too old to get a job

simson3325

am i too old to get a job,
im 54yrs old and on the work programme,ive applied for 100s of jobs
but never had an interview,just rejection letters,my last rejection letter stated i was out of the companys age range,they were only setting 16 to 24 year olds on,they know from your cv from past jobs you have had,how old you are,

Oldernotwiser

If you've applied for hundreds of jobs and received no interviews you need to look at your applications and improve them.

What format of CV do you use and how much do you vary it for different applications?
What sort of work are you looking for?
How long have you been unemployed and how are you using your time?

coolie

people should never be too old for work. try lowering your ambitions in order to find a position somewhere. most of all - keep trying.

BrettMorganxD

simson3325 wrote: »

am i too old to get a job,
im 54yrs old and on the work programme,ive applied for 100s of jobs
but never had an interview,just rejection letters,my last rejection letter stated i was out of the companys age range,they were only setting 16 to 24 year olds on,they know from your cv from past jobs you have had,how old you are,

I don't think you are too old.

Some people at my workplace are in there early 60's and that is a nursing home. My dad is still working and he is the same age as you.

Also I am not 100% sure but isn't having an age limit age discrimination?

anamenottaken

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

If you've applied for hundreds of jobs and received no interviews you need to look at your applications and improve them.

What format of CV do you use and how much do you vary it for different applications?
What sort of work are you looking for?
How long have you been unemployed and how are you using your time?

It appears the OP has been signing on for 3 years and been on Work Programme for 4 months. Is applying for about 3 jobs a week.

CV goes back to employment starting 1974 (that job running to 1986), ie from school leaving age.

soolin

Have you considered approaching places like B and Q as they actively take on 'older' (and I use that term wisely as being in your 50s is NOT old) they are one company that appear to appreciate that sometimes experience is better than youth.

Good luck though, I know it is not easy out there.

anamenottaken

BrettMorganxD wrote: »

I don't think you are too old.

Some people at my workplace are in there early 60's and that is a nursing home. My dad is still working and he is the same age as you.

Also I am not 100% sure but isn't having an age limit age discrimination?

OP said elsewhere that he mentioned this to the jobcentre who would contact the advertising employer as others had received similar message.

nonnatus

It's so awful that you feel like that but you're in the same position as many graduates it seems - you're probably overqualified and employers will assume you will be expensive.
Try adapting your cover letter to reflect the fact that you don't mind starting lower down the ladder again?

I TRULY hope it's not your age! When I employed people, I actively SOUGHT the over 40's because they were VERY reliable, punctual, polite, literate and never phoned in sick with a hangover :cool:

Inclusive

You are never too old to get a job. What experience and qualifications have you got? What jobs have you applied for? Have you looked at getting additional qualifications or doing voluntary work to increase your skills and experiences?
The company who is taking on 16-24 year olds is probably employing them under an apprenticeship scheme which only is open to 16-24 year olds, and therefore unfortunately you would be outside their allowed age range.

DCFC79

your not too old for a job, a guy i used to work with is older than 54 and hes still in the same job when i thought he had retired due to age(possibly 70 now). Another guy i worked with in my last job is oldr than 54 and again hes late 60's or early seventies s it is possible to get a job. Are you tailoring your applications to each job ?

natlie

Hi I dont know where in the UK you are but I employ older people through the Workways programme (not sure if it runs all uk) I have employed former lecturers, nurses, bar staff, factory workers, office managers oldest was 64, I have completely retrained them - some of them said it changed their lives completely - confidence and career choice - they do six months with me and have time to job search and a mentor to support. Maybe there is a similar scheme close to you. I agree with advise above - look for something new, check your CV. I find that a lot of managers dont like to have employees who are older than them. I think older people - in most cases - and in my experience work harder and are more reliable