55+ - are there really any jobs out there?

getmore4less

Networking :

Use everyone you know or have ever known or worked with.

TadleyBaggie

I was made reundant 2 years ago (software developer) at the age of 56. It took me 9 months or so but I managed to get another job. It took alot of effort but it can happen.

Horace

It is tough out there I am 50 and am finding it particularly hard. I saw my employment advisor at the jobcentre on Monday and she printed off details of a job that I hadn't seen and she told me to apply for it. I applied and 20 minutes later got a rejection email so I rang up thinking that they hadn't had enough time to consider my application and I was told by the woman that she hadn't even looked at the CV so I queried why she deemed me unsuitable if she hadn't looked at the CV? She was unable to answer the question and then fumbled around whilst she thought of a lie - it would seem that I did not have experience in engineering when this was a desirable element but not an essential element of the job. Still it is their loss.

I shall keep plugging away as someone is bound to recognise my talents soon.

simson3325

i had one reply back stating i was out of there age range,for a packing job,

scooby088

I had an interview yesterday and the owner said to me during the interview that he wasn't looking for anyone under 30.

macalacka

I am 27 and fiercely hate ageism of any sort. Particularly in the higher end of the age spectrum. I work in HR and the amount of times I have to professionally rant at line managers for either saying their staff member is a "baby" or "old". It even happens when they interview some woman of "child bearing age". They infuriate me.

Unfortunately judgement and assumption is rife and always will be. My dad was made redundancy at 51 years old [he is now 57] and luckily he had a wonderful skill set and is now self employed, he says its the best thing he ever did and I am so happy for him.

I agree with the other postings, TRY to eliminate any reference to age in your CV, get the interview first and go from there.

Getmore4less is right, networking is a brilliant tool. Are you on LinkedIn? If not, get on there today and put in your job title "Experienced XXXXX looking for a new role in the XXXXX industry".

Sign up to as many recruitment agencies as possible, they are a necessary evil but will also provide you with some valuable interview skills. They are pants though so don't be suprised if they don't contact you or give you feedback if you don't get a role. They work for the company not candidates.

What industry do you work in?

jamanda

I got a proper full time job a year last October at the grand age of 57 and three quarters. And I've had interest since I've been off the market. Some companies are looking for older, experienced, reliable workers - it is just finding the right one, so don't despair.

I had been out of work for over a year, but did the ECDL computer course on requested referral from the jobcentre to help me.

Keep trying. I never thought I'd get another proper job.

dalenblue

One of the problems is that many people send of the same CV to loads of companies in the forlorn hope that one might stick. It is much more sensible to tailor your CV for the specific job vacancy.
Don't just say that your are a good team player, cope well in a crisis, can work on your own initiative etc, you have to give examples where you match the skills they are looking for.

I prefer filling in a job application form where the employer has produced a job description and person specification because it makes it easier to target your response.

Good luck to all those job hunting. Don't give up!

cavework

All our staff are aged from 43 to 63, this was not deliberate but they are the ones that stayed the course, They are best people we have ever employed .