Job hunting at 50+

[Frenchfancy]

I'm really struggling to find a new job.

I am currently employed in a very small company (just me and a married couple). As it's a small company I do pretty much everything from processing orders to customer service, admin and stock control. I work 30 hours a week which worked well as I had teens that needed me around. I was given to understand that I could go full time when I wanted, but now I want to it has been refused.

Prior to this job I was self employed for 19 years in a successful tourist business that was closed down due to COVID.

Prior to that I was an engineer running multi million dollar projects.

I have sent out my CV to over 50 companies, had a couple of telephone interviews but nothing else. I've had my CV checked out by professionals who say it's great so I have come to the conclusion that the problem is my age.

I need to work another 15 years before retirement. It's so frustrating.

Anyone else in the same boat or have any advice?

Oh excellent. Don't lose hope - it does sound like things are gradually moving in the right direction.

I just wanted to ask, did you set your cv out similar to this?
I found it on a CV/recruitment site so it's not a real person! The format is very different to mine, which is basically a small summary of my skills then each job's achievements.
I'm having to start looking for work at a similar age, so I want to make sure my cv doesn't mark me out as a dinosaur before I even start.😂

@ToriTheStoryteller mine is more like this. But yes to an emphasis on experience and skills rather than just a list of previous jobs.

LinkedIn has a feature called "Open to Work" which is a circular logo that wraps around your profile photo. From what I've seen it's very acceptable to include it on there to highlight your current job seeking status.

Thank you @Frenchfancy

OP your application strategy is a bit confusing.
You are an office manager for a small business - willing to stay with them, provided they gave you an extra 10 hours a week. But they refused.
You are now looking for 'project management' roles, and not a similar role in another small business. Why?
Small firms often struggle to get staff so you'll find it much easier. The downside is they often don't pay well or have great benefits but if this wasn't a problem in your current job I don't see what the issue is.

Your problem is really that you've been out of the corporate world for too long. Even 'returner' programmes although they don't say it take people who have been out 10 years max. Not 20. Things have changed immensely since the turn of the century.

IMO your profile would suit a small business looking to grow, you can then grow with it. Your entrepreneurial drive appears to be your biggest asset. As a PP said get yourself on LinkedIn, see if you can join any small business communities/chambers of commerce.

I know a lot of small business baking, meal prep etc that started during the pandemic now thriving. Always on the lookout for new staff.

The Civil Service is a great shout too but really. I don't think your age is the issue here.

*usually, 10 years max

@ToriTheStoryteller yes, my CV is a similar style to the example you posted. Best of luck!

@DramaAlpaca thank you! Still in the "wtf???" phase at the moment but I have all the evidence and achievements documented so I just need to modernise the layout and start applying.😱

@keirakilaney67 . Thank you, I think that was the talking to I needed.

I will rework my CV tomorrow and orientate it more towards office management work.

I was coming in to echo exactly what @keirakilaney67 posted.
I think you will have more success looking for office manager /admin roles.

I found the Indeed job site was very useful and switched to a new, better-paying and more senior role 2 years ago in my mid 50s through a recruitment agency advertising on linked in. I found the recruiter incredibly helpful and supportive throughout the interview process.

I reworked my CV for an office manager and applied to about 7 jobs.

I have an interview on Friday! Spoke to someone on the phone but they didn't ask any questions just when can I come in. They have over 200 applications on indeed so I obviously have something they want.

The pay isn't great, but it's better than I'm on now and the company is bigger so hopefully some scope for the future.

Fingers crossed. And thankyou MN for the straight talking.

Fantastic! Good luck!

Excellent news @Frenchfancy. Best of luck!

Well done and good luck!!