still unemployed

[wcasey]

I no longer consider myself to be a nurse. After an illness, followed by a layoff in 2010, I have never been able to get another job in nursing. At that time, I had 29 years experience as an RN. I have applied to hundreds of jobs in the Boston area, and have only had 2 interviews. I don't know why no one wants me. I had great experience at great Boston teaching hospital's. I always had good reviews and have good references. My only explanation might be that I am a diploma nurse. I am 13 credits shy of my degree and can't afford to finish with no job. If that is the main issue, then I am not sure I want to work as a nurse anyway. I hope being 57 and male has nothing to do with it.

My heart goes out to wcasey, BiffBradford, VivaLasViejas, and all the other older people who've been squeezed out of the job market.

I was on the verge of having this happen to me in my prior field which was the provocation for me to switch to nursing and I consider myself extremely fortunate to have landed a good job at a university hospital with a strong union where I am building seniority.

Age discrimination is rampant in our youth-obsessed culture, both in nursing and in most industries.

Several erroneous stereotypes and perceptions exist pertaining to older workers:

1) They're technologically illiterate

2) They have diminished energy

3) They're a health risk/liability

4) They're set in their ways and inflexible

A successful job hunt should address these items, both directly and indirectly.

Be sure that your resume is crisp, clean and meticulous but consider a slightly contemporary look in your choice of font and paper. Wear new, contemporary clothing. Dye your hair. Consider make-up to conceal bags under your eyes and wrinkles. Consider Botux or other cosmetic treatments to smooth your face. Avoid "old" fragrances like Old Spice or such things. Read contemporary magazines, blogs, and websites in order to speak on pop cultural references that may arise. Be sure that your tech skills are solid and demonstrated on your resume. And... consider removing date references from your resume in order to avoid obvious clues as to your age.

Work on appearing fit... aggressively drop weight if you're carrying it around. Pay careful attention to your posture and mannerisms with an eye toward communicating energy and vigor. Walk quickly and with a spring in your step (do calf exercises... toe-ups on a book).

By all means, hide any reference to health problems.

[Biffbradford]

I certainly won't pretend to be someone who I'm not (botox, make up, dye hair,) plus I think nurses (managers) in general are a good judge of age due to simple repetition of working with people. However, you've still got to get your foot in the door and get an interview. When you've got double digit applications in a major healthcare organization (can you honesly customize your resume that many times?), there is something basic amiss since you can't really pass yourself off as 30 something when you've got 20+ years of experience. However, I do like 1-4 listed above and perhaps a little 'literary freedom' in adding something along those lines would help in getting an interview. I'll give it a try! (gotta keep trying)

[ChloeCares]

Have you considered working in a college? Lassen Community College - About

That school currently has two openings. One is for a program director and the other is for an instructor. It is in a beautiful rural town close to Reno.also if you do reply let them know you heard about it here. I have applied to the program as a student but was told they might not have a. New class this spring! Thanks.

[wcasey]

Thanks for the info, but my years of experience won't get me a position at a college. A degree would be required for that.

[caliotter3]

Just from reading posts on this site, I gather that the employment picture is dismal in your area. And yes, being 57 years old can have something to do with it. I was being openly discriminated against when I was only 42.

[caliotter3]

Another thought borrowed from the ladies and/or the corporate world, albiet a shallow one: On those rare occasions you've been given an interview, think about what your appearance was telling the interviewer. Lots of "snow on the roof" cut in an "old" style? Older looking dress clothes? See where this is going? Ageism is a fact over in the suit-and-tie world as well, borrow from their play book.

I was advised to make sure my hair was dyed by an employment counselor.

[toomuchbaloney]

I was advised to make sure my hair was dyed by an employment counselor.

Funny, they don't talk about that with males...

Funny, they don't talk about that with males...

Well, actually, they do... at least one does.

In my case, I have large bags under my eyes which people say makes me look tired (which at this point, I often am... though I can still out-hustle most of the young 'uns in the pods). I actually sought out a make-up professional to figure out the best means of covering them up in order to lessen the impact of my age.

@biffbradford: Believe me, I'm with you on the "won't pretend to be someone I'm not"... I really am. However, this is not about *who* you are, this is simple marketing to overcome irrational biases against you. Does it suck? Of course. Does it need to continue once you get hired? Of course not. But the unfortunate reality is that ageism is rampant and the system is stacked against older folks... it just is. Anything that we can do to create an image of youth, vitality, and vigor works to our advantage.

Honestly, the best way to hire people would be to have a short (1-3 days) tryout. I've done a fair share of interviewing and it's terribly difficult to make any real determinations about somebody in an hour or two of canned Q&A.

[duskyjewel]

What about teaching at a CNA training program?