Has this happened to you in your career, and how did you cope?

Question

I am 53. I have changed my job (but not profession) about every 2 to 3 years. Since turning 50 I find I do not get shortlisted for interviews and if I do, I don't get the job. This has never happened to me before! So now I find myself in a job I am bored with but stuck in. Help!

Thank you so far for your answers!
I change my job every 2 to 3 years because it was advice given to me years ago by senior management because they like people who have lots of wide experience. It's all been within the same career and the same employer, just different departments.

Answer 1

Depends if your profession is one where a lot of movement is normal. When you next rewrite your CV leave out your age and date of birth. Only list your previous jobs back 10 years and avoid putting down any clues (School years, training dates) that may give your age away.

There's nothing illegal in any of these techniques but it is illegal to discriminate on age in the UK. If you start getting interviews then there is some proof you were being discriminated against, but would you want to work for a company that did discriminate?

Good luck with the job hunting.

Answer 2

it's clearly an age issue here,i'm sorry it's happening...
it's interesting they(your employers)recommmended that you do this changing of jobs every 2-3 yrs,but still they(your employers)couldn't see down the line ,that this gaining of experience over the years with the company wouldn't be worth a thing as you age within the company>ha!!!!
if it's possible ,why don't you lend your experience across the
departments of the company,it may ease yor boredom.

Answer 3

That's nuts. I've been in two major yet different industries. Only time I changed jobs was an offer for more money and a better position. When I reached 52, took me two years to find the job I always wanted, had to move 2,000 miles. Never regretted it.

Answer 4

When my daughter was younger I went for a part time job,that I was over qualified for,but the hours suited,I couldn't believe it at the interview the interviewer said I was the best candidate he had seen over two days,but I was too old!!!!!!!! 30 the cutting of point for there company[Zara clothes shop} I could not believe what he said to me,I was in shock I didn't even respond,later when I thought about it,its there loss.

Answer 5

Sounds like classic 'change of career' time to me!

I know that is a lot easier said than done...I am the same age and likely to be made redundant soon!, so I know the problem.

Older people tend to be suited to 'customer contact' jobs.
We are more trusted than younger people and we have 'gravitas' that makes the public feel more comfortable with us.

Hope this helps a little!

Answer 6

This happened to me and, i'm ashamed to say, that rather than try to repeatedly give details of so many employers, I picked one or two of the earlier ones who had since gone out of business or otherwise non- contactable and "extended " my service with them to something in the region of about 10 years. This made reading and writing my CV a lot easier and saved on paper too ;O). Seemed to work, though I don't think I'd try it on if I ever applied to MI5!

Answer 7

Job hopping helps in the initial stages of your career, it improves your profile. But if even in your 50ies you go job hopping,you will be seen as a quitter who doesn't have much of a commitment to work. May be that is what is happening in your case.

Answer 8

You had problems since you turned fifty!!!!!! I had problems when I was made redundant at 45. I was advised to leave age of resume so at least you could get to an interview. I worked for myself so I could work. I'm 56 now so have no chance. Work for agency. Saves changing jobs. All our experience going to waste.

Answer 9

It may well be due to your age...however, job hopping every 2-3 years can't look all that good in some cases either.

Answer 10

Ye sit happens over 26 in some cases and over 31 in other.s