Get Interviews-not job-Over 50

I think I have read every book on interviewing, resume writing and cover letters. I have researched articles "How to respond to tough interview questions" Is there a trick to all this? I have a diversified amount of experience, clerical and supervision, I get called to interview but when they see me, it's like someone pulled the plug. I'm clean, pressed, prepared and still kinda cute for my age...LOL*** Anyone have any suggestions?

I don't have any specific suggestions but I just want to give you some moral support. Selling yourself is one of the hardest things we ever have to do. Be Strong and try not to let the process get you down. Sometimes it can take awhile - Know in your heart that the right position will come along eventually.

Keep your chin up, Patti. That would be daunting, but persevere. Here's an article at About.com which has some helpful links: http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/careerresources/a/agediscriminat.htm

What line of work are you looking for? What atmosphere?

www.monster.com has an extensive list of interview questions, as well as ways to answer them.

All the interview stuff doesn't matter once you reach 50 and look it. Besides, experience wants more money than inexperience. Experience usually wants benefits, too. We are not dumb!

The thing you can really do is prepare a knowledge of the company in question and be armed to tell them specifically (somewhat, don't give up ideas) how YOU can benefit that company.

When all that fails, take what you know and start a business for yourself, selling what you know. You might even find those companies that didn't want you hiring you as a consultant!

Awwww, you folks are just great! I have posted at Monster, a resume that is, and like I said, been there done that whatever...LOL** They say if you haven't worked for 13 months (that's me) then you won't find a job. I would really like to prove that theory wrong.

I'm looking for clerical work. I'm a hard worker and have the ability to work rings around those who just want to put in their time and take home the $$$$ but you can't say that when interviewing...grrrr. Regarding benefits, I have wonderful coverage under my hubby's plan, so I wouldn't need that and say so. I'm also NOT looking for high dollar take home, been there, you just spend more! Sent out another 6 resumes, there's always hope and I will remain optimistic. Owning my own business is out of the question at this time.

I'm just not wanting to take the first thing that comes along...local grocers are hiring, get my meaning? Thanks again everyone, I appreciate your leads, comments and support.

I meant to say, WELCOME to DG!

Where is Ft. Lupton, in relation to Denver?

You might want to consider one of the temporary placement outfits that handle clerical positions. Many of the larger companies in our area hire full time workers ONLY after they go through the temporary bit. My nephew ended up with a really nice job with the IT department in one of the larger aircraft plants here as a result of a temporary placement this way.

Darius, Ft. Lupton is about 25 miles NE of Denver. Where we live is mostly aggriculture, we are in the boonies. Where we live is between Brighton and Ft. Lupton, the latter is our mailing address town.

Vashur thanks for the suggestion, it has crossed my mind. Temp agencies have changed over the years, I hope...LOL*** They would run you all over the place. Giving that some serious thought though....great minds think alike Vashur.

Patti, my half-sister (whom I would NOT hire on an interview) landed a nice job after being a temp for them for about 6 months.

Darius, what agency did she use? and did she have to pay a fee? Snelling is waaaay downtown, and there are some that don't have wonderful reps if you know what I mean.

Have to get gravy made, so I have to go for now. DH will be home soon and the dogs need feeding....and I want to work outside the home?????.....

I agree with foregoing remarks that some qualities get filtered out in the interviewing process. To add my 2 cents worth - more and better and various opportunities came my way as a temp, rather than through the interview process. And what a great way to learn about a company.

Nice ta meetcha, too. Hope you let us know how you do.

Patti, I have NO idea what agency, but I'm pretty sure she didn't pay a fee. She's in FL.

Patti, our posts crossed in the ether - did not mean to be irrelevant.

I worked for many different temp agencies, and they all differed with regard to fee or not to fee (sorry, couldn't resist). Some of them had the policy that if you worked for 6 months for a client, that the client could then hire you permanently without a fee. So, that information could probably be researched over the phone or internet.

Welcome Planting_Patti. You will enjoy Daves Garden. I was a Personnel Director for 25 years and did all the hiring for a large government agency. The people I hired were experienced, neat looking, had children who were in school, and people who were reliable and responsible, and could take direction. I would suggest that in an interview, that you have a working knowledge of what the company does, and suggest ways that you could complement their operation. Stress reliability, (being present and on time), let them know that your children were in school, and that you have a good back up system in case of their illness. I was always wary of folks who came in dressed to the "nines", and at the opposite end of the spectrum, dressed for life on the streets. Given a recent graduate or a middle-aged person, I chose the middle-aged person every time, as they were more dependable and conscientious. Good luck on finding something. BTW the temp agencies are a good way to go also. Saves the company the step of screening applicants.

Good luck Patti!

Bluespiral, you are correct in getting to see the diversity in many companies. I guess I shouldn't be a bone head about it, I have tried to avoid the agency scene because of past experiences.

Darius I thought perhaps your relative was in the Denver area, sorry for that assumption.

We have great dividing lines here also. Being as far north as I am, I won't go into Denver or downtown Denver. I won't go south of hwy 70....LOL*** There's enough going on up north and west, it's just getting the right connections.

Tammy, thank you.

Defoecat, I'm already enjoying DG been here awhile just haven't gotten too chatty. I have done all you suggested. I have even researched where the company is if there was a phone number to call, do a reverse search on Switchboard.com. I would try to see their website if any.

I hope y'all don't think I'm making excuses, perhaps I lack confidence? I would be the first to admit I don't know everything, but sure willing to learn and learn quickly. I have excellent letters of reference too. Perhaps because of the closings or restructuring within some companies I worked for doesn't show a "stable" work history.

Patti, my only relative near Denver works for Celestial Seasonings, and his wife who is almost crippled, stays at home. She makes a few bucks each year with buying and re-selling peaches and such.

Patti -

Have you tried the "informational interview?" I've had a few people
use them with me - don't know if it really works. But the idea is to ask
someone you know if you can interview them for ideas, to learn more
about their job/company/career. In the conversation, you might find
out about what jobs are open or what types of answers to interview
questions go over well.

Sorry - don't have any brilliant ideas. Just keep the faith. Its a rough
job market!

Tam

|Planting_Patti, If I were still in my job, I would hire you in a minute!! You sound like the kind of employee I looked for. If you feel you lack self confidence, please try to work on it. There is a middle ground, though, don't come across as a "know it all", but convey confidence by not waffling on answers. If the answer is yes, say it with confidence, if no, say it and offer an explanation, not an excuse. Good luck!!. Another idea, if you have a friend who is willing to work with you, please "practice" an interview with them. Maybe even video it and sit and critique it for the weak points, then work on those.

Darius, Celestial Seasonings is a nice place, they make all kinds of teas and such and almost next door to them is Leanin' Tree Card Company and inside they have some of the most beautiful Western Themed art I have ever seen.

Defoecat, what a compliment! I am originally from Missouri (Missourah if you will) and I find the "attitudes" in Colorado are so much more "assertive-aggressive" than I am. I had a phone interview once where I was asked, "How do you prepare for the day" another was "Aside from your resume, who are you really?" I will do my best, I promise Defoecat...and I'll imagine you are my interviewer....lolol** I've determined to continue to send resumes and let God do the rest.

Thank you all again for your suggestions and support. I'll let y'all know when success comes and it won't just be mine but yours also by giving me your friendship.

welcome to.. 50 is not old.. you should be grapped up reliable age... may God send you to right place... blessings....

Twyla

Thanks Twyla, I know He's working on it.
I just need patience and the right opportunity. I thought of this recently:
Patience: the ability to idle your motor, when you feel like stripping your gears!

I would seriously suggest getting a job doing something - anything. Being without work for a very long time without a very good reason will not look good to any employer. The type of work is not as important as the fact of working. Working anywhere shows that you're interested in work. Use caution not to be too "selective." Yes, you are a precious commodity, being an able-bodied working person; however, show your ambition by picking up even a part-time short-contract job filing papers or entering computer data. In between chemistry jobs last year, I waited tables. No, it didn't have diddly-squat to do with chemistry, but I wanted to show effort that I was that interested in staying busy that I wouldn't even go 2 months sitting & praying for the right next career.
Also, putting a resume on Monster and applying to jobs are two different things. Work-up a search engine on monster and use it daily. Apply to jobs you're qualified for. Don't under-reach, and don't over-reach. If you believe you are being discriminated against soley on age, call about it. Don't assume it's discrimination.

One big interview task that most people ignore - When the employer says "do you have any questions?" Usually, not wanting to extend the interviewer's time, or not knowing what to ask, I found myself saying "no, sir, I think that covers it" made me feel good. Don't do that! Find questions to ask, and don't be afraid to ask them! Asking questions of the interviewer shows you are truly interested in their company, and the job.
So, what *shouldn't* you ask? Don't ever ask about pay or benefits on the first , or second interview. Yes, those things matter, but if that's all the employer thinks you care about, they won't hire you. Do research on the companies, look at their financial stats, spend time being interested in them.
Questions TO ask: "What are opportunities for advancement in your company? I noticed historically your company is having a round of financial success - What do you see for the immediate future?" If you don't care, fine! Act like you care, or the company has no reason to hire you. Today's industry can't hire people that aren't interested in them. Yes, it's possible that you could care less about getting a promotion, and you probably could care less about their historical financial growth, but act like you care! That shows them you're interested in being a part of their team.
I have worked in three states, and interviewed with companies from government contract firms to government agencies... from water treatment facilities to adhesive research companies, clear to a company that makes baby diaper linings. I've interviewed with American people, and non-American. Bridging a language gap by far made for the most miserable interview I ever had- I couldn't understand them, and they couldn't understand me. Why when they looked at my name & job history they chose to pay nearly $1000 to bring me in from out-of-state for an interview, I'll never know. But knowing things like "this is the company that makes baby diaper linings" helped me tell a company once that "while I don't have kids, I have changed a few diapers in my lifetime, and I understand the value of diaper linings. I believe as a part of your research team, I could provide a creative explosion of ideas that a parent might not be able to provide." I've also sold myself because I'm single -- "as a nonmarried individual with no immediate plans for marriage, I will be able to provide off-hour support on a moment's notice, not having external commitments that would keep me from my work." I've sold myself as a Yankee! LOL "As a young woman from another part of the country, I believe I could be a vital team member of your organization, providing input and suggestions from the background of a culture vastly different from the ones here." Spend some serious time making a "social and personal resume" in your mind. Study it, focus on it, and put a lot of effort into preparing some statements about yourself for that dreaded question "So, tell me about yourself". Saying "I'm a hard worker, and I will always show up on time" is great, but how about, instead, "Well, I'm a creative thinker, I like to challenge existing ideas & processes, I try to think "outside of the box", while meanwhile maintaining focus on goals and deadlines." The 'creative thinker', 'processes', and 'focus on goals', to me, is a much better way of saying that first thought with better, bigger words.
Finally, let me leave you with a professional resume "Objective" you may find useful. At the top of my resume, I have my "Objective" :: "To be a team member in a goal-oriented environment, commensurate with my eduation and professional experience."

:)

Keep your spirits up Patti. Get your confidence level up. go in there thinking that you would be an asset to them, do your research before you go in to an interview. with the internet at your fingertips, youdont even have to spend hours at the library anymore.
You probably would be an asset to an employer, you just have to find the right one for you.
If all else fails, set up your own temping agency and hire yourself out. start making some cold calls and find out who in the area is looking for temp help,, say you're setting up a company and putting together a business plan and would like to ask them some questions about the help they are hiring, and any specific etc.

Good luck, I hope all goes well for you. and hang in there.

ooh! I forgot to add - after the interview, and they give you the dreaded "NO thanks" call, ask them for details.

I learned a lot about myself and things I did "wrong" in interviews by saying, "I'm very sorry to hear I was not chosen for this career opportunity. Can you help me by telling me about some areas of opportunity I can work on for my next career interview?" You spent hours washing & ironing that suit, searching the internet for stupid details about the company you spent probably an hour on the "hot seat" answering their questions - Learn from it! Be sure & ask what you can improve on so you're better-prepared for the next interview.

Good tip Angel song....

patti, chin up! There IS an employer out there who is looking for you - guaranteed ;o)

I agree completely with defoecat - when I was hiring people (private sector, not public), I was much more likely to be impressed by the 40 to 60 year old who was articulate, pleasant, and dressed appropriately for the work environment, versus the general underwhelmingness of the 20-somethings who either had an outrageously expensive suit (and who paid for THAT, I asked myself....) or they appeared to have dressed with whatever they grunged from their dirty clothes hamper. Many of those gen-x'ers also carried the double burden of a lackluster, self-centered (sometimes borderline hostile) attitude and the profound inability to speak without interjecting mindless phrases into their speech.

Gimme someone who knows WHY it's important to "play well with others", be on time to work each day, and who takes enough pride in their appearance to groom themselves EVERY day, and who doesn't roll in with a hangover - or call in sick more Mondays than they should.

I've spoken with several folks trying desparately to find good people to fill positions. They, too, are very unimpressed with the young college graduates. The youngsters apparently feel that they've already paid their dues because they completed college! Not a good attitude to have. I know you'll find a good position, patti.

I do agree with going the temp route, especially with clerical jobs. I know that there are several companies here in Atlanta that don't bother to hire except through the agencies. They get a chance to see the true work ethics of the people they hire.

Can we focus on helping Patti get a job, and less on stereotyping other age groups? I fall into the age group ya'll are griping about, and I'm NONE of the things you mention.

And, for the record, I saved up part-time college job $$ and bought my own dress-suit ;) (while I worked three part-time jobs in undergrad school)

Sorry, AngelSong. Didn't mean to strereotype. patti was worried that her age was a deterrent to getting a job, that's all. The very fact that you're here on DG says volumes about you. :-)

Whoa y'all......I'm not worth fighting over, and for goodness sake, I was born at night, but not last night!!! Goodness, I've raised a daughter, who is a mom herself now (3) and happily married. I have owned 3 business' of my own over the years. I'm not an over-reactor kind of person and ANGELSONG tho' I appreciate your input, I'm not stupid, so please don't speak to me as though I am.

Pins2006 you are correct, regretably, the younger generation hasn't had a chance to develop good work or personal ethics. I'm not stereotyping anyone here, even some over 40 folks don't have a grip on it yet, but I'm not condemning anyone. I'm the one here to make choices, I'm sorry I didn't mean to open a can of worms.

I have worked at Wal-Mart, I have worked some jobs for only 4-6 weeks, but that doesn't look good on a resume, and I have experienced company closings where my job was eliminated, those ARE on my resume.

I have checked out Manpower and Excel Personnel and I may register with both at this point.

Thank you everyone for your continued support, and I will continue to be prayerful about what I'm to do.

Hi Patti - have you checked out the federal government jobs website - there are jobs listed for various areas in Colorado. I noted some areas even have pools of potential employees. I started working for a USDA agency two years ago at the ripe old age of 48. I started out as part time and then went full time. I recently was told one of the things that impressed my interviewers is that I stated I have been told that I am good at solving problems and that I am good at paying attention to details. Good luck!

http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/

Hi Patti,

The BEST jobs I ever have gotten were from either directly working as a temp-to-perm or from having temped at a good company and when they had a job opening they remembered me and called me back.

Temping DOES have its advantages and you can always tell them, "No, thanks" if the job is not feeling right to you on the first day. Had that happen a couple times. One place said they needed light typing and filing and phones and the guy wanted me to create Excel spreadsheets and charts... and I had not one moment's experience on that program at the time.

What a mess! He was livid, I wanted to run away.

However, because I was a temp, I COULD and DID run away, which was really cool now that I think of it.

I bet you will find it at least entertaining and may be an inroad to just what you're wanting.
And by the way - why can't you say you can work rings around the competition? Companies do that all the time. I wonder if we can figure out a way to say it that will get your point across without sounding "that" way.

I'll be praying you find the right place... or that they find you.

One thing I did learn from Dave Ramsey (check out his website at www.daveramsey.com), who does the Total Money Makeover and Financial Peace University ... tailor your resume to each place you're answering an ad for. This is supposed to really work well. And ALWAYS send a thank you note after an interview... this may be the one thing that sets you apart from all the others.

Keep us posted.
Janie

Thank you JanieJoy, I will check out the link you mentioned. I have also been doing some "networking." I'm waiting to hear from a couple resumes I've sent because of that. It probably sounds like I'm being too picky, it's important a good match comes along. I did sign up with a temp service yesterday; presently they have nothing, but next week could be a new game. Thanks again, I'm never without hope.

planting_patti Nice to meet you and welcome to Dave's. I go by cuckoo around here and hope you enjoy all the neat sites and threads here. I joined in March and really enjoy learning and sharing things especially about my garden, plants, etc.
I ' ve read your thread here and just wanted to say that things will work out for you because you are being patient and eventually the information you are getting and digesting will eventually help you find something. Keep your patience, say a prayer, and it will all work out for you.

cuckoo

Hi Patti, been away a couple of days, just checking in to see if there is any progress. Someone mentioned sending a thank you note to your interviewer after the interview, that is a great tip. I have had that happen with me, and maybe did not hire that person for that particular job, but in subsequent openings, called that person back and invited her to apply for that job. Hired her, as I just couldn't overlook her skills, plus the fact that she took the time to "thank" me. Courtesy goes a long way!! GOOD LUCK!!