The Executive Doc

Dear Executive Doc

I feel useless and wonder if life is truly worth living. I am a senior executive with a long track record of success and just cannot get the next job. I am 62 and very experienced and cannot understand why I am being rejected from jobs that I can do.

Frustrated

Dear Frustrated

The job application process has changed rapidly in the last few years. Computerised programs allow HR departments and recruiters to concentrate on a few resumes that are spat out of the system. This is one reason why you have to update your terminology in your resume, for instance no longer is ‘typist’ used nowadays it is ‘word processor’ and has been since 1973 that I can remember!

Assuming that you are avoiding the pitfalls of mature aged applications such as putting in dates next to your education unless you were a later learner, using old vocabulary (as above) putting in more than the last 10-12 years worth of employment history, there are some things that you should know.

Contractual Employment

There is no such thing as a permanent job, the employment period is time limited by the employment contract. You have no say in the time limit, and some employers are bad at using short time limits so that they can get rid of any unproductive labour. 

Ageism

Sorry but saying and looking like a 62 year old is the same as being ancient to the hiring folks. Unless there is some outstanding reason why they should take you on – eg brain surgeon, they will not hire you as you are perceived as being too old. I do not condone this discrimination, but it exists and you have to fight it. Do not put your date of birth on your resume or any forms that they insist upon until after the hiring decision is made.  Do an image makeover and wear youthful looking suits or outfits, hair that is short and neat is always preferred. Moustaches went out with the 1970s, so if you have one, shave it off. You can always grow it back after you have the job. Hair colouring is ok (I do it) but don’t end up looking ridiculous. Hair stylists often suggest lighter colours, its up to you, but not a jet black. This hair colour shows up the slightest re-growth and never looks genuine on an older person.If you are out of touch with office wear, then take yourself down to some local offices at 5pm and observe how office workers are dressed as they leave the buildings. Make sure it is not a Casual Friday though!

Always go conservatively dressed than the latest fad for interviews. If you cannot afford a good suit – which can be horribly expensive, go cheaper but it must be a good fit with an expensive tie. The tie will win the day not the suit unless you are under the microscope. I often mix and match my workclothes with expensive pieces and cheaper items from chain stores. It keeps people guessing as to where you are on the social scale and it is none of their business anyway.

Keep at it

Being firm in your resolve will win the day I can assure you. I had a time when I put in over 250 resumes to get a job over 2 years. I know how depressing and daunting this can be. All I can offer is for you to keep up your job search. Re-applying with an employer is not a waste of time, it shows that you are keen and want to work there. Never assume what went wrong, ask them so as to improve your job chances in the future.

Frustration is one of the deep feelings that you will feel. Don’t be surprised at getting depressed and anxious too.  This is not your fault, it is the context that you are living in. Do some deep thinking about what you want to do and stick to it. You will get a break somewhere along the line. You won’t get a break though if you give up.

Door to door

This is usually a far better way of getting employment than being in a herd of resumes. Figure out the organisations that you wish to work for and go and knock on their doors. If they slam the door in your face you have just been told that they are an organisation that you really do not want to work with. You need a respectful workplace and in such organisations someone will take the time of day and point you in the right direction. You may feel like a pinball in a fast moving game, but if you get your goal you won’t mind. Working at this 40 hours a week is a minimum, treat the job seeking like your next job and it will pay off.

Best of luck for your next step in your career!

Kind regards

The Executive Doc