At a Loss

IANAR but am trying to understand why I haven't been able to get a job for almost two years. Out of the USAF I was a Systems Analyst for 5 years with a large computer company, then a Sr. Project Manager for 5 years with a larger one. I graduated to Director of Development with an energy management company, then Director of IT Security with a telecom company.

Well that last company folded two years ago and I haven't been able to get a job since. I've sent out almost two thousand resumes over that time, and have literally had only two responses in that time, neither of which panned out. To every turndown letter that has an actual valid reply address, I reply and ask what I can do to improve; promising that any input will be taken in the most professional way, but never. never. any reply.

My resume has been overhauled by my university graduate placement dept (I have an MBA), then by my Vet Liaison with the US WIA Program, and recently by a random guy in another forum who did HR for a couple years.

I live in Seattle, and it's shocking and embarrassing that I can not manage to find a tech job in a city like this. I've lowered my sights but that hasn't made any difference. I have no idea what could be wrong, although I am beginning to wonder whether recruiters are looking me up and finding that I'm 58 years old. I am not a typical 58yo. I am an expert with Linux and computer security.

I am almost out of money and time now, and am at an utter loss what is the deal. I'm not even given a chance, anywhere, yet I see them complaining about not being able to find talent. Now I see why the suicide rate is high here.

I realize that no one here can give me any idea why without taking the time to evaluate all my details. But is there is any general guidance? Are the hundreds of jobs I've applied for at Amazon, for real? Not a peep from them. Same with Microsoft, and Tableau. I got a response from thePlatform that they 'have decided to work with other candidates', as have hundreds of other employers. I just can't understand how others have outclassed me, being well educated and experienced, almost two thousand times.

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Permalink Reply by Bill Southwell on October 4, 2013 at 5:17pm

Nothing.

Wow.

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Permalink Reply by Vinda Rao on October 4, 2013 at 7:01pm

Unfortunately I'm not a recruiter either, just a vendor, and I'm also at a loss to explain why you've been treated so unfairly. While totally unjustified, they're probably playing the age and unemployment card against you. I wish I had some good advice to give you, but just know that I'm pulling for you and wishing you the best. I know that probably doesn't help.

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Permalink Reply by Noel Cocca on October 5, 2013 at 6:02am

The job market is still crowded right now and you are in a location that has a lot of competition. I am sure you see that. I work with healthcare and physicians. Doctors are scrambling for positions. I recommend that you keep at it. Stay positive. Get advice from recruiters, friends, and relatives on how your resume looks and competes. And then keep trying more. Please also get your name on niche job boards as well as the big ones. If you sign up on our job board I will make sure that we do what we can.

Best to you...

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Permalink Reply by Bill Southwell on October 7, 2013 at 3:24pm

Thanks. I've been told to fix my resume for each job, faithfully copying all the requirements. But I can't believe that recruiters don't see through that. Seems dishonest to basically copy the job description into my resume, adjusting it a little.

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Permalink Reply by Linda Ferrante on October 24, 2013 at 3:47pm

I'm sorry you are going through this Bill, I can't imagine how it's been for you. I do have a little bit of advice for you, but please bare with me as I say it.....

Start over.

Step outside of yourself and look at you through a recruiter's eyes. Resume formatting. Structure of intro email (and spell check, vocabulary, emoticons,etc.) Dress. Overall appearance. Haircut. Voice presentation on the phone. Communication skills overall. Attitude. Availability. Salary. Job Interests. EVERYTHING. Take a look at all these things with fresh eyes and it may help you a little bit. At a minimum, it may help you discover something about your self that you didn't know before.

I realize this isn't a cure-all, but it may help you with seeing you through a recruiters eyes. Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Keith D. Halperin on October 24, 2013 at 4:24pm

@ Bill, as someone also in his 50s, the answer is two words: "AGE DISCRIMINATION".

If you want a job, find a company filled with people (particularly in hiring positions) around your age.

Very few companies filled and hired by young people will consider you.

You can truncate your resume to reflect only the past 10 or so years of experience (with earlier "available upon request"0 which may help get you interviews, but bottom-line:

Try to research and apply for jobs at companies where the people look like you.

Keith