New job in early 50s?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

You're responding to me. I'm over 50 and I work for a senior's org. I'm just telling you like it is. You're free to ignore of course. We both know that we can both learn, in fact I have a huge account at Great Courses. But the brutal truth is that not all potential employers think so. Fact: age discrimination exists. Getting all indignant isn't going to change this (and could I suggest an attitude adjustment in general). So you will need to show them proof.

+1

[Anonymous]

NP here. The last several people hired where I work were over 50. I also know people over 50 who were able to find work without a problem (they had useful experience). And no one had to demonstrate they could still learn. Their experience and credentials were enough to show they were competent.

I think the key is not to look or seem desperate. So don't let PPs make you feel that way.

Don't go into interviews yammering on about how you're a good learner! Go in confident that you have experience, education, and skills. And you have references to confirm that you've demonstrated an ability to do things well.

Again, I personally think that seeming desperate is more an issue than the actual age. It just happens that a lot of people who are suddenly job hunting and over 50 probably feel desperate and panicked, and that shows.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP here. The last several people hired where I work were over 50. I also know people over 50 who were able to find work without a problem (they had useful experience). And no one had to demonstrate they could still learn. Their experience and credentials were enough to show they were competent.

I think the key is not to look or seem desperate. So don't let PPs make you feel that way.

Don't go into interviews yammering on about how you're a good learner! Go in confident that you have experience, education, and skills. And you have references to confirm that you've demonstrated an ability to do things well.

Again, I personally think that seeming desperate is more an issue than the actual age. It just happens that a lot of people who are suddenly job hunting and over 50 probably feel desperate and panicked, and that shows.

The general suggestion here seems to be a line on the resume or maybe a short, casual mention 1/2 way through the interview. Agree that yammering on is the other extreme.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Take some programming on Coursera, do SOMETHING to show you can learn. And maintain your appearance. Not asking for a fashion model, but be in shape.

Do "SOMETHING" to show I can learn? Oh course I can learn. Why wouldn't I be able to learn? I've been learning my entire life. Maintain my appearance? I'm your average looking, average weight professional looking middle aged woman. I'm not stunning but I'm very presentable. Would you tell a man to "maintain his appearance?"

NP, but you'd better believe it. I know of men in your situation who have been told by headhunters to dye their hair, get their teeth fixed and buy new clothes for job interviews.

It's more than that. I go to networking meeting and some guys over 50 are in shape and have a lot of energy. Others look like they haven't done a pushup in 30 years and eat three donuts/day. Which one would you hire?

[Anonymous]

NP here with some encouraging words. I recently went back to work, after 5+ years off as a SAHM. Early 50s.

I work in a research and analyst type of job and my experience was considered an asset and in fact necessary. I know that not all fields are as forgiving. But there is hope when you find those areas that value what you have to offer.

FWIW, I did get a new suit and made sure I looked reasonably up to date. I don't think it was a deciding factor at all for them, but it gave me an extra confidence boost.

I went through my resume and made sure I had examples of work I had done and contributions I made to teams and employers ready to discuss. The substance of my experience was very important - they wanted someone who really knew the content areas but had broad enough experience as a generalist to step in with new work in the future.

Good luck to you in finding the right fit!