It's 'orrible looking for a job when you're 43 and a half!

[bigmouthstrikesagain]

Just got a rejection call. Interview went well, very nice people. The job was part-time admin in a council. I have lots of qualifications, experience at officer level in London boroughs but I have not been in paid work for 13 years! I think I came across well, but the feedback was I was 'too good' I was told I should be applying for more senior roles, policy roles or support worker type jobs but I need part-time and flexible and local, so there ain't much out there.

It is bitter sweet getting nice feedback but no job, the interviewer did say they would pass my details to department heads in the council, so that is positive but I really really want to get paid for doing work. I have been doing volunteer work for a few years and that is great, but WILL SOMEONE PLEASE GIVE ME MONEY FOR DOING WORK PLEASE... Sorry for shouting just needed to vent.

I have another interview to prepare for tomorrow, also local council also a bit low status, but that is the nature of part-time work. I can handle that, but I have to overcome the slightly deflated feeling I have from the previous interview, that I can do my best, come over well, then be told sorry you are over-qualified old! Just a bit depressing/ frustrating.

I agree that temping is a good way to get a foot in the door. I did a two week stint as a council receptionist and by the end had been offered a permanent PA/project assistant post and they offered me school hour friendly times of my choosing.

Heh - temping is how I got my first local govt job as it happens - so it is not out of the question - I am going to have to find out which temping agency supplies the council here.

This thread does not fill me with much hope - I have been out of job market for 20 years as "not needed to work" but judge in recent divorce case seems to think I will have no trouble finding full time employment because I am "intelligent" and so my settlement took this into account. My last work was in financial services - there is no way my qualifications are up to date. I am 52 - I have long term depression and the acrimonious nature of my divorce means I am still struggling to function on a daily basis never mind get my head in a place suitable for employment.

NYx1 - a friend of mine is also looking into parttime work - she just wants some extra money - but the requirements for minimum wage jobs seem extortionate and out of context with the actual job. She has been looking now for over a year - sometimes she too is overqualified. I am beginning to wonder whether there is some actual manipulation within the job market as the jobs keep reappearing or is it a case that employers want the perfect applicant rather than someone who ticks most of the boxes. It all seems non sense also to me

I wonder if age is more a factor as 13 years out of work means you left aged 30. I suspect a 30 year old would find it easier to move down the career ladder due to perceptions. I did it at 33 after six years at home and have landed on my feet with other options I could’ve pursued. Although I purposely didn’t take too many qualifications so as not to be too qualified for entry level/admin roles. It takes a very secure manager to take on an employee who is better qualified and more experienced/older than them.

Central civil service could be a good option. I know someone who is 60ish who found a low level role with them. Although the comment about civil servants being apolitical is very funny. They are allowed to be political and even run for local government, never mind them being highly impacted by politics, general social change and the usual office politics. But it does offer flexibility and security.

Keep plugging away and you may find it reaches someone who recognised what you offer. Temping is a great option and using your network as much as possible. Word of mouth is worth so much more than a job application.

Try putting their picture on the wall and their name upon the scarf (or something)

Have a look for volunteering to get the CV up perhaps. I was in a similar situation, but wasn't really even getting interviews.
I started volunteering one day a week and the manager job came up. I applied with no confidence as I really had no experience in managing etc. Didn't get it, but they offered me an assistant less hours job. 18 months later the manager left and I (rather surprised) got offered the job.

I do volunteer and am training.

I shall def try the scarf thing!

I think managers have a fear that employing someone more educated, confident and competent than them will take over their job, show them up or otherwise undermine their authority.

This will be no consolation but ds is 25 with great qualifications and cv but is struggling hugely to get a decent job. He was asked to attend an interview at a national publication last week having submitted his cv and was then told he was over qualified. It’s very depressing indeed.

Have you considered the charity sector? Lots of part time roles there.

They fobbed you off with that nonsense because the position was already lined up for an internal candidate.

Try being 53 and out of work for 19 years! I have an interview tomorrow and nervous. It's NHS so I hope I'm not being used if they have someone internally who they want.

I got my current p/t ‘mum’ Job at age 44. Took me about 7 months to find a job, but that was more from lack of anything suitable to apply for. I’m hoping that it will lead into a better paid role when I decide to move on so hang in there!!!

I think you have to be so ruthlessly clear on what to talk about and what not to ie. talk about your skills and attributes and experience, wherever from, but don't talk about the gap or lack of paid recent experience. Don't say you will value the flexibility - say you will be flexible to their needs. Don't say you could be applying for something better, say you are keen to develop your admin skills, want to work within their organisation and hope to get better within that role (it might be OK to say that in the future you would hope to progress, if there was the opportunity). They are looking for fit to the role, and so your 'extra' qualifications are irrelevant. You need to fake a great fit between you and the role that works in their favour and makes you look willing and committed. Good luck with it though, once you get a foot in you will be fine.

I doubt it's age but the lack of recent experience and work ethic in thirteen years. That's a huge gap for employers to get past.

Cheers yellow, that helps.

I can't pretend I have been in paid employment when I haven't, so if all potential employers won't want me for that reason, then I may as well give up now?

I have been volunteering and training with CAB for last 3 years so hopefully that counts for something, else I am really fucked.

I am having the same problem. I didn't even get the job that was specifically created for me as someone who could do more hours came along yep, you read that right! (I applied for a full time role that was perfect but mentioned I would rather do part time hours. They loved my CV and said they'd be happy with part time hours so they'd create another role just for me. Then apparently another applicant came along who could do 5 extra hours per week. She took the job that was specifically created for me!!)

I can't get an admin job at the Council or the hospital because I don't have any recent experience (have a 4 year gap!)

I've now realised I'll have to work full time and I have given up with seeking part time roles.

Good luck, OP!

Also, with the job I mentioned above - I successfully did 3 interviews and a practical test for the job. 6 hours wasted in total

Well I have done my interview, it included reading a childrens book to the interviewers and presenting a craft idea. I hope it went ok but who knows!? I am pausing the job hunt till the new year, as the market is pretty dead now. I shall hear by the end of next week about the job today. I wish luck to all job hunters regardless of age and qualifications.

Good luck with it op, you'll find something soon for sure!

I think the problem is there just aren't enough part time jobs. I'm desperately trying to find something part time, early 30's, only out of work a year (made redundant whilst pregnant) and there is so little out there. Just had another rejection after interview yesterday.

Can you start a business?

I would second/third the advice to address the “elephant in the room” and make it very clear that you do NOT want a higher-level job. I have a professional degree and used to work in a job that required it. I hated the increased responsibility and pressure and affirmatively chose to take a step down. Think, a solicitor applying for a paralegal position, or such like. I was lucky to get an interview with my professional degree on my CV, quite honestly, but when I did, I addressed it head-on. Before I was even asked about it. I said “I’m sure you have concerns that I’m taking this job as a stop-gap until an attorney (etc) job comes up, but that isn’t the case. I’m also not trying to get hired as an attorney through the back door, as it were.” I then talked about why this particular “lower” job was exactly what I wanted. I got the job!

Good luck, OP, it’s tough but stick with it!

I remember a few years ago in the recession hearing about people only able to get part time work when they wanted full time. I wondered where all these part time jobs were as whenever I looked, full time jobs outnumbered part time job adverts by at least five to one.

I had my nhs interview today. Apparently I was short listed from the first batch of applicants. I'm thrilled with that bit of info. 🤞🏼I get the job, I really want it.

Hope you get some good news OP.

It's the irrational logic of capitalism to throw people into the pit of unemployment whilst workers are worked to 67 years in jobs that increasingly take over every waking hour of their lives. No part time work you say? But there is self employment, zero hours, non contracted, short term contracts, temping, and increasingly work without pay in the form of intern opportunities.

We have a decreasing need for labour. Mechanisation and the intellectual and informational economy require less labour. Where labour is still required decreasing returns is pushing employers to super exploit workers for value.

I'm working ridiculous hours, with a charity that expects total loyalty, total availability, and operates something like a cult. You are in or you are out. Ok, so it's RSW with looked after children but employees are left with little time to look after there own families. All the while I'm commuting to work a 15 he day, I'm tripping over dozens of rough sleepers. In our quest not to join them on the pavement, most workers are being super exploited on stagnating wages, huge levels of debt, in full time work that increasingly is contingent on unpaid extra hours, and a level of commitment that sees people unable to enjoy any free time. I mean even energy saving devices, I phones and technology are only there to ensure your availability for work, not your free time.