Resumes - what a pain in the behind, OK, butt....! It is more work to get work then it is to work....!
So much for the fun stuff. This has been a really experience to learn what hiring managers are looking for these days. I found out that resume I put together in 1986 could not just be updated by changing the years of experience. In fact, they do not want to even see the years of experience. As it was explained to me, you do not want to have a 20 something hiring manager looking at 20 some years of experience on a resume. I guess that makes sense except for the 20 something hiring manager....!
I have been working with a career search organization that my former corporation is paying for to help in my transition. I have a consultant that is helping me understand how to look for a job in today's corporate environment. I could also get help if I to retire, start my own business or change careers.
Since Christmas I have participated in 12 webinars on resumes, interviewing, negotiating, coping with transition stress, etc. There are thousand of web sites with information on careers, some of which are proprietary to the career search organization, but most are open to anyone.
I also found a web site called LinkedIn.com that allows you to build a contacts list for professional contacts to help in job search. You get connected to people you invite to be your contact and then you become connected to their contact and so on and so on. Anyway the best connections are those that are at that second level of connection. You can network with the people that are connected on LinkedIn and it will help in your job search. Very interesting concept. If you are interested in knowing more check it out and invite me to be your contact: rde_co@hotmail.com I was looking at the entry of another former employee where I worked and he is looking nation wide so his profile is much different than mine (I am looking to stay in the Denver area). He has even received short recommendation from people where we worked. I thought is cool and I will have that added to my profile.
There are thousands of examples resumes, but of course none that are close to my experience. Who know, jack of all, master of none, so to speak. Not a lot of call for CAD System Administrators with a degree in Business/Information Systems and a lot of safety experience. Now there is a good resume for that, at least I think it is good. I have sent it out to a few contacts I have and asked for their comments. The first comment was from my girl friend and she said she did not understand half of it - may be just technical enough to work....!
If you have read this and are interesting in getting information on the web sites let me know. I will be glad to share any information I can.
Everyone take care and I hope you do not have to go through this like I am.
Ron
Looking for a job at 55
posted 6 months ago
Comments
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- 1. 6 months ago seashore wrote:
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I have been there, done that. I found the outsourcing companies are basically full of it!
Get in contact with everyone you know to let them know you are looking for work! You need to be willing to take a step back to move forward! Good luck!
- 2. 6 months ago GrandpaChuck wrote:
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The last time I went through this was after being laid off due to a plant closeing after 25-years on the job. I finally settled in on a job in retail working for a little above $10 an hour. After 6-years I was able to work my way up the ranks back into a management job with my new company.
The key to me was finding something I enjoy doing as pay is no longer a consideration. Then working on advancing myself in that company.
I would enjoy reading how others worked this problem out of having lots of experience but no job offers. :-)
- 3. 6 months ago azureviruss wrote:
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Yes , good luck with the job hunting there..I was talking to a "professional" who happens to be a friend of mine and she told me that "today..its pretty hard for a person 50 years of age to get a job"..in my town I have to believe that as I see many a decade or two younger than myself looking for work..its not what u can do or have done in your life anymore..its if you can grab that job..any job..do so..even tho it has no "benefits" to speak of..jobs are really getting hard to come by as decent jobs have left overseas ..and immigrants moving in to take the ones that are left
- 4. 6 months ago nuttymaw wrote:
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Try: view link
My husband took a position at the end of summer 2007. I had researched and sent out his resume for two years. At the time he took this position, he had this offer and another in the small town where we live. He is 59. We looked for two years before we found this position. He is extremely happy with his employment now, but looking for a job at this age is unique. The link to the site Grayhairnetworking is full of good info. They have two ways to register...over $70,000 or under $70,0000. Check it out. It may help you. They send out job leads.
Good luck!
Nuttymaw
P. S. The other most invaluable asset is prayer. Until we finally prayed and turned it over to God, we were basically just turning our wheels. Once we turned it over and put our faith in him. Things just clicked! May God Bless you in your search.
- 5. 6 months ago Joslyn wrote:
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I went thru this also, laid off from 18years same company. No notice, no..nuthin..this was one year ago. I am 55 now...commuting thru awful traffic, but, the job is very busy and picking up a few new skills. It will keep me going till I find something closer to home..if that's possible! I also prayed.
It was all I could do. Very best of luck! And the resume is very important..
mine was found by a company in NJ, hiring for office in Ontario, Ca...worked out pretty good!
- 6. 6 months ago Velvetjones wrote:
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Don't be afraid or concerned about going back to school. More and more over 40s are doing it. When it comes to finding employment skills sets are important. The more critical the skill the easier it is to get the job. I went back at 45 to earn a masters and it has paid off. Another thing to consider is to be willing to relocate, big cities offer more opportunities. And finally check out USAjobs.gov the government has a ton of openings and often they will interview you over the phone.
Good luck!
- 7. 6 months ago Vietvet1947 wrote:
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If you have the nuts to go it alone, I'll hire and train you. However, if you sit at the PC all day and play games, you will starve. Most people need a place to go everyday to check in and hang around.
I started doing this business less than two years ago. At that time my income was zero. My first months check was $160. Last months check was $2400. This months should be $2700. Income is unlimited, job is outside sales, it is your business, no taxes withheld, lots of door knocking in the day time, calling on business owners only. Ican tell you what to do and how to do it, but can not force you to GOYA - Get Off Your Ass.
If interested, get back to me. If you are not a complete anal aperture and will work hard, you will make money. By the way, I am 60 years old.
- 8. 6 months ago Mtodd1956 wrote:
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I just found your blog. I am in your boat granted I did put myself here, but the circumstances still suck. I am still planning to look for a new position after 18+ years on my job. My pension is about a fifth of what I was bringing home. Since I am single and have a mortgage I will be hitting the streets looking. But right now I feel optimistic. I am so glad that the links have been posted; I will look into this new resource. Thank you very much. And good luck to you on your search.
- 9. 6 months ago Anjelica wrote:
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Try the simple things if you get an interview. It worked for my friend. Shave your beard and tint your hair. My friend was unable to get work and got one shortly after he did that. Most of your interviewers are in their late 30's or 40's. Also, done put dates on your resume, just experience. Good luck, Anjelica
- 10. 6 months ago TomsLastStand wrote:
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At our age ,and considering all of the valuable assets we bring to ANY employer. We should not have lower our standards, just to meet the so called requirments of todays work place. I've come to the obvious conclusion, that i choose to work on my terms, and at the most satisfying and profitable type of work available today. The best chance for Anyone is NETWORK MARKWTING, of course that's a generic term, that really covers a wide field, from mail order, to whatever niche you feel best doing. Home based businesses are growing into a massive market place, but over 80 % don't do real well because they give up too soon. I am sure that this industry can give us EVERYTHING WE WANT to improve our lifestyle,if we really want it bad enough. Tom B if anyone has questions, i will furnish info , TomsPalmBeachBiz@yahoo.com
- 11. 6 months ago fishbait49 wrote:
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You're right. It's a tough spot to be in at our age. I keep hearing about the pending shortage of seasoned workers like us and that companies are going to have to work harder to keep experience in the workplace. Unfortunately I've not actually seen it happening much.
I've always heard about age discrimination but until fairly recently I've never actually experienced it myself. But it's out there.
On a positive note, from everything I've read and heard and attempted, the things I think that help most are; remain positive, find ways to boost your confidence, and network, network, network! Good luck.
FishBait
- 12. 6 months ago winegirl wrote:
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I have just been through this at 56. I am an administrative assistant and youth is what they are looking for. Hiring managers are at least 20 years younger than I am. All the jobs are posted on line. I did find one or two good headhunters who thought I had valuable experience. It took me about 4 months and I finally found a job on my own that I will be starting next week. My boss is about 15 years younger than me.
- 13. 6 months ago whalefeather2 wrote:
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Finding a job is hard but have found that Call Centers do like the over the 50 crowd...and offer bennies. Pay is ok depending on the company and your experience. It is a sit down job and requires only your brain most of the time...lol. Resumes??? well have found they never work much unless you have a realllly select qualification!
- 14. 6 months ago GrandmaPanama wrote:
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Did this at age 56. I'm a secretary/administrative assistant/clerical worker. I worked temp until I accepted a job at 1970 wages. After 1-1/2 years, I'm making the highest salary I could every have imagined and will still move up. I've never been happier. Just had to "pay my dues" the first year and a half, I guess, built up my reputation. Best of luck to you. Don't try too hard, my promotion was totally unexpected!!
- 15. 6 months ago cwazywady wrote:
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I hear ya. It's a scary world out there. I am in the retail field. Have been at my current job for 13 years. I am considering "retireing" in about a year-and-a-half, but it scares the heck out of me because, with the income I will be receiving after retirement, I have no choice but to keep right on working. I could probably stay where I am, but retail can get grueling...hours suck, pay isn't the greatest and, like everyone else has said, they don't really want the "old people." But...I HAVE my job. They can't really fire me because of age. But, they can find other ways to get rid of people they don't really want. Luckily, I haven't had to experience any of that yet. At this point, I am considered a pretty good asset to my department because my manager has less knowledge and experience in my particular department than I do. He askes me many questions on a daily basis. Believe me, I wouldn't want his job...He has the stress of managing a department in retail. I just have the stress of trying to keep up with the expectations. I know I will have to continue working when I do finally retire. So, I am beginning to check out other options now. There aren't many out there. I am now 64 and plan to hang up the towell, so to speak, when I am 66. I will HAVE to work until I can draw full SS. After that I will HAVE to work because I won't be able to make it on SS and my retirement.
Good luck. It looks like most of us at this age need it.
- 16. 6 months ago Lensan wrote:
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Got any experience with telecommunications? There is more than enough work out here if you want it! CAD experience is actually a plus! I'm 53 and felt the same way, as far as what the heck do I do now. I am being asked DAILY if I know anyone that wants to do some telecommunications engineering work! Like I said, it's out here if you want it. Good luck in your endeavors.
- 17. 6 months ago grannygoodstuff wrote:
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There are some interesting links here for seniors. Maybe something will be helpful to you. I clicked on a couple of different links and there seems to be avenues to research employment (for us oldie but goodies).
view link
- 18. 6 months ago Bettytth wrote:
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At our ages the best jobs come from friends and friends of friends.
Keep speaking to people you know.
I entered the work field for the first time at 45.
No experience, no skills, did not even know how to use a computer.
A friend got me a part time position with a small Interior Design Company
Of course, the pay was low and I had to take the hardest shifts,did anything they asked and learned new skills as I worked. I never complained and always did extra.
One thing about the younger people today is they are not dependable and never " go the extra mile".
Also, smaller, family owned companies have learned people our age is more dependable, have less problems at home and give our all.
Keep away from large corporations and companies.
Good luck
- 19. 6 months ago SandiLee wrote:
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I am fifty something and just recently within the last few months found a new job. While I do think there are many companies looking for the younger employees there are still many looking for the older, more mature, settled employee.
One thing which really helped me was an employment portfolio.
Go to an office supply store and buy the 12 page report holder.
Find a nice report cover template to put your name on the front.
Find another template to do a very simple table of contents for the first page. Be sure to include your name, address, phone numbers, and email address on this page.
The next page should be your resume. If your resume is two pages that is okay too. Next should be any letters of recommendations from past employers, etc. Anytime there are management changes in your company ask any managers moving up or on to write you a letter. It does not mean you are leaving but it is insurance of sorts.
The next several pages should include samples of your work. It could be anything specific to your field. If you are in sales then include a chart with your sales records. You could include any newspaper articles about your company, etc. Include anything that is going to show the interviewer what you can do.
Certificates should also be included. I put the original certificates in the portfolio. Never leave the portfolio with any perspective employer.
I am very happy with my new job but I keep my portfolio up to date.
- 20. 6 months ago RETCu52 wrote:
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Hi Ron;
Sounds like you're doing the "due diligence" from all the right angles. I'm not where you are yet but soon will be after a 35 year career in law enforcement.
One of my best friends introduced me to a network marketing company that's fun and lucrative. It's supplementing my current salary and is on track to producing the $3000 per month I'm shooting for to supplement my pension when I DO retire by the end of 2008. I'm lovin' it. If you're interested, PM me back and I'll provide you a link.
I'll keep you in my thoughts and send you some positive vibes, my friend. Best of luck to you.
Jim J.
- 21. 6 months ago Wildcard wrote:
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I've been seeking a teaching job but feel some "invisible" age discrimination. I'm 59 and sense that I am a relic or curiosity when being interviewed by school officials. In all their supposed enlightenment, they can't understand why a person my age would want to go into the classroom when all they're looking forward to is getting out with retirement. It's been an eye-opener for me.
- 22. 5 months ago ClassyGirl711 wrote:
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I have been searching for a job for approximately a year. I e-mailed, snail mailed, and dropped off resumes to companies seeking people to work for them. Out of approximately 70 resumes I only had 3 interviews. I finally decided I would never be able to work again for any company. I have now became a member of a MLM team and I see where money is there for me. I have been in several MLMs, but this one is so different!!! All I need to do is work it.
- 23. 5 months ago nanki wrote:
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I agree - looking for work is much harder than actually working ! I was recently laid off, the company outsourced their entire customer service department. Out of 100 resumes mailed, faxed, emailed and taken into the hiring office, I had 3 interivews.
Then my former company's biggest competitor started hiring. ;~) I had to go through screening interviews and tests with an employment agency, something I thought I would never do. Then an interview with the sales hiring managers. Kids. But, my age didn't seem to bother them. The position was answering phones, so customers would have no idea my age. And my experience seemed to impress them.
I had to take the worst shift. 2 weeks of training, then 3 weeks of a training bay. Then shifts opened up for bidding based on performance. Just before the bid opened, I had nihjt team sups and leads telling me they wanted me on their team. And day sups and leads trying to bribe me to come to days.
So, for now, I have a job. But, it is sales, and I only have a job if I can keep performing. Thankfully most of the people calling in do want to buy.
And I am still reading the help wanted ads just in case.
Good luck !
