I fear I will never work in my profession again.

[LipstickLou]

Just before covid hit I had interviewed for some senior roles in my industry. I wasn't offered any of the positions and on reviewing the new post holders I found them to be 'hipster' men at least 10 years younger than me. Covid then put us all in lockdown and all my contract work dried up.
If I approach any recruiters I am 'not a good fit'. I think my age (55) is being used against me. I work in fashion and beauty so I am frequently told I look younger.
I miss working and have a great track record of success. I have been working for a local charity but they have nothing to offer me at a senior level. They also recruit career charity professionals at director level and appear not to want transferable skills. I have been self employed and hated it. I feel on the scrap heap.

Well I never ever put my age or date of birth on applications. Usually got an interview, not always the job. Also I never put a pre fix, Miss, Mrs. Etc. And never mentioned kids either. Private life is separate from employment. Dont give up

Sadly, I think you’re right.

Fashion and beauty is very trend driven so there may be a perception that younger is better/ finger on the pulse etc..

It’s similar in all industries though, once you’re over fifty, you’re seen as less desirable, more ‘difficult’ and too expensive.

Can you look at self employment again, focussing on an fashion and beauty over fifty?

But if you put dates on your jobs surely they can see how long you've been working for?

@TheBullfinch

Sadly, I think you’re right.

Fashion and beauty is very trend driven so there may be a perception that younger is better/ finger on the pulse etc..

It’s similar in all industries though, once you’re over fifty, you’re seen as less desirable, more ‘difficult’ and too expensive.

Can you look at self employment again, focussing on an fashion and beauty over fifty?

A friend who must be around my age late 40s and used to work as a fashion buyer said the same. She reinvented herself and went off in a completely different direction.

@CoRhona

But if you put dates on your jobs surely they can see how long you've been working for?

You only need your last 15 years of work history max on a CV. Anything before that is so long ago as to be irrelevant anyway.

Cut your work history down to the last 5-10 years only. If they're giving the jobs to 20 year olds an extensive work history is obviously not prized.

As pp said only put the last 10 - 15 years of roles on your CV. Never put a date on any qualification you place on your CV either.

I agree, it’s totally unfair and shouldn’t be happening but so many organisations don’t value experience anymore, it’s more about getting younger graduates in, who in their eyes are more enthusiastic with fresh ideas, and sadly usually cheaper. I also wonder if some employers aren’t always comfortable managing people who are much older than them?
Would you not consider using your hard won skills and experience in a different way, in training and educating?
You have so much to offer, it’s a sad reflection of our society.

I have looked at other businesses - I frighten them! I am an ex Managing Director so that is why I have previously taken contract work supporting businesses. That work has tried up and I think as I am deemed to be expensive it may not come back. I wanted to work helping commercial teams in the charity sector but that is a closed shop. You need 10years plus in the third sector. I have been offered countless minimum wage jobs but I find them unfullfilling at best and rife with bullying if the business managers find out you have a professional background.
I have an idea for a 50 plus business but I am risk adverse with only my pension to support me.

I am an ex Managing Director - me too!!

What about writing to small businesses in your local area offering one day a week? With the added benefit that you can be a business baby minder if the owners want to go on holiday or just have time off. That’s affordable for them and if you can get enough companies to use your services, it’ll stop you dipping in to your pension savings.

Yes you are right. My friends and I have had many discussions about this and we reckon the cut off date for any industry is about 48.
Ageism is alive and kicking but no one really talks about it.

Helpful to not feel alone. Why are women seen as over the hill when men are silver foxes or a safe pair of hands? Perhaps I was lucky then to work until 53 in what is an ageist, sexest industry. We 50+ ladies are the key buyers of face cream yet the brands do not want to staff to reflect the customer. I was even told last year by a skincare brand owner I looked younger because I was a big girl! The man was a 5ft weasel. But boy it knocked my confidence.

I was even told last year by a skincare brand owner I looked younger because I was a big girl!

What? Why on earth would -

The man was a 5ft weasel.

Oh. Say no more.

@LipstickLou

Helpful to not feel alone. Why are women seen as over the hill when men are silver foxes or a safe pair of hands? Perhaps I was lucky then to work until 53 in what is an ageist, sexest industry. We 50+ ladies are the key buyers of face cream yet the brands do not want to staff to reflect the customer. I was even told last year by a skincare brand owner I looked younger because I was a big girl! The man was a 5ft weasel. But boy it knocked my confidence.

Are they are hired in the fashion industry though? You say you are mostly competing against youngsters.

I feel for you, OP. Ageism is an awful thing. My husband struggled to find work in his early 50s despite lots if experience, transferable skills and a recently obtained honours degree.

I'm 51 and love my glossy magazines. However, I often feel some of the fashion & beauty features are compiled by someone much younger than me, with little understanding of my age group. I would really appreciate more content from women of my own age, who appreciate we want to look good, but don't want to imitate teens.

Tbh, 6ft blonde and I scare them. . I am kind but have little patience for stupid people. I am going to the next interview with a renewed strategy. If they ask my age I am going to laugh. When I was newly married I used to get asked what my husband did. I was always frightened to refuse to answer. Perhaps as a young pensioner looking for an interesting second career I need to respect myself a bit more? .

Why did you leave your last job and start contracting?

It's the same in every industry that I'm familiar with. Friends of mine (men and women) that have a lifetime of experience say they feel lucky to be 'given' a related job.

@KatherineJaneway

As pp said only put the last 10 - 15 years of roles on your CV. Never put a date on any qualification you place on your CV either.

What difference will that make… if they are ageist you might get the interview but you won't get the job.

@LipstickLou

Tbh, 6ft blonde and I scare them. . I am kind but have little patience for stupid people. I am going to the next interview with a renewed strategy. If they ask my age I am going to laugh. When I was newly married I used to get asked what my husband did. I was always frightened to refuse to answer. Perhaps as a young pensioner looking for an interesting second career I need to respect myself a bit more? .

How would they know you were newly married?

I'm watching the Good Life - only ever saw the famous xmas episode - and they talk about how hard it is to get a job after 40. So I guess something changed in...50 years.

My best mate is 50 and got made redundant due to lockdown. I really feel for you but you both seem like great candidates so I'm thinking you will be all right. I think a lot of potential early retirees will pack it in earlier now, especially those who have been able to save money.

I don’t think men are necessarily seen as “silver foxes” - I know quite a few 50+ men who have been elbowed out of jobs and are finding it very, very difficult to get back in.

A year or two ago I saw a job that was ideally suited to me. I sent off an application eliminating any clues as to my age (no dob, certainly no ‘O’ Levels !!) just degree and last couple of jobs. They rang straightaway and asked if I could interview as I fitted the bill exactly. So off I trotted to interview...... and I swear they looked horrified horrified upon seeing me. The interview was insultingly short with no questions at all, just “do you know how to use a computer?” (Yep. I’m that old. Just give me some papyrus, won’t you?) unsurprisingly i didn’t get the job - and in fact never even had a no thank you. Arseholes.

@LipstickLou

Tbh, 6ft blonde and I scare them. . I am kind but have little patience for stupid people. I am going to the next interview with a renewed strategy. If they ask my age I am going to laugh. When I was newly married I used to get asked what my husband did. I was always frightened to refuse to answer. Perhaps as a young pensioner looking for an interesting second career I need to respect myself a bit more? .

If they ask my age I am going to laugh

It's illegal for employers to ask candidates about ‘protected characteristics’ during the recruitment process. That includes their age.
Unless it's whether their over 18 and it's relevant to the job (serving alcohol, for example).

I tend to be competing against fashionable men. I work in the cosmetic industry. When I have dipped into fashion it is even worse. There are only three females over 50 who are managing directors in the UK cosmetic world. I have two degrees but that is often ignored. I moved out of London to look after my parents and that had an impact too (country hick syndrome). I am grateful for the suggestion of a local consultancy. I am also saddened to see others have experienced this. Perhaps I should be brave and launch my pro age beauty company?

I was made redundant last year at the age of 63 and feared I’d never work again at the same level of seniority. I definitely did encounter age discrimination during my job seeking journey but I do have a new job and it’s a natural promotion on my previous role. Nothing on my cv gives my age away but obviously I did interview on camera and I’m clearly not 35. I’m not in fashion but I am in tech, which can also be considered a young sector. It is possible, stay positive and think about what type of organisation you want to be part of.

Go for it with your pro age beauty business. 50+ women are ridiculously underserved and have a high level of disposable income. The young guys they're hiring have no idea. But you do. There was a thread here the other day asking about 50+ beauty YouTubers and a good discussion re the dearth of good information and products. You would be providing a great and needed service as well as building your own job.