Ridiculous 'competencies' requirements/depression in unemployment

[JeansandJumpers]

Having worked in another field abroad, for 15 years I am horrified by the employment market these days and cannot get a job at any level. I have a degree a professional qualification and a masters. I have been going for basic admin roles as they are all that are available in my area. I am being turned down as for example, I cannot demonstrate competency in use of social media for promoting events. I had said that I have promoted events for years by e-mail invitation and poster and am a user of social media so believed the principles would be the same. Am I the only one finding that these 'competencies' which seem as basic as boiling a kettle are used as excuses to eliminate people of a certain age? Agencies are putting me forward for positions that I would not have considered 25 years ago and at the salary I was on 20 years ago. I am acting keen and positive but inside I am dying. I feel that I need some sort of couselling or support. BTW I am well presented and articulate and have as my agencies have said 'a good personality;. My CV is tallored to the fields I feel I have a chance in. I just feel on the scrap heap at approaching 50 (apparently I don't look over 40 either). I'm not being vain just mentioning as I think it might be relevant. I am not entitled to any benefits as I was out of the country/have savings. Therefore since I can't get Nat 1 ins credits I will be expected to use my savings and lose my house before I would receive any support. Desperate for help here...

I am experiencing exactly the same! 10-15 years ago, I can pretty much can walk into another job in the same field. I am now only aim for junior positions after my long career break where I can pass all the technical tests but not the competancy tests? I've been working in the same field for 10 years. It is clearly stated on my CV that I was competent enough to be promoted several times within short period of time. I haven't changed but my age has!

Sorry I have no advice on financial situation, just want to comment on age discrimination is definitely out there.

Thanks Dingdong, that is reassuring, but disheartening! Please keep me posted if you have any success (ideas!).

In my experience “competencies” means you can only get a job doing exactly something you’ve already done. No room to show you’re bright and can learn something new.

But, lots of them are easy to get experience of. Volunteer with one of your kids clubs or the school and do a fundraiser via social media marketing ticks that one of.

If you're talking about roles that require a lot of marketing, then it's highly unlikely you'll be in with a chance unless you actively retrain. I work in digital media and I'm sorry, but I wouldn't hire you. It's not because of your age, it's because you haven't worked in the field for so long and your skills are massively outdated.

I echo previous poster - you can do lots of free or cheap social media training online eg Hootsuite Academy, Google Garage for Analytics or AdWords. If you have those under your belt you will be able to speak the lingo as it were at interviews.

I work in communications and I would look for someone with natural problem solving ability. Eg younger staff I manage don’t think “I can’t do that”, instead they google it and work it out, especially if it’s social media or tech related... they will also ask friends to help or put out a shout on social media to ask someone to meet for coffee to talk them through it. Only if they then draw a blank do they come to me to ask for help or training.

Hi all - I appreciate the feedback. The advertising on social media was a very minor part of this job (I don't want to go into too much detail in case it outs me). I have been volunteering for a year and a half with a number of organisations related to this project, and that combined with all my other relevant experience which met the brief, means that to be turned down over such a small, small "competency" is a shocking blow. You can't be master in EVERYTHING can you? There always seems to be a small issue to trip one up. I really am in despair I am afraid. Your input helps. Is there specialist counselling or coaching for people in my position?

Dinosaursandtea - where did I say that I had ever worked in that field and which skills of mine are massively outdated? You don't know my background.

It’s a really tough job market out of London. I had a career break after being an Event Organiser at a high profile organisation. I had to return to work as a venue finder to get back to work. Did the role for 2 years on zero hours. Applied for various event roles, came down to last 2 many times. Spent hours of my free time preparing for interviews and writing presentations. In November I landed a permanent part time job doing Events and PA role. Am loving it and getting training again. I’m glad I didn’t get some of he admin or full time event roles I went for now. You have to keep going and not let it get you down. I found going direct was I was more likely to get interviews. Good luck.

I went to a marketing workshop. The woman running it owned a marketing business and put up a team photo. She said "They're all newly graduated, I wouldn't employ anyone over 30 in this industry." I was aghast and thought she was a massive twerp. But I have another friend who had a very successful marketing career then left at 40 cos he felt too old. Ludicrous.

I don't know what your field is. My job is a mixed bag but has elements of marketing and I love it, but feel a bit put off pursuing it elsewhere if that's the attitude.

Bellal - are you in London? And, what do mean by going direct - do you mean approaching companies on spec? Thanks in advance!