Job search in my mid 50s

[Anonymous]

About to dive back in. I’m dreading the months ahead but trying my best to keep optimism afloat. It feels very lonely in my bubble. Help!

I had one 5-person panel interview at a friends company. It’s a good company with a good mission. I was older than the interviewers by several years and am much more experienced in our field. I thought I was diplomatic and calm, responded thoughtfully and thoroughly, and was friendly to everyone. I did my research and asked questions and avoided giving strong opinions. I could tell that they didn’t like me — and the feeling was mutual — but I still made a strong effort throughout the process. Word got back to my friend that I came off as a know-it-all and they didn’t trust that I’d stick around long if I got the position because I was “obviously used to being the boss”. So, obviously didn’t get a call-back. Wasn’t a good culture fit, so I’m not fully crushed. But I still need a job and failed this attempt miserably.

Any helpful hints or suggestions from fellow “older” job seekers? BTDT stories?

Any interviewers out there have recommendations? Anyone who’s successfully navigated this process? What to do, what to avoid?

[Anonymous]

All interviews are about fit and can go in any direction based on the vibe in the room.

It would help to know your field and industry.

Can you apply to jobs where you'd be younger (e.g. Boomer-controlled jobs)? Up until last year, my firm was controlled by younger Boomers. Now it's very Gen-X.

[Anonymous]

Most younger, higher level people will not hire an older person who has more experience than they do. It can bring to light their lesser experience. Plus, it feels off to have someone older reporting to them. Add to that, many older people unintentionally can't tone down the subconscious feeling of the fact that they do know more--or at least know more about how it used to be done.

A lot of these people end up consulting.

Another avenue is apply for government jobs.

[Anonymous]

OP is it possible they didn’t like you because they knew about the friend connection? I had a similar experience (when age wasn’t an issue at all) and it felt openly hostile. When they got back to my friend who’d recommended me, she even asked the person to describe me because it was as if they’d met a completely different person. Either way, it wasn’t going to be a good fit.

I’m around the same age and about to start looking after a long time out of the workforce, so just know you’re way ahead of me. Cold comfort, I know.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, you are retired and don’t realize it.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/retirement-age-65-most-workers-retire-at-62/

Most Americans retire early, but not because they chose to or were ready.

Were you the boss before? Why are you out of work now?

[Anonymous]

Weird that they called you a know it all, after an interview, when it’s a time you should be promoting yourself and they should be looking to understand what you do know. I would think of that one as dodging a bullet.

Sometimes you really never know why you didn’t get a job. It may not be for the reason you think. Also, I think sometimes being someone’s friend’s recommendation isn’t always a good thing because if they don’t like that person, then it’s a strike against you.

Anyway, all this to say, keep interviewing. You most likely did nothing wrong and they have multiple people to choose from. Sometimes it’s just out of your hands. You just put your best foot forward.

[Anonymous]

Do you need a job or money? There are many ways to make money and many of them don't require interviews or working for someone else. Why put yourself through that. The option to make money are endless nowadays.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you need a job or money? There are many ways to make money and many of them don't require interviews or working for someone else. Why put yourself through that. The option to make money are endless nowadays.

What ways are you talking about?

[Anonymous]

Are you female?

Young (opinionated and/or insecure) people don't find older, composed females who know their stuff likeable. Just my opinion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you female?

Young (opinionated and/or insecure) people don't find older, composed females who know their stuff likeable. Just my opinion.

This.

[Anonymous]

My opinion, continue your search for a role and an org and a manager that is going to appreciate your expertise and know-how. You will intimidate many. You will be seen as over qualified. Take each interaction or interview as a learning opportunity of what you do want, the company or org you do want to work for. You might have convinced yourself that you were going to okay at that company, but in hindsight you probably know it was not the fit for you. So, keep searching. Get more clear. And give yourself a year realistically, it might take that long.

[Anonymous]

Do not diminish yourself to make others comfortable in your presence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My opinion, continue your search for a role and an org and a manager that is going to appreciate your expertise and know-how. You will intimidate many. You will be seen as over qualified. Take each interaction or interview as a learning opportunity of what you do want, the company or org you do want to work for. You might have convinced yourself that you were going to okay at that company, but in hindsight you probably know it was not the fit for you. So, keep searching. Get more clear. And give yourself a year realistically, it might take that long.

It sounds like OP needs a job soon, not hold out for a Goldilocks position.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:About to dive back in. I’m dreading the months ahead but trying my best to keep optimism afloat. It feels very lonely in my bubble. Help!

I had one 5-person panel interview at a friends company. It’s a good company with a good mission. I was older than the interviewers by several years and am much more experienced in our field. I thought I was diplomatic and calm, responded thoughtfully and thoroughly, and was friendly to everyone. I did my research and asked questions and avoided giving strong opinions. I could tell that they didn’t like me — and the feeling was mutual — but I still made a strong effort throughout the process. Word got back to my friend that I came off as a know-it-all and they didn’t trust that I’d stick around long if I got the position because I was “obviously used to being the boss”. So, obviously didn’t get a call-back. Wasn’t a good culture fit, so I’m not fully crushed. But I still need a job and failed this attempt miserably.

Any helpful hints or suggestions from fellow “older” job seekers? BTDT stories?

Any interviewers out there have recommendations? Anyone who’s successfully navigated this process? What to do, what to avoid?

I am not fully understanding your OP. Are you currently employed and looking for a different job or by "diving in" are you re-entering the workforce after being out for a while? I am mid=fifties and was recently hired, so your answer will help in my response.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you female?

Young (opinionated and/or insecure) people don't find older, composed females who know their stuff likeable. Just my opinion.

Agreed, too together for the much-more laid back younger people.