Looking for a Job?

[smokey the elder]

When I relaunched my career into pharma from nearly 15 years of polymer analytical, I went the temp route first. Ironically, I was hired because of my polymer background, was able to train up in all the stuff needed to work in a regulated industry, and became full time after 2 years. This was all after turning 45, fwiw.

What kind of resume are you using? If you want to change paths or careers, it's better to use a "functional" (skills oriented) resume rather than the traditional chronological model. Also, the functional resume has the potential to hide one's age.

Good luck!

[Edwina's Secretary]

When I relaunched my career into pharma from nearly 15 years of polymer analytical, I went the temp route first. Ironically, I was hired because of my polymer background, was able to train up in all the stuff needed to work in a regulated industry, and became full time after 2 years. This was all after turning 45, fwiw.

What kind of resume are you using? If you want to change paths or careers, it's better to use a "functional" (skills oriented) resume rather than the traditional chronological model. Also, the functional resume has the potential to hide one's age.

Good luck!

Smokey...I totally agree with you on the temp to hire route! It is a great way to break into to some different.

I have a different take on functional resumes. As the screener...I know you are trying to hide something so I look for it. Also, functional resume take too long for me to read. Sounds silly I suppose but when you are looking at a couple hundred resumes...

[slick]

So Sara:
I've been with my employer for 23 years. If I apply for other jobs, who in the heck to I use for a reference?

I know you said that experience speaks volumes but gee....who would hire a 56 year old diabetic cancer patient?

[K9karen]

So Sara:


I know you said that experience speaks volumes but gee....who would hire a 56 year old diabetic cancer patient?

I would. This gray haired, 1- 1/2 handed, limping old heifer.

[kitten645]

I left my last job of 19 years and found a new one based on my reputation in the industry. I would hope that anyone reading a resume that included a 23 year stint ANYWHERE would realize you are good at what you do! It's a pity that loyalty and hard work are seen as less desirable these day than they were. However, there's no loyalty or job security on the employers side either so it's expected people change jobs more often then they used to.
As for your medical issues, they can't be factored into employment situations. Legally I'm refering to.

[emily_the_spoiled]

Slick, be thankful that you live in BC so that when you do change positions you will still be covered by health insurance with no thought of your medical conditions (unfortunately that is not always true down here).

Over the years I have hired a number of people or been involved deeply in the process. Generally I find that "older" people tend to work out better because they have the work ethic and the basic skills to do the job. So Slick, I don't think you will have a problem getting a position because you have the skills and there are plenty of position in IT (particularly in Canada).

[Edwina's Secretary]

So Sara:
I've been with my employer for 23 years. If I apply for other jobs, who in the heck to I use for a reference?

I know you said that experience speaks volumes but gee....who would hire a 56 year old diabetic cancer patient?

References - haven't there been some people who worked there with you and have left? And I'll let you in on another secret. References don't mean alot. Most employers (and I am sure this is true in Canada as here) don't give much in the way of reference and If I think someone is mart enough to hire they are smart enough to give me references who will say they are the second coming.

As Kitten645 points out - the interview is not about your health -- nor should it be discussed.

And let's see -- an experienced 50 something year old who knows what to do in an emergency, is stable and dedicated and understand that accepting a job is to make a commitment or.....a wet behind the ears kid who thinks it is their right to text message any time and any where they want, surfs the web for hours and parties 4 out of 5 nights a week? (Spoken with hyperbole so please -- no flaming emails that I am picking on anyone...)

But...you must believe in yourself and your value in order to sell it to an employer!

So shoulders back - smile on....go get 'em!

[kitten645]

"But...you must believe in yourself and your value in order to sell it to an employer! "

Oh so very true! YOU are the only one in the world that knows your true worth! Go out there and TELL THEM !!! Dwell on the positives! Tell them why you'd hire you!
I also agree about references. You'd have to be a big time loser not to be able to tell someone to say something good about you or pretend to be someone else.
I must say I've been wanting to hire someone for a while. Nights and weekends. Didn't put an ad up and was only half heartedly supported to get another body in. Low and behold, a former part timer/student came in to keep in touch with friends and off handedly said "I want to work here again!" I met with her briefly and got such a good vibe off her that I put paper work thru for her right away. Everyone she worked with previously has told me how fantastic she is so I'm very pleased. Usually, you just KNOW who's right.
Claudia