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Thing about "ageism" is that a company or Recruiter can not tell an older persons age (like myself at 60) when a person/myself doesn't list dates that reveal an older age/my age on the resume. The only way they can find out "age" is by having a person fill out an application and talking with that person. Then the "age" thing could definitely play a big part in getting a job.
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Originally Posted by GypsySoul22
I didn't want to think it but I thing ageism is coming into play for a lot of us.
Maybe once we get interviewed it does?
It's just an idea. I have had 4 interviews and did not get any of them. I was dressed well, knew my stuff, was personable, and blah, blah...so on..
When I was in my 20s getting jobs was very easy. Now not so much.
Hi, I'm in HR and just saw your post. I am sorry to hear of your frustrations. Yes, it is okay to ask the HR person questions when they say, thanks but no thanks. BUT, like everything in life you have to ask the RIGHT questions. In other words don't show your frustration and ask why you never get an interview, ask if there is anything in your cover letter or resume that he/she thinks you should change. Ask if he/she thinks you are qualified for this position, ask about the qualifications of the other candidates who have gotten interviews. Being qualified for the job may not be enough in this market, others may be way over qualified and have way more experience than what is asked for thereby disqualifying you right off. My suggestion would be to go for a lesser job and then prove yourself once you are on the inside and work your way up the ladder..... blessings in your search.
I've re-done my resume (per suggestions from this board) with help from a friend who has a masters in Tech writing. I tweek it for each job and add a cover letter etc.
I've recently applied for several jobs that I had all of the qualifications for, is appropriate to ask HR or department heads why I wasn't even considered for an interview?
I'm so frustrated and I would like to get some feedback as to why I'm not even considered for an interview for positions I'm qualified for.
Keep in mind I live in a small community and many times it's not what you know but who you know, but I'd sure like to know why I'm not even getting my foot in the door so I can fix it!
Well you don't ask the companies you are applying to you figure out for yourself. If you go a entire month without a call back, you must change your resume when the new month starts
There could be a number of reasons why you didnt get an interview. Maybe the job was put on hold or they decided to hire internally. Although you are qualified for the job, maybe your resume did not have enough key points that the job is actually looking for. You should read the job description thoroughly and speak loudly on your resume on what the job is asking for. If the job asks for specific skills, make sure you list those skills on your resume if that experience.
I've recently applied for several jobs that I had all of the qualifications for, is appropriate to ask HR or department heads why I wasn't even considered for an interview?
Yes, and you should.
Like wannamoove posted, you may want to choose a different question that really isn't specific to the job you applied for but more towards how you could change your resume or cover letter that may increase your chances for an interview in the future. Particularly since you met the quals.
Be prepared for the HR wall. They're a tough bunch to get to these days.
I "tweek" my resume for each job to make sure the "key words" are there.
I'm not applying "above my station" I've dumb-down my resume, I'm only applying for Admin/Secretary/bookkeeping type jobs and I have over 25 years experience at that and web design certificate and years working as a tech writer too.
I've re-done my resume again, we will see if it works. I do know that there are 300-400 people applying for one job in my area, our un-employment rate is much higher than the national average.
I know where I work we give all applicants who come in for an administrative support position a battery of tests in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook. The candidates who score the best are usually finalists. Also the ones who understand the role of the administrative assistant and how to use the various components of Microsoft Office in an office setting are strongly considered.
I had a situation recently where we had an opening in our IT Dept where I work. I told a friend of mine who was an IT manager for an engineering firm, but was laid off due to them slowing down. My buddy was so qualified that he had more qualifications then the our people doing the interviews. He was passed over for a younger less experienced guy. Perhaps our IT managers felt threatened by my friends qualifications and experience.
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blessings in your search.
