If you're over 50, then it doesn't apply to you. Yes, open positions abound, but all I've been running into are walls. I've been worried about layoffs before I started looking for a new job but this has just pushed my anxiety to a whole new level. Apparently, my experience and knowledge mean nothing when compared to my age.
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The job market right now is great for everyone that has skills and knows how to sell them. Unlike Silicon Valley, South Florida doesn't have an ageism problem.
50 and over? That's nothing. Plenty of 50-timers out there working and changing jobs, etc.
I’m 53; my experience has been very different. I shared on social media that Citrix had had a restructuring, and that I was now looking for another role. My phone buzzed all day, and I compiled a spreadsheet of 20+ opportunities. I’ve spent the past 2 weeks working these and accepted a verbal offer from a GREAT company on Friday, with written offer coming on Monday. I’ve had many days with back to back calls all day. Finding a new job has been my full-time job.
I did the same thing last spring when I was laid off from a startup due to their overreaction to Covid. That’s when I landed at Citrix - they appeared to be going gangbusters at the time :-/
Make sure your resume and (especially) LinkedIn profile is detailed and relevant. Don’t put dates on your education, and leave off early jobs. Focus on what you’ve achieved rather than the tech that you’ve worked with. Link to any public record of your work.
When you get to an interview and you get any hint of age discrimination then that’s illegal. You can quietly point that out then and there or make notes and report them.
There are companies that hire for maturity and experience - work your network to find them.
With all the empty jobs companies are trying to fill, its remarkable to be this exists. Experienced people in any discipline should be valued.
I was let go by Citrix a year ago and at age 60. It took five months to find another sales job. Never heard back from most of the companies where I applied despite being qualified, scrubbing stuff off my resume and LinkedIn profile, and having my resume professionally rewritten and formatted. Most companies just want salespeople in their 20s or 30s. Discrimination is real and often subtle.
Perhaps this varies with country but there are companies out there that value experience and don't look down on you because you're older. I'm so glad I jumped ship earlier this year, make sure your CV/application reflects the breadth of your knowledge and keep looking for your exit opportunity.