Mother with Deep Crows Feet Looking for Job

I was laid off last year at 44 due to company downsizing in preparation for sale. I started with a new company ten weeks later with a 40% increase in pay (and I was doing well before). I never had applicants 20 years my junior as competition because they simply didn't have the experience and track record that I have and I had age/experience on my side (I'm in technical medical sales). I found that searching for a job full time+ was the solution.

My mom just got a new job that's exactly what you describe. She's 48, and she was competing against 21-22 year olds.

Age is something we can't change and we can't escape. I find that someone who owns their age is much more attractive than someone who is trying too hard to look 10 years younger.

I'm 44 now, but I was hired when I was 7 months pregnant at the age of 39! Resume's speak for themselves, interview are where you sell yourself! I always make them WANT to work with me! Fun, enthusiastic, and level headed always gets the job.....OWN IT Girl. As one of the penguins from happy feets says "Not Challenges, only Opportunities" or....not challenges, only breakthroughs!

Have fun, older folks bring a lot more game to any table!

S.

Maybe you are getting turned down because your resume isn't strong - or you aren't presenting confidence when being interviewed.

Unless you are trying out as spokes model I don't see how your crow's feet has anything to do with your hire ability.

Take a closer look at your skill set, your professional demeanor and the way you interact in interviews and see if you can't make some changes there.

Good luck.

The concern when interviewing older applicants is mostly about 2 things, speed and technology. Is this person going to catch on quick? Are they going to work quickly, complete tasks quickly, etc. How comfortable are they with computers, and physical equipment and software? Are they stuck in thier ways and difficult or open minded and adaptive?

These are often the problems we run into when hiring an older applicant. We get excited thinking we are getting this experienced, diciplined person but what get is a slow lazy cranky slacker that refuses to learn Microsoft Word!

My advice is make a good 1st impression. Be dressed sharp and clean in a modern cut. Get your hair fixed in a modern simple but chic style. Firm hand shake. Lots of eye contact and smiles. Speed up your speech a bit to give the impression you have a sense of urgency and work and think quickly. Be open and willing to learn. Don't list all things you DONT know how to do or go into things you've done in urelated fields that are irrelevant. Older people tend to want to confess that they dont know things and then justify by bragging about who they used to be. Not cool. Don't give the persception that you are desperate, but show more confidance, as though you are interviewing them to see what they can offer you. Ask questions but keep your sentances short and sweet. Don't get too wordy or ramble.

Good Luck.

Find a job search coach to review your resume, your 30-second commercial, your job search strategy, and your interviewing preparation and skills. They can be found by googling "job search coach" or "life coach" in your area, or calling a local office of an Outplacement company, or possibly through a government sponsored workforce cetner . They can also help you develop confidence along with your job search skills.

I've done a lot of interviewing and hiring and NEVER in my life have I EVER turned down or voted no on an applicant because of 'crow's feet'. And neither have any of my co-workers. That is ridiculous.

I can appreciate the sentiment because, as an overweight woman, I know for a fact that I have been passed up for jobs due to my weight. However, that would not be an employer that I would want to work for anyway, so call it a blessing!!

I wouldn't do anything. Keep trucking on. The right job will come.

I dont think a few wrinkles would hurt anyone in a work place unless it was something like "Hooters".
With wisdom comes creases as far as I'm concerned.
I'll hire someone with maturity over someone fresh and green.

Ya know, I have been turned down for jobs but my crows feet were never given as a reason. I have laugh lines too. :)

I went to on campus interviews in 2011, so I was 43, one of the interviewers thought I was 23. Didn't get the job but god I felt good about myself. :)

The way some of these kids tan they can't tell by skin tone anymore.

In all honesty, I don't think the job cares about the crow's feet. If they want a twenty-something, that's what they will hire, even if the crow's feet "disappear". I am 41, have very little crow's feet, but no one would mistake me for 21. If it's a good job for you that needs a qualified and energetic person, they won't discriminate based on age. If the job has superficial appearance standards to some degree, sounds like most important bases are covered with weight, style, etc. Crow's feet are age-related, not style-related. Anna Wintour, the editor of Vogue has crow's feet. Most successful and amazing women over 40 have crow's feet. If the person with crow's feet wants them fixed and can fix them, that's a whole separate matter. Sounds like this may make the applicant happier and possibly exude more confidence rather than sitting there feeling like all anyone sees is crow's feet (not true), but I'd encourage taking the mental energy off the crow's feet first and foremost. As for me, personally, I like crow's feet on people.

Are you applying modeling jobs???

If not, crows feet aren't a factor, I promise you this. It's just a really hard job market out there. I actually have a pile of resumes on my desk right now. (I don't work in HR; my boss just sometimes asks me to check resumes for errors.) And it breaks my heart because a lot of the people are clearly overqualified, but they really want this low-paying job. Please just get out there and network. Do not worry about your face, at all.

I wouldn't be concerned with crows feet. A lot of employers are not looking for the youngest candidates. Maturity often equals stability. A quality many employers seek.

If you want plastic surgery then get it for you. Don't use this as a excuse. Unless you are in the "appearance" field, I see no reason why crows feet would be an issue. It may be an issue to you.

Keep taking care of your skin - it's no older than you are. Get a new hair style. Talk to someone about the job options you have, and be open to some new ideas. Above all, get yourself out of any negativity rut you may be in; confidence and a positive attitude is what will impress a potential employer. If your age "isn't good enough," then that job isn't for you, and another one will be! My career has primarily been as a homemaker, but my older sister went through what you're going through, and was laid off when she was in her sixties! However, she does have a good position again.

I wonder L E...how do YOU feel about yourself? Are you insecure? Are you confident about your abilities and competency? Do you feel poorly about yourself or your image? Do you wonder if what you know is enough?

Here's why I ask...because, companies and interviewers are attracted to people who appear to get a job done. People who are confident, KNOW they have the knowledge it takes, or the ability to quickly learn that knowledge. Confidence is power, and employers are attracted to that. If you are insecure in yourself and your abilities, you will never stick out to an employer. You will come across as timid, and shaky in your abilities. Perhaps, you simply just need a little more gusto and confidence in yourself. I know most employers would have an older, proven, reliable employee. However, if you want into a situation intimidated and not feeling great about yourself....you will not shine compared to anyone.

If someone isn't accepting you because they think you look old, you don't want to work for them. Agism is just as disgusting as any other -ism.

They should judge your ability not your youthfulness. That's just wrong.

Crow's feet aren't the only visible indicator of age. I doubt that age has had anything to do with you not being hired. Don't go thru the expense and pain of plastic surgery.

In my 50's I was hired as a teacher's aid, as a clerk in an antiques/collectibles store, and as a security guard. Granted those are low paying jobs but I was competing with people in their 20's and 30's. Experience won out.

I suggest you take a close look at your resume and your presentation in oral interviews. I agree with Sue W. Seek professional help in those ares. It's much less expensive than surgery.

You know.....
Some people see "crow's feet" as a sign that you've smiled a great deal in your life.

I work in HR and I can promise you that we would never consider someone "younger" for a position based on skin or wrinkles or whatever else. I'm old enough to be the mother of some of the girls I work with and then there are women even older than me.
Believe it or not, us older gals are the anchors and the dependable ones.

In this economy, from my experience, people will hire based on skill and dependability, and reliability.
A few wrinkles are not a deal breaker, for sure.

This has just been my experience.

If one wants to have a cosmetic procedure and can afford it, go for it.
However, don't do it thinking it will make you suddenly more employable.

Just my opinion.

I don't know that I'd change my looks.

I agree to make a good first impression. If there is new technology or software that you could brush up on, do so. Maybe invest in a continuing education credit or two at the local community college. Get some help with the resume and make sure it's not just updated, but matching current trends and standards. Maybe you would do better with a shorter resume that highlights skills vs time in each job.

You might also want to find out what the interviewers didn't like. If you've been out of the workforce for awhile, you may be seeing not age bias, but bias toward people who have been laid off for a long time. Some tips I've read include volunteering to show that you're willing to work and can do x and y and has something current for your portfolio.

I have been in sales for years and have been in and out of many many offices, and have seen so many unattractive people with employment, I simply do not buy that people won't employ someone based on looks! I think it's confidence and attitude, and not worrying about your age. What are you going to do, pretend to be 20 something? You're not. You have experience. Rock what you have.

Tracy K has given you the best advice. Others have given you support but I learned from her advice as I am interviewing currently, too.

I have sat on interviewing boards and I have heard comments about older aged applicants. Those comments were quickly taken back when they saw that I was not going to allow it. The person also moved forward to the next interview step because the panel was possibily afraid I would blow the whistle.

I have just started to dabble on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter just to have a foundation--but I could care less about this social media stuff. However, one of my new job interests wants the person to maintain a Facebook account for the company...

How about working at a school? Or your kids school?
There are many kinds of positions.
Even for Moms that were SAHM's prior.
Regardless of age.