I am able willing knowledgeable experienced educated but cannot find a job because of technology cahnges. sugg

Question

I am not able to find a job in my field.I am able, willing, knowledgeable, educated and experienced. I have over 20 years of experienced. Whereever I go they just ask for a particular minor syntax related question and do not offer me a job. I am frustated. What should I do?

Answer 1

I would suggest retraining.

Answer 2

I agree with, get the training. However if the skill is truly as minor as you imply, it could be used as an excuse and the issue is larger, related or not. If you are not technically savvy or up on latest developments, or more generally, do not seem willing and able to learn new technology; or if you just have any trait that they don't think fits the job, such as you don't seem like a good team player or don't seem serious enough about your work or you have a negative attitude - it could literally be anything, only you can figure out what it is if its not really the small syntax thing.

I would want to know what is the cause. First I would research the field and see if that minor syntax thing is really that important. Go to a conference and ask people you network with there, or get a 15 minute informational interview with someone in your field at a higher level than you, ask them some other questions, then ask about that one thing. If it is a big emphasis then you have to get the training and quick. If not then you have to figure out what else is going on and fix it.

Answer 3

I think the problem is how you package yourself to fit in to the opportunities at hand.

First step is to review your resume and make it as brief as possible. You don't need to fit in all your 20 years of experience in it.

Then be candid, humble, and simple as ever during the job interview. By the non-verbal actions, one can see how confident and prepared you are in dealing with situations presented.

Notes:

Not all problems can be solved by training (alone).

One must be willing to "unlearn" in order to learn.

Just don't think that age is a big factor.

Explore or discover your other talents and try to venture into other fields. This is the area where (re) training may be needed.

Answer 4

I would suggest going back to school and getting the training required. One thing I am learning is that I will forever be a student because I will have to be able to keep up with the younger generations because technology is moving at such a fast pace.