Career Quandries: Every Job Candidate Faces Difficult Issues

  PM Network  

Question: I’m in my late 50s and suspect I’m having no luck finding a job because of my age. What steps can I take?

There are often laws to protect you against blatant discrimination, but the setbacks you’re experiencing could just as easily be a product of the economic downturn.

Now is the time to reach out to all those contacts you’ve made along the way. Also,make sure your CV is clear, concise, and highlights your successes and specialities relevant to the role you’re applying for. Seasoned project veterans often present a hefty CV, making it difficult for a prospective employer or recruiter to easily see what they’re getting. Although organizing a 25-plus-year career into a small space can be daunting, your CV shouldn’t run more than three pages.

Also, remove your date of birth from your CV. Make sure every opportunity remains open and gets you to the point where a face-to-face meeting can take place.

To that end, does your interview approach need to be refreshed? It’s not uncommon in the job-hunting process to feel defeated and negative, and this will come through in interviews—whether you believe that to be the case or not.

If you can’t get a full-time position, many experienced project managers find that contract or consultancy opportunities are much easier to secure and allow them to:
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