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Old 03-18-2008, 05:24 PM
 
35 posts, read 157,637 times
Reputation: 18

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After leaving civil service in July of 07, sick of corruption, I can't get hired anywhere. I'm an accomplished Administrative Secretary, with 20+ years experience, 18 references, 80+ wpm ,etc, etc. At 45, I'm starting to think my age is doing me in. Anybody with any job search suggestions? Have registered with 8 agencies, seen 3 resume advisors, two head-hunter types and have had 3 haircuts. Alas, my looks are my worst feature...
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Old 03-18-2008, 05:30 PM
 
Location: Tower Grove East, St. Louis, MO
12,063 posts, read 31,611,075 times
Reputation: 3799
I sent you a DM.
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Old 03-18-2008, 06:18 PM
 
Location: The Great State of Texas, Finally!
5,475 posts, read 12,240,734 times
Reputation: 2820
I was going to post this in a separate thread, since I am thinking of returning to Chicago and I have crossed the 40yr threshold. I know age discrimination is "illegal" chuckle, chuckle, but I also know it happens...sort of like it being illegal to exceed the speed limit.

Is there a way to gauge how much of this happens?
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Old 03-18-2008, 08:11 PM
 
35 posts, read 157,637 times
Reputation: 18
I don't think there's a way to gauge other than by individual complaints. I did find a site claiming Milwaukee, WI ranks 4th in available jobs, while Chicago ranks 36th. (San Jose, CA was #1). I've started applying in Wisconsin. Thanks for the feedback! And the Argonne suggestion arag. I've now applied
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Old 03-18-2008, 08:53 PM
 
Location: Chicago, Illinois
3,047 posts, read 9,030,188 times
Reputation: 1386
it's a recession. it's a bear market. the economy is the worst i've seen it since before clinton.
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Old 03-19-2008, 10:21 AM
 
Location: Chicagoland
5,751 posts, read 10,372,889 times
Reputation: 7010
Quote:
Originally Posted by crepella4 View Post
Alas, my looks are my worst feature...
This comment makes me think you are not getting a job because of your confidence level. Most successful people don't think this way. I interview and hire people and confidence makes a huge impression. Be comfortable in your skin. We are all beautiful. Your background shows that you are competent and have lots of experience - be proud of your achievements. Practice displaying confidence by role playing in mock interviews. Also, make sure you are up-to-date on all the latest software tools (I'm sure the headhunters have advised you on this). Good Luck!
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Old 03-19-2008, 10:37 AM
 
5,652 posts, read 19,344,148 times
Reputation: 4118
Try getting placed through temporary staffing agencies. Sometimes that works. In the past, I have gotten 2 full time positions through them. they test you for your skills. Then they send you to the jobs. If you are like me, you don't interview well. But when they see what you can do, they immediately hire you.
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Old 03-19-2008, 10:51 AM
 
Location: Phoenix metro
20,004 posts, read 77,355,011 times
Reputation: 10371
To be honest, I think the Chicago area job market is incredible and doing very well in spite of the economys curreny condition. Ive had a cousin and a brother both land jobs within 2 weeks of applying, both are now making more money than before and are closer to home, theyre very happy. Of course I cant speak for everyone, but I dont see any problems with the job market in the area here. Best of luck to you though!
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Old 03-19-2008, 11:36 AM
 
45 posts, read 169,349 times
Reputation: 14
Are you perhaps pricing yourself out by requesting a higher salary than companies are willing to pay? With all that experience, you deserve more money than someone in the early years of their career. Younger people are often willing and able to work for less, so they get the jobs. I think it's a form of ageism though. I'm 43 and when I first moved here, I had 12 interviews before landing a job, and I don't think I'm a bad interviewee. I didn't get a job until I lowered my asking price. That may not be what's going on with you, but I thought I'd mention it. Good luck!
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Old 03-19-2008, 12:01 PM
 
1,464 posts, read 5,507,729 times
Reputation: 410
I also agree that you may be expecting too much $$$ therefore causing potential employers to say, "the hell with this" and move onto someone else. Think about this, and I know it's not what you want to hear, but why should an employer hire you, when they can get some kid right out of college of whom they can train to do EXACTLY what they want, do the same workload, if not more, for about 50% of the money? Admin Assistants are getting about $35K a year right out of college around here right now which isn't great, but the job market is flooded right now meaning new hires are a dime a dozen. Maybe consider flexing in your field a bit. Consider doing ANYTHING healthcare related. Be it billing, setting up appointments, whatever because healthcare is one if not the only job market that is exploding with growth where employers can't hire people fast enough.
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