Comments on: Seeking a Job after Age Sixty

By: The Resume Coach

The Resume Coach — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:46:12 +0000

In reply to Judy M.

Hi Judy, you have a good point about whether the mindset is getting in the way. Going in to the interview with the thought that “I am the best person who can really help them out” rather than “Oh dear…now they will see that I’m 60 (or whatever age) might make a difference.

That said, I’ve never had any client get a straight answer from HR other than “there were better qualified candidates” in very broad terms. Too many EEO landmines…

By: Judy M

Judy M — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 05:50:13 +0000

Hello, I’m having a hard time believing that “Everyone seems eager to hire me until I show up for the interview and they discover that I am sixty-one years old.” is a FACT. I’d ask Overlooked if this is a fact or a story. As an HR professional that believes in the value of experienced applicants (older), I know that it is hard when people do not have all of the facts as to why someone else was hired and how easy it may be to assign the reason to age or some other reason. In fact, it is likely that they not told the reason. Did Overlooked ask for feedback? I also think that holding onto the belief that the reason for not getting the job is age may be getting in the way in interviews. I appreciate that Joseph focused on the question asked and provided the story telling option, and would add encouragement for Overlooked to ask for feedback from HR.

By: Gwendolyn Rhodes

Gwendolyn Rhodes — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 01:54:34 +0000

Sharon,
I also questioned when one would have the opportunity to present stories within a resume as well and concluded there were few opportunities unless the applicant was asked to elaborate on a particular skill, which is the case when applying for federal government jobs. Stories can also be told during networking opportunities, such as professional meetings and career fairs. In the latter case, the application would probably still be needed but, by that time, an impression should have been made with the corporate representative. I hope this helps.

By: Sharon Hamersley

Sharon Hamersley — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:21:38 +0000

As a career coach I find this story both incredibly inspiring and a bit frustrating. The frustrating part is that most job seekers do not have a robust network that allows them to bypass the screening process (what I call the “job board black hole”) and present a document such as “Greg” developed to the hiring manager. As you say, HR’s role is to screen applicants out and something so out of the ordinary most likely would be disregarded.
I would be curious to see the document if it can be shared without divulging personal/private information. Might be helpful to all of us who are helping people find that next opportunity.