Do recruitment agencies ignore applications from people aged 50+ ?

easy

Looking for some work at the moment, as my self-employed income has fallen, and looks to fall more (one client talking about shutting up shop). We have quite a lot of commitments, I'm determined we're not going to go under.

So as well as searching for new clients, I'm applying for part-time jobs.

I have a degree and a great deal of experience in the IT and finance sectors. OK, I'm probably more qualified than the vacancies actually require, but I'm happy with that.

I send in applications on-line, and generally try to ring up the following day to check the application has been received (in fact just to be pro-active). I generally ask for the recruitment agent named in the advert -if one was named.
If they are busy I always leave my number for them to call me back. They don't.

Obviously my D.O.B isn't on my CV, but the dates of my qualifications and previous jobs are, marking me out as an 'old git'.

Or is it because I've been self employed?

PlutoinCapricorn

Are you only looking for jobs via agencies? They are more interested in the companies that register vacancies with them than they are in people who are looking for jobs.

easy

PlutoinCapricorn wrote: »

Are you only looking for jobs via agencies? They are more interested in the companies that register vacancies with them than they are in people who are looking for jobs.

Blimey no, I'm checking local paper and all the internet job sites, but most vacancies listed on Jobsite etc are thru agencies.

InsideInsurance

easy wrote: »

Obviously my D.O.B isn't on my CV, but the dates of my qualifications and previous jobs are, marking me out as an 'old git'.

Or is it because I've been self employed?

Is your line of work one where qualifications are necessary? Are your qualifications still "current"? (ie can you still do what you did or has it been replaced as per O-Levels were replaced by GCSEs)

For most people there is little that needs to go onto their CV that will give away their age. If qualifications are still current then just drop the date they were gained in. As a hiring manager I am only interested in the last 5-10 years of your work history tops so drop anything earlier than that etc

You will ultimately get some people that are ageist and if you work in certain lines of business it is more likely to be a problem than others but there are plenty that want a rounded team of people including some old gits

PlutoinCapricorn

There are plenty of employers who value experience!

I think that getting work as a consultant is easier for senior people than getting PAYE work might be though.

easy

I think you are probably right. I'm trying to do lots of networking at the mo, altho because I'm disabled it's an extra barrier - but I get over it in the end.

Don't suppose anyone here knows anyone in the East Midlands who needs help with bookkeeping/accounts, setting up a new accounting system, or getting started with the financial aspects of running a business ??

scooby088

My old employer used to value older workers as they had a work ethic and generally knew how to play the game.