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Looking for work but no one wants to employ anyone over 40!

Answered 4 years ago

I have extension office experience but I can't even get past the interview. They all seem to want young things - it really gets me down. What can I do!


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ANSWER
4 years ago
Yes, I agree with the other poster. This is a big problem with working in a very general area with limited qualifications. Would you consider retraining and perhaps look at an industry where age isn’t such an issue i.e., being a book keeper, nurse, teacher, disability worker etc etc. You should look at your options now because it likely won’t get easier in the admin space.

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REPLY
4 years ago
Cleaning jobs

ANSWER
4 years ago
I battled for 2 years to get a admin position. Studied Individual Support and in the last week went for 2 interviews and were offered both positions. Agree with everyone broaden your knowledge, maybe go into another field. Good luck

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REPLY
4 years ago
Cleaning jobs

ANSWER
4 years ago
Study and plenty of house cleaning jobs for over 40

ANSWER
4 years ago
I did a medical reception course. 15 middle aged women in the class with various experience in admin. One 19 year old girl with no experience who looked like a model. Guess who was the only one to find a job.

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REPLY
4 years ago
The young kid because she probably costs less

REPLY
4 years ago
Most likely because she's ornamental, less confident and willing to take rubbish pay. Less likely to push back against unfair work practices, demand pay rises etc.

REPLY
4 years ago
Providing she completed the course previous again experience is unnecessary.
Maybe she had a willing to learn attitude.
My medical centre has over 15 rotating reception staff, 6 at a time. Most are well over 50.

ANSWER
4 years ago
You need to find something else to do. Admin is a young person’s game.

ANSWER
4 years ago
I’m 43 and have no issues finding work but I stepped out of offices 10 years ago because admin is pretty well stocked with staff who require zero qualifications and will work for nothing. I retrained as an accountant. Best thing I ever did.

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REPLY
4 years ago
Good on you! This is great!

ANSWER
4 years ago
I believe this is a cop out!!!
Maybe it’s more a problem that you have so the older person attitude in the interview with a possible know it all manner which gives interviewers the idea you will come into the roll with the mindset of how things should be done and set in their ways.
Turn up to the interview and the job polished and looking impeccable, hair nails, makeup etc. this kind of thing makes a difference and generally the younger generation focus more on this.

Point out that you have experience... obviously they can see that on your resume, then go on about how you are willing to learn new things and different ways to do things and be willing to do just that! Have a can do attitude and express you want yo be part of a TEAM !

If age was the barrier you wouldn’t get to the interview stage, even without your age on your resume employers can generally see on your resume your age.
Get yourself out of this mindset and get on with it. Getting a job usually means loads of resumes and several interviews, don’t expect to walk into a job as you have experience.

ANSWER
4 years ago
I'm 43 and looking to re enter the workforce next year. I have excellent skills and work history (not admin) but thanks to the govt incentives for hiring under 35's I'm at worst unemployable and at best not in a position to negotiate hours etc. So I'm going to be looking for home business opportunities (not MLM, lol). No idea what, but women and over 35's can't rely on society being fair. We've got to find our own way. Retrain in another field that has openings. Scour Seek.com.au or other job boards (I think SAHM has ideas somewhere) to find out what is in demand in your area, that you feel confident doing.

ANSWER
4 years ago
Unfortunately this is a thing, but its hard for anyone to get a job at the moment regardless of age. Just keep trying and maybe do some volunteer work that would look good on your resume or do some free computer courses to improve your skills. Maybe broaden your search as well for things like medical reception, car service departments etc. There is always a lot of competition for admin as well as there are a lot of skilled people compared to something more specialised.