Am I too old to find a new job at 57?

JackN

Hi,

I am 57 years old and in full health. But to be honest, I probably look 60. (I just have one of those faces)

I was made redundant at end of February. As my family is far from financially secure, I must quickly find a new source of income. I have been actively searching for a new position since start of February.

I am trying to see the positives; e.g.
- The economy is growing
- Unemployment is low
- I have many years of Sales experience - closing large complicated deals of significant value with international companies
- Many 21st century jobs emphasise soft skills (thinking, communications, empathy) which don't diminish with age

I see lots of positions advertised and and my CV (which doesn't hint at my age) gets attention from agencies and companies.

I have had two face-to-face interviews so far and one video interview via Skype. In each interview, I felt that I communicated well and showed I am well-suited for the advertised role.

However, the initial feedback is not good: One company has told the recruitment agency that although my knowledge of their industry is very impressive, they chose not to pursue my candidature. For the other interviews, I sense from the interviewers' body language and the subsequent silence that the signs are not good.

A friend who is one year younger than me has been unemployed for nearly a year. His last position was CTO of an e-commerce business. The technical skills and knowledge he possesses are in high demand. He has had many interviews and, like me, he feels he communicated well at all of them. However, he received no offer of employment from any of them. He is now of the opinion that he will never be offered a job because of his age. So he is focusing on trying to find short-term contract work.

I am keen to hear from others on Boards: Am I right to focus on the positives and continue my job search, acknowledging that my age will disqualify me from many jobs, but if I persist for long enough I will find something? Or should I heed my friend's advice to give up on the job search and focus all my efforts on creating a Plan B?

Thanks for any opinions or advice offered.

saintsaltynuts

Your never too old my friend.

Pheggiewillie

JackN wrote: »

Hi,

I am 57 years old and in full health. But to be honest, I probably look 60. (I just have one of those faces)

I was made redundant at end of February. As my family is far from financially secure, I must quickly find a new source of income. I have been actively searching for a new position since start of February.

I am trying to see the positives; e.g.
- The economy is growing
- Unemployment is low
- I have many years of Sales experience - closing large complicated deals of significant value with international companies
- Many 21st century jobs emphasise soft skills (thinking, communications, empathy) which don't diminish with age

I see lots of positions advertised and and my CV (which doesn't hint at my age) gets attention from agencies and companies.

I have had two face-to-face interviews so far and one video interview via Skype. In each interview, I felt that I communicated well and showed I am well-suited for the advertised role.

However, the initial feedback is not good: One company has told the recruitment agency that although my knowledge of their industry is very impressive, they chose not to pursue my candidature. For the other interviews, I sense from the interviewers' body language and the subsequent silence that the signs are not good.

A friend who is one year younger than me has been unemployed for nearly a year. His last position was CTO of an e-commerce business. The technical skills and knowledge he possesses are in high demand. He has had many interviews and, like me, he feels he communicated well at all of them. However, he received no offer of employment from any of them. He is now of the opinion that he will never be offered a job because of his age. So he is focusing on trying to find short-term contract work.

I am keen to hear from others on Boards: Am I right to focus on the positives and continue my job search, acknowledging that my age will disqualify me from many jobs, but if I persist for long enough I will find something? Or should I heed my friend's advice to give up on the job search and focus all my efforts on creating a Plan B?

Thanks for any opinions or advice offered.

I know that getting a job may not be easy but don't give up. However, seek other options also. Getting a source of income doesn't have to be one way. Just be open minded and creative and you will be happy in the end. Most times people are disappointed when they wait for ages and don't get a positive reply from companies. So save yourself the disappointment by pursuing a plan b while you wait for a good job.
I wish you good luck!

2011

Don't give up.
You are not too old.

redshoes15

Absolutely not too old. Very best of luck ��

the_syco

Consider having your CV checked by someone that hires people with your expertise. Also, contact companies that hire your profession.

Doc Farrell

You are too old for some jobs. You are not too old for other jobs. You will get a job. The real question is what kind of quality of life do you really want? Most jobs are horrible. You really have to look at whether the relentless stress makes it worthwhile.
For example to make 1000 euro a week after tax you will have to earn about 1500/1600. That kind of work is very tough stress wise. But I bet you can make 700 or even 800 with a lot less pressure and responsibility. Why not focus on working locally for 500 a week, especially if the job guarantees 6/8 weeks off a year?
So many people I know have been made so sick from stress why not focus on quality of life instead? Everyone needs money but 7am starts? 50 hour weeks? Never ending. Deadlines? There's more to life.
You are not too old but if you are only working for the money it'll kill you.
Best of luck.

Mrs OBumble

I would advise on focussing on short term contract work and also be looking for income streams that are not directly related to a paid job - eg a blog with advertising or affiliate sales.

the_syco

As above, focus on contracts, rather than pensionable jobs. Having the experience to hit the ground running may get you the job over someone that needs to be trained. This is where your experience comes in.

JackN

Thanks to all who replied to my original post.

As most of you advised, I persevered...... And I will now start my new job on Monday :-)

What worked for me? I put it down to:

1. Perseverance - Sure, there is ageism out there, but not every person & organisation is ageist, so keep applying
2. Personalise the application - Make sure the cover letter and/or CV shows you have at least some of the skills required
3. Show you are hungrier for the job than the other applicants - In my case, I took the time to write follow-up mails - and in some cases many mails - to my interviewers
4. Be prepared to take a hit in salary - Although I will get close to what I earned in my last job, it is still less. But I have to acknowledge I am not in a strong negotiating position. Also of the companies that were showing interest in me, I got the offer from the company that most impressed me. So I think it is worth taking the hit.

tea and coffee

I'm delighted for you. Wonderful news.

Teyla Emmagan

Well done Jack

Pelvis

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

I would advise on focussing on short term contract work and also be looking for income streams that are not directly related to a paid job - eg a blog with advertising or affiliate sales.

Thankfully the OP didn't take your advice and focus on starting a blog! Jaysus...

Congrats OP.

somesoldiers

Pelvis wrote: »

Thankfully the OP didn't take your advice and focus on starting a blog! Jaysus...

Congrats OP.

Or worse again a Vlog!! Well done OP. We may all find ourselves in the same boat some day.

JackN

In fairness to Mrs O, If I had not received a job offer before the Summer vacation period kicked in, I would have had to seriously consider every alternative.....