviewed by recruiters that can’t even spell “MCSE” correctly and then have the audacity to tell me I’m “not qualified”.

I bought a new bucket and squeegees yesterday, and will now be pounding the pavement looking for window cleaning contracts. It paid better 30 years ago than IT does today. I just hope my back holds out.

Getting the same sort of response from interviewers as others on this thread. Over 19 years continuous employment, good references, laid off due to restructuring. In my interviews for prospective new jobs – they indicated concerns that I would be bored, wage concerns, overqualified, ‘not quite the right fit’ – just about heard it all – I was advised by my employment counsellor the possibility of these attitudes beforehand though. Guess to keep on trying and maybe take some classes. I’m in my mid 40s and this is already starting; interesting times ahead…stay positive everyone!!

I am in the same boat as many or most of you whom have posted over the last few days, months and years. Had an interview yesterday. Once again, someone old enough to be my son, shows up – LATE – too I might add with no apology (30+ minutes). No friendly introduction, no etiquette whatsoever. I could tell that the interview was over when it started.

The emphasis upon: young, youth, students. Was that a hint? And oh yeah: ‘punctuality’. I nearly laughed out loud when I heard that. But the sad part, this young person had no people skills. Could not have cared less about my many years of experience. I timed the interview at between 3 and 4 minutes.

I had a similar experience about 6 years ago, with another HR person much younger than myself. Late for the interview and was running around the office asking me questions. I practically had wished I could spin my head around 360 degrees (picture Reagan’s abilities from the Exorcist). Completely unprofessional, flippant and the clincher when asked me a question about previous experience: ‘that was … OH SO before my time!’ with a waving hand gesture and an almost Valley Girl like affect. That interview was less than 10 minutes. I couldn’t believe I just witnessed what I just experienced.

*sigh*

Anyways, good luck to everyone. I think we should all pool our resources and perhaps start up our own Employment Agency that is more geared to the 40+ crowd. I have nothing against youth as I was young too once, but there’s plenty to say about LIFE EXPERIENCES and WISDOM. My rant for today. All the best to you experienced and valuable ‘older’ folks out there. United.

I’m a 55-year-old woman in Portland, Oregon and I was laid off a little over a year ago due to outsourcing. I look for work nearly every day. I have years of experience and I’ve been applying for jobs paying less than half of what I was making. I’m not young and decorative anymore and I’ve run smack into age discrimination, but there is no way I can prove it. I know I’m not imagining things. My contemporaries are running into the same situation. I’ve tried to get into retraining courses at the local community colleges, but there are waiting lists with lottery picks. The closest I’ve come is making it to the short list, but I was not selected for that course. I’ve actually had people ask me why I don’t retire. Don’t they think I would if I could? From what I’ve observed, people just don’t have a clue and, frankly, don’t want to know unless this terrible situation touches their lives personally. I keep hearing how the employment market is improving, but no one’s talking about how many people no longer qualify for unemployment benefits. The wonderful new jobs I keep hearing about are minimum wage, which only works if one has a relative’s sofa to sleep on. I am desperate. There aren’t many steps left before homelessness and our government and corporate America could care less. They’d be just as happy if people like me would crawl off somewhere and disappear.

I hear you Susanna.
I was 55 when I was laid off 3 years ago and ran right smack into your same dliemma-not sure if you do but I have wife and 3 kids at home(1 thank God a teacher in Buffalo or it would be 4!).
But everything you say and thinbk is EXACT-You can look at my prior comments.
Its the SILENT DISCRIMINATION that gets NO PRESS-NO HELP and WONT be tracked.
Those that fall off the unemployment rolls are the ONLY reason for fudging the figures to show success for Obama for his reelection attempt.
I tried retirement too but the office said “sorry but you have 4 years to wait” so that is NOW MY GOAL.
To somehow scrape -fight-claw for a few hours of security guard work because nobody WANTS ME- NO RETIAL-GROCERY and most of all what I had done so well in for 38 plus years-CORPORATE BUSINESS!
Good luck and God Bless and remember this in NOVEMBER!

Now 48, employed but not happy there. Guess I should consider myself lucky. Anyway, talked to a former coworker, about 25 yrs. old. He got a job at a cement plant, good pay, etc. Said I should try to get on there as they needed 9 more people. Nice kid but no wheels, drug history, rapsheet as long as his arm, and lets face it – I did work with the guy and he is a moron. Oh Yeah, convicted for theft from his last employer. Well he was hired on the spot. Me, I applied, spoke with the boss breifly, and that’s that.I apply for these kind of jobs all the time and get the same result. I know I’m no spring chicken but I aint lame either. Still running circles around half the people at whatever job I get. So the discrimination is obvious. I know I should’nt bitch since I am currently working. I just wanted to throw in that example.

54 and wishing I could work. Most would think that having a mechanic background, and this being Heavy Trucks and Automobiles, I could find work anywhere. Yes, you would think so but, after applying at two different fortune 500 companies and getting to the point of drug testing and the interview process too, still nothing. Has to be my age, and I must admit after two interviews with the first company I really thought this might go somewhere?? Yes, I enjoy this line of work, I stay busy just assisting my son in heavy repairs but not making any money for myself with him. I have a lot to offer but, if they would only give me a chance. I don’t think things are very good in this economy right now and that’s the saddest part, I think it’s going to get worse I’m afraid.