Between a rock and a hard place?

Question

I must be employable! What can a 42 year old employment seeker do with a resume that has his most recent former employer dating back some 18 years ago? All I ever get is "Thanks for applying, good luck with your job search". I've been spoiled by a lazy disposition and parentage that enabled that lifestyle. Now I must be self sustaining but no one seems to be willing to hire me! I feel that I must be able to contribute some where, please help...

Answer 1

You're in a very tough spot. I'm a corporate recruiter and I would probably ditch your resume if it shows no kind of accomplishment for so long.

Eighteen years is a long time--unless perhaps you did some volunteer work? Something at your church/place of worship? In a community organization? You may want to try volunteering for awhile to provide some kind of evidence that you are not spoiled and lazy anymore.

Have you considered going back to school to learn a new skill? Then you may be able to start fresh, just like a kid coming out of high school or college. I suspect that after 18 years your skills might be dated.

On the positive side, your posting is very well written and punctuated in comparison to many of the posts I read here. You must have some skills you can leverage. I might also try listing all the things you like to do (e.g., writing? Organizing things? Building things?) Start there, find a way to volunteer, and then maybe you can demonstrate some accomplishments to convince employers that you are worth the risk.

Good luck--don't get discouraged.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

There must be some talent you have or interest. Or, do you have a college education? If not, that may well lead to something productive.
Also, you might talk to a employment counselor about your lack of job experience.
Good luck!

Answer 4

Unfortunately, your lack of employment for 18 years sends a signal of not wanting to work and people concieve that as not someone that would work for them if hired.
You may have to take a job that you don't want to do for a period of time until you can build up proof that you can and do work and then reapply at some of these places.

Answer 5

You must have done something during the 18 year break, no? Do you have any education or training you can highlight?

I have hired many returnees and they usually turn out to be the best employees. They actually have a better work ethic.

Emphasize your abilty to learn and desire to succeed. Sound eager, but not desparate.

That's my advice.

Answer 6

Maybe you're setting your sights too high. Try for a job that isn't that great and hope to get moved up through the ranks.

Answer 7

Oh sorry, read the title and thought you were talking about the Rolling Stones song.

Answer 8

Go to your local library, most of them have plenty of resources for finding jobs.

Some also have job finding clubs

Answer 9

Huh...I'm envious! :)

Try a temp agency...seriously. They are good for getting back into the workplace.

Good luck!!!