ajcjobs > BlogBreak > Archives > 2009 > January > 26 > Entry
Overqualified or just too old?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
My first staffing agency experience was not the greatest. In my mind, this had to be the exception to the rule. Wrong!
There was a staffing agency in the Windy Hill area that had a sign out front that said, “Now hiring temporary warehouse workers”. When I drove up, there was a neon sign out front for which I don’t remember the exact wording, but this was pretty close.
As I was walking in, I saw several individuals completing applications, so this looked pretty promising. The receptionist/recruiter said, “May I help you?” I said, “I am interested in completing an application and applying for a warehouse position.” She said, “What are you looking for? We only have warehouse jobs that require physical work.” I said that is fine, I just need to work, and I am interested in anything. “Can I complete an application?”
She asked again, “You are interested in warehouse work?” I said, yes. She said, “You will need to give us a resume.” I said, “Okay, I have one right here,” and handed it to her.
You are probably thinking what I am thinking, why do I need a resume for a temporary warehouse labor position? After glancing through my resume, she said, “I don’t see where you have done any labor positions.” I replied, “Well it has been a while, but I have done quite a bit through Manpower and others several years ago.”
She said, “Well our clients are looking for people who have recently performed this kind of work. You are OVERQUALIFIED!”
Now, I am thinking, does the company this agency represents know this is what is being said on their behalf, because according to the Office of Federal Contract and Compliance (OFCCP), there is no such thing as an overqualified applicant.
She then asked, “How much do you expect to make?” I replied, “I don’t know, I am just looking for work, $8.00 to $10.00 an hour?” She replied, “This job only pays $6.55 to $7.00 an hour, we will call you if we find something for you.”
I asked again, “Can I complete an application?” She said, “If we have something that fits your skills, we will ask you to complete an application.”
You are over qualified and basically too old to do warehouse work.
Her intentions may not have meant to imply this, but by not allowing me to complete an application, her responses, and her voice inflection, this was my perception. And, perceptions equal reality.
Have you been told, “You are over qualified?” Any one else feel that they were not interviewed or hired to do physical work because they were over 40 or 50 years of age?
Comments
By DJ
January 26, 2009 3:51 PM | Link to this
I have been told on several occasions that I was “overqualified”. Even though I informed staffing agencies and employers that I am open to any salary available, they turned me away. I can understand that the hiring process is a cost on behalf of the employer to acquire people to fill positions. Employers don’t want the “overqualified” person to leave sooner than later. They may feel that he/she has not performed the specific type of work and may view the work as menial. Ultimately, I needed to trade my services for money and at that time, my degrees and previous work experience held me back.
By Robert
January 26, 2009 3:56 PM | Link to this
Just before th housing market bubble bursted I sold my home and moved from MD to NC in 2006. I finally own my home with the profit I made. I have over 25 years experience in Information Technology and my wife has 20 years experience and a Masters Degree. We thought we would not have any problem finding a job in NC. Time after time we are getting overlooked because we have to much experience. I feel we are a threat to the people doing the interviews who are afraid to lose their job by hiring someone with more experience than they have. Nepotism and cronyism is alive and well in NC and will create serious problems in the future. Their workforce will not be able to compete because they lack the knowledge base required to operate in a technology savvy global enterprise built on a platform of collaboration and sharing of information. They can not continue to hire relatives and friends and compete on a level playing field. The failure of the banking industry the main hub of employment for the Charlotte area will force them to compete with other cities for industies to create jobs. Charlotte lacks a diverse base of highly skilled and trained employees. Coming from MD to NC has been difficult because of the status quo (good old boy network). The South (NC, SC, GA) is going to be in big trouble.
By Robert
January 26, 2009 3:57 PM | Link to this
Just before th housing market bubble bursted I sold my home and moved from MD to NC in 2006. I finally own my home with the profit I made. I have over 25 years experience in Information Technology and my wife has 20 years experience and a Masters Degree. We thought we would not have any problem finding a job in NC. Time after time we are getting overlooked because we have to much experience. I feel we are a threat to the people doing the interviews who are afraid to lose their job by hiring someone with more experience than they have. Nepotism and cronyism is alive and well in NC and will create serious problems in the future. Their workforce will not be able to compete because they lack the knowledge base required to operate in a technology savvy global enterprise built on a platform of collaboration and sharing of information. They can not continue to hire relatives and friends and compete on a level playing field. The failure of the banking industry the main hub of employment for the Charlotte area will force them to compete with other cities for industies to create jobs. Charlotte lacks a diverse base of highly skilled and trained employees. Coming from MD to NC has been difficult because of the status quo (good old boy network). The South (NC, SC, GA) is going to be in big trouble.
By A recruiter
January 26, 2009 4:03 PM | Link to this
Don’t blame these people, they have to be realistic and not waste the time and money of their company. I work in HR and recruiting.
Lots of people offer to “drop down” and take a lower paying position but as soon as they find something better in their “natural” role they will be gone in a heartbeat. In fact, many of them are silly and blatant enough to tell you “I’d like to work here until I find something better.”
No company wants to waste the time and expense of training someone who will be gone very soon, and who will continue interviewing even after they start the new position that you have offered them…
By Michael
January 26, 2009 4:04 PM | Link to this
After being unemployed for months, I was willing to except a lower paid job. On what I thought was my lucky day, I was contacted to do an initial telephone interview. I then had a second telephone interview, and was asked to come into the office for a face-to-face. I met with the head of HR first and I passed with flying colors. She asked me to stay to meet wit the department manager who did the second telephone interview with me a week earlier. When he entered the office, at first he seemed very enthusiastic, but then he suddenly stopped when he saw my graying head of hair. He made polite conversation for the first couple of minutes, and then told me that I would be reporting to a manager who is less then half my age, and my peers would also be half my age. I told him I had no problems with age. He then stood up, held out his had and thanked me for coming in and they would call me if they were interested in pursuing anther interview.
By Robb
January 26, 2009 4:04 PM | Link to this
I am an attorney and would love to handle this case free of charge. Please contact me at
By Michael
January 26, 2009 4:05 PM | Link to this
After being unemployed for months, I was willing to except a lower paid job. On what I thought was my lucky day, I was contacted to do an initial telephone interview. I then had a second telephone interview, and was asked to come into the office for a face-to-face. I met with the head of HR first and I passed with flying colors. She asked me to stay to meet wit the department manager who did the second telephone interview with me a week earlier. When he entered the office, at first he seemed very enthusiastic, but then he suddenly stopped when he saw my graying head of hair. He made polite conversation for the first couple of minutes, and then told me that I would be reporting to a manager who is less then half my age, and my peers would also be half my age. I told him I had no problems with age. He then stood up, held out his hand and thanked me for coming in and they would call me if they were interested in pursuing anther interview.
By Kelly
January 26, 2009 4:09 PM | Link to this
Michael, I believe what was done to you was illegal. Have these people followed up with you?
By Bobby
January 26, 2009 4:12 PM | Link to this
You can be over qualified on any job. After airline pilots land their plane and get off duty, they can’t drive home in their cars since they are over qualified to drive a car.
By RMJ
January 26, 2009 4:26 PM | Link to this
Robert,
It took me years to realize what was happening in GA. I totally agree with you that the good ole boys network is alive. In my case it was not so much age as friends hiring friends and family. I am a native from Chicago and is blessed with wonderful training and experience from fortune 500 companies. I cannot tell you how many times management show favortism of friends verses skill and expereince. Since I have been in the ATL I have witness two companies go out of business because of poor leadership and judgement.
I agree that these companies are in big trouble unless they change theirculture. Hang in there,
By purpleone
January 26, 2009 4:32 PM | Link to this
I’m joining the unemployment ranks since 1/1/09 and I’m not too proud to flip burgers or work in retail after having worked in corporate america over 20 years but i have a mortgage, vehicle note, etc. and i’m being told by gas stations, I’m ‘not’ qualified I assume b/c they can’t legally say, I’m over qualified. Now I know when I see the long lines at job fairs and such, why all the professional people are still looking for a job b/c the blue collar job and what was once considered menial labor jobs, we can’t get one! Now we are penalized because we are degreed professionals! Unbelievable! Wake up ‘other’ jobs because you could be getting the best bang for your buck ever but you’d rather go with lesser experience and maturity and knowledge…boy if I were in business, I would be scooping up the tried and true mature working class people! YOu won’t have to train them that long b/c they already know! And just how fast are we going to find a job back in our ‘natural’ environment if corporate america is laying off left and right? So the ‘overqualified’ can’t get a job while the barely qualified get the jobs…sounds backward to me…amazing. And now I make to much with unemployment to qualify for food stamps, which I’ve bene paying into forever. So here it is I need help and I can’t get any!
By vcatron
January 26, 2009 4:42 PM | Link to this
Yes there is age discrimination in the job market. I went thru 18 months of un/under employment at age 50 and it is real. I went into interviews prepared with why I was a fully qualified candidate and in 75% of the time was old enough to be the father of the interviewer.
As an older worker I bring many things to the table for any employer: I am on time and ready to work when scheduled I work when at work I am a team player I will not be leaving on a whim (to chase the opposite sex) I bring real technical and problem solving skills to work My home life is stable And the wisdom and experience of age
There is also discrimination when it comes to education and gender also. I have been told “you are defiantly qualified but we really wanted a female or someone fresh out of college”.
What corporate America needs to realize the older workers are a valuable resource.
By edge770
January 26, 2009 5:03 PM | Link to this
Temp agencies need to be regulated, (unfortunately) because of this type of per snickety attitude, and of course my favorite.. “We don’t think your a “fit” for this organization. How would you know? Bottom line is the HR/Temp Agency mantras go for borderline discrimination whether it be looks, education or demographic. There needs to be a set of processes required that enable people to do the work without attitude. Rather than perceived slights.
By Jan
January 26, 2009 5:37 PM | Link to this
The same thing happened to me with the age situation.
I remember one interview where the HR rep. asked me to write down my birthday at the end of the interview and another one asked for a picture of my drivers license.
I should have reported both employers to the Dept. of Labor.
By Bobby
January 26, 2009 5:44 PM | Link to this
If you get an interviewer who is your age, you have a 90% chance you will get the job. This happened to me twice.
By Tom
January 26, 2009 5:53 PM | Link to this
Age discrimination works in the federal government also. I applied for a government job with veteran’s preference. I was told I didn’t get an interview because my military service was not recent.
By Tressa
January 26, 2009 6:11 PM | Link to this
The gov’t should get rid of all temporary agencies…I use to work for a temp agency and they actually teach you as a recruiter to turn away people that are looking for employment: persons that have worked for large corporations repeatedly, persons who have asking salaries more than $20,000, or person that have aquired more education than a high school diploma, or if they are too fat,or if they are too old,or if they simply dont appeal to their personal dress standards. And those made up clerical tests that they have to hinder you if they can’t find anything wrong with your qualifications/background. Then to actually pull someones credit report to qualify them for a job. We all know that’s BS! No one should be treated or screened unnecessarily to get a job. I really hope that President Obama will stop aproving grants funded for these type of businesses/temp services of any kind… who are just ripping off taxpayer’s dollars. I’m speaking of local Temp Agencies all over because it is another strategy white folk put into play to hinder most African American people from getting a job.
By Tressa
January 26, 2009 6:14 PM | Link to this
The gov’t should get rid of all temporary agencies…I use to work for a temp agency and they actually teach you as a recruiter to turn away people that are looking for employment: persons that have worked for large corporations repeatedly, persons who have asking salaries more than $20,000, or person that have acquired more education than a high school diploma, or if they are too fat, or if they are too old, or if they simply don’t appeal to their personal dress standards. And those made up clerical tests that they have to hinder you if they can’t find anything wrong with your qualifications/background. Then to actually pull someone’s credit report to qualify them for a job. We all know that’s BS! No one should be treated or screened unnecessarily to get a job. I really hope that President Obama will stop approving grants funded for these types of businesses/temp services of any kind… who are just ripping off taxpayer’s dollars. I’m speaking of local Temp Agencies all over because it is another strategy white folk put into play to hinder most African American people from getting a job.
By My Two Cents
January 26, 2009 6:28 PM | Link to this
I, too, am considered to be overly qualified. It is a shame there are so many talented and qualified people available for work in this area and yet we are not considered for employment opportunities. Atlanta has always been a tough job market but fortunately for me something came along at the right time. Now, it is a different story. The unemployment offices are full of people. The last time I was in there I wondered what each those people’s story was. How sad. I cannot believe the arrogance of the temporary agencies. They will not take an application unless you meet the qualifications of a job they are trying to fill. I guess they do not want to be bothered by someone calling and checking on non existent job openings. I agree with a previous poster that temporary job agencies need to be regulated. A few cases that could be proved as discriminatory and all of the publicity involved would solve their attitudes. Good luck to all of you without jobs I hope something opens up for you.
By Scholar
January 26, 2009 6:31 PM | Link to this
Humanity sucks.
By herbK
January 26, 2009 6:32 PM | Link to this
Many, if not most companies looking for employees today are liars. They lie about qualifications, salary, whom they will discriminate against, and worst of all, they lie about the opportunities. They are looking for top quality workers and walmart prices. NO company should be permitted to access your credit report, health insurance information or any other personal data, and they should be restricted by the federal gubmint as to asking only about data that directly relates to the job.
By Will
January 26, 2009 6:32 PM | Link to this
There is NO doubt that age discrimination exists in this country. I’ve got a great education (Georgia Tech) and a GOOD career track record a thirty year period of time. Yet, remarkably, I have been unemployed for almost three years now. I have sought work hrough temp agencies, headhunters, direct HR departments, job fairs, public agencies. You name it—I’ve tried it. But I, like many others have been told that I was overqualified. Unfortunately, when I try to buy groceries a Kroger or Publix, I can’t tell them that I am overqualified to pay. I am scared to death that being overqualified is soon going to cause me to be homeless …and to perhaps starve to death, if I don’t find a job soon. I can just see the inscription on my tmobstone at the graveyard. “HE WAS OVERQUALIFIED”. Ageism and this overqualified business is a VERY SERIOUS problem in this country. I was hoping that ageism would be discussed in the Presidential Campaign of 2008. Alas, it was not…but somebody in charge needs to do so. (Sorry for the rant, but this is a problem that many of us live with every single day.)
By LMS
January 26, 2009 6:37 PM | Link to this
I haven’t actually been told I’m overqualified, but since I’ve been looking for a job I’ve applied for several jobs that require less than 10 years experience as an Administrative Assistant/Executive Administrative Assistant or an Office Manager and I have been working in these type of positions for 16 years and have applied for numerous jobs, but have only had 2 interviews in a little over a month. I’m beginning to wonder if people think I’m overqualified. It’s really annoying, because Administrative work is what I enjoy doing and I don’t think you can ever be too overqualified.
By VanDSIRROM
January 26, 2009 6:37 PM | Link to this
If you are over 50, qualifications don’t matter. I have been by far the best qualified for many positions but when they find out my age from the required college transcripts, I’m sent out the door. No employer is afraid of age discrimination lawsuits because the government refuses to persue individual cases. If there is not blatant discrimination against a large group (thousands) the federal government is not interested.
Believe me, I had a case that cost me plenty in attorney fees and I had to fight the government just to get it filed.
So all you taxpayers out there might as well accept as a fact of life that age discrimination in America will continue unabated.
VanDSIRROM vandysportsnews.com
By Millard
January 26, 2009 6:51 PM | Link to this
This happens all the time. I applied at Target for anything in Nov. They said they had several openings, but I quickly received a letter saying they had nothing to offer me at this time. I have plenty of retail experience, but nothing recent. I am 62.
By Cathy
January 26, 2009 7:00 PM | Link to this
I was told by my recruiter to lose the last two jobs on my resume because they could tell how old I was…..gee I was only 42? You think it’s hard trying to get a job if you are over 50…trying being a single mom, or have small children at home. Although I worked in my field for over 20 years….since I haven’t worked the last five (stayed home with the baby), it’s like starting over again. It makes no sense, but unfortunately it’s reality…it is what it is.
By Jan
January 26, 2009 7:09 PM | Link to this
For my two cents.
You mentioned the unemployment office being full of people, the office in my area now has a security guard due to the large number of people.
By I Saw the Signs
January 26, 2009 7:16 PM | Link to this
I’m employed at a quasi government entity where individuals who are considered for “succession planning” are often in their mid 30’s or younger. You hear these experts talk about finding your passion when you find yourself unemployed, but believe it or not, your age IS a deciding factor!
By itpdude
January 26, 2009 7:18 PM | Link to this
The unfortunate truth is that older people often do not want to learn new things or do (or are able to do) strenuous work. They often have a chip on their shoulder to boot.
Not all old people are like this but enough of them are like this which taints the whole batch of old people. I’ve worked in warehouses before and my experience was that old people were lazy and had bad attitudes.
By deekae
January 26, 2009 7:21 PM | Link to this
One would think with all of these layoffs that employers would seize the opportunity to get truly qualified employees while they have the chance. I too have a degree, years of experience AND professional certifications but can’t get an interview. I have my resume critiqued 3 different times with 3 different results regarding the “hiding of age” issue. Being and outsider trying to find a job here is bad enough. My question is…if John McCain wasn’t too old to run for president, why are we who are past 40 too old for a regular 9-5?
By Will
January 26, 2009 7:27 PM | Link to this
Itpdude:
I guess then that there are no younger people who as a group were not lazy and had bad attiudes?????
-WillBy My Two Cents
January 26, 2009 7:53 PM | Link to this
To Jan:
The Gwinnett County unemployment office has always had a security guard. I feel so sorry for all of these people out of work..I wish I could do something to help them.
By Michael
January 26, 2009 8:01 PM | Link to this
I have been told many times that i am “overqualified” I understand this in some cases where the employer may think that I might leave too soon. But, I have been told this related to a short term temp job as well. Sometimes it just doesn’t make any sense.
My worst experience of all, however, was an interview several years ago where i was told by the HR person as well as the supervisor for whom I would be working that I was the most qualified applicant they had and the best fit for the position but they couldn’t hire me because of my race. This was after three interviews and a background check and dragging the process out for a month. It looks like they could have told me sooner.
Did I mention that I’m white?
By B
January 26, 2009 8:07 PM | Link to this
I am over 50. Have more than 20 years of IT experience. When laid off in 2003 I could not find a position. So I went to a seminar given by a large placement firm. The seminar was supposed to be about how to make your age an advantage in finding a new job. The jest of the seminar was this:
By dell
January 26, 2009 8:25 PM | Link to this
After working for one company for 33 years, I, too, went through some of the visable rejections because of age. I first filed for unemployment, and they offered retraining. They paid for computer training for 6 months, which I completed, along with Customer Service Training. Except for a few places, I got hired a lot. United Airlines as a reservationist, H&R Block, where you should have no problem getting hired, and finally into a retail store that I love. The places that didn’t hire me because of my age were, Target, and J.C. Pennys, and I am glad now, that they didn’t. I took classes at the tax preparer during the summer, and got a temporary job in the mall during the holidays, and prepared taxes during the winter and spring. I collected unemployment in the summer while taking tax classes. This was a perfect set up until my commission from Blocks went from 3000 dollars in May, to 300 dollars. At that time I had to say good-bye to them, but it lasted for 4 years. I landed a wonderful job in retail on a part time permanent basis 4 years ago and I am in heaven. At this time, I have a pension from my company, social-security, and 1800 a month from my part time retail job. Age discrimination will always exist, because no one cares. There are so many young people out there looking for work, and “young” is what they want. Even when you dye your hair and try to dress young, they find out your age from your application and resume’. I tried to get hired at the city-county building helping people find their cars that had been towed. The only qualification was that you had to type 30 words per minute. I took the test and typed 45 wpm. I also went to the education center to apply for a clerical job. After having to have an FBI check at the police department, and credit check, and a clerical test that I passed, I was never contacted. During the time I worked for H.&R. Block, I applied for a job at IRS, and I passed the test there too, but they never contacted me. You can’t prove age discrimination, ever!!
By tilly
January 26, 2009 8:46 PM | Link to this
I suspect the ill-sentiments regarding age discrimination come from the same series of echoes that have scoffed at burger flipper to get a degree if expects a higher wage, to a homeless man, “get a job if you want shelter.” I guess what I am am seeing is that inevitably, we’re all going to face inequity in some shape or form along the way, and, perhaps, this forum should awaken us all to the question as to who deserves any more than the other. We’ve been bred to believe that if we follow the proper path success will come, yet we’re slowly learning such is not the case. In fact, there are many competent people who are unqualified because they don’t carry the coveted paper: does the lack of a college degree make one smarter? We can readily come to conclusion that the answer is no, and that it often is best used as a means to judge one’s ability to seal the proverbial deal — but might there be other measures of success and conviction. What’s the difference in being snubbed for “not” being qualified on paper and being too qualified. And if we were all given the opportunity to be educated, which i think attributes to the current problem, then isn’t it likely this country is unundated with “overqualified” folks? I wish I had time to proof this, but i am not qualified enough to care — good luck everyone!
By LeeH1
January 26, 2009 9:02 PM | Link to this
I also was told I was overqualified. Since I was miffed and had nothing to lose, I responded that there was nothing in the job application about being ignorant, unable to do the work, and needing expensive training just to get started.
However, it was obvious that what they really wanted was someone younger than they were to boss around and take advantage of. Since I don’t kick around other people, I also don’t allow myself to be kicked around. Since I don’t play the employee abuse game, I’m just overqualified.
Good employers employ employees better than they are. Fools look for someone less qualified than they are, to make themselves look good by comparison.
By Mel
January 26, 2009 9:32 PM | Link to this
I am 31 currently. About 7 years ago, I was laid off from my job at a non profit in Atlanta. Looking around, I found several jobs in different non profits that were very similar to the one I’d had previously. Most had less responsibility, and lower pay, but I figured no problem, get in the door, learn their systems, so it makes sense to start a little further back. HA!!! Every single place told me I was overqualified due to my degree and experience. (Less than a year!!) These were not entry level jobs either. Lucky for me a courtesy interview that a friend got me turned into a job— but it took a year.
By Yevette
January 26, 2009 9:33 PM | Link to this
I was told to “dumb-down” my resume. I am not sure what to do. I am frustrated now and am believing I may never find a job. I have done what I was told to do by my parents, teachers, managers, superiors….and now I am being punished for doing my best….what is the irony in this.
By Yep
January 26, 2009 9:47 PM | Link to this
There are many qualified professionals out there on the street right now. With all the tension in the work place right now, I understand why many mid level managers do not want to hire someone with 10+ years of experience. They are very insecure about their position! Many times, a guy/gal who “politicked” their way into a position wants to continue to shine as the star, not have someone find them out and do one better. IT SUCKS!!
By Half full glass
January 27, 2009 1:51 AM | Link to this
I am also someone that had to endure with numerous so called “professional” employment agencies that still operate with a prehistoric mentality about age, race - you name it. It seems to me that there are truly only a few, which knows what they are supposed to do as an employment agency. Maybe it is time for a major overhaul with the type of unprofessional staff they have, let alone the lack of interest, intelligence as well as the outdated procedures they have in place to test for skills and productivity. I always find employment on my own because no one else can represent me, but myself. I am finding myself walking into these employment agencies with a sense of humor – “Let’s see what their excuse is today” or let’s see what “out of touch” questions they are going to ask. Listen – great work to those employment agencies that is actually helping people out there in these tough times. I must admit that there is only a couple out of about 6-8 that I will recommend. Their appearances and approach were professional and accommodating, not sloppy with a “whatever” attitude. Remember being in HR or a position in Employment Services should not give you a God complex – you are supposed to be a human being, helping another human being. If you loose your compassion, its time for you to move on and give someone else a job. For all my fellow job hunters out there – hang in there!! You must never give up on yourself. Sooner or later you will get a job and hopefully an employer that will appreciate you.
By Compliance Consultant
January 27, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this
Gary, I have worked in the OFCCP and EEOC arena for over 12 years and what you’re experiencing is unfortunately common in the workplace. The good news is that the OFCCP created new regulations about agencies/staffing firms and the EEOC under the non-delegable duty doctrine states that the company that the agency is working for is responsible for the discrimination done by the agency. If you truly feel that you were discriminated against I would suggest you find out who the agency was working for and file a formal complaint with both the EEOC and OFCCP against the company first and the agency second. The company the agency is working for would be immediately notified of the compliant and would bring it to their attention that their agency is not acting lawfully. Contrary to what other posters have said companies do not usually want vendors to discriminate for them. I say that with one word of caution and that is if you file a compliant and it goes to court that would be a matter of public record and could be uncovered in some background checks. I know it doesn’t help with not getting this job but if people don’t use the system to stop the agencies they will just keep on doing it.
By LexusLikeMine
January 28, 2009 1:55 PM | Link to this
I have the “overqualified” problem myself, so I completely know what your going through. Being a college graduate that can barely pay rent and student loans, being told I cant tell you I have a degree to work at the drug store but have a manager disrespect my degree and tell me I’m underqualified. Its all a rat race.
By Dave
January 29, 2009 8:42 AM | Link to this
My suggestion: get a small digital audio recorder, put it in your shirt pocket, and record the interactions. $30-40 at most any electronics store…. will carry a lot more weight than your written account. Exercise for the student: How can I record video and sound without being noticed…?
By TooMuchTimeOnMyHands
January 29, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this
I moved to Atlanta in October to be near family (nearly 4 months ago). I am an experienced worker in a variety of occupations having run my own business and working a variety of temp/seasonal jobs over the years to add to my income. I, too, have seen a job market where age and sex are a determining factor in hiring a prospect. I have experience ranging from company owner to construction to warehouse to housekeeping, however, the Atlanta market doesn’t see that hard work, reliability and maturity are benefits to their employee pool. Maybe those of us with the experience and good old hard working ethic should start our own employment agency. This could allow us to provide temp. work for those who need to have something to “tide them over” and for those looking for a career change and/or permanent employment in their chosen field. As they say, “If you can’t beat them, join them.” only do it better!
By Russell
February 4, 2009 12:51 PM | Link to this
I have over 20 years experience in the automotive repair industry, and can tell you that age does matter. Auto dealerships charge customers $75.00 to over $100.00 to have repairs done on your auto, but the dealers only want young kids with no experience so they can pay them less than $15.00 to do the repairs on your auto. Now is this right???? If most consumers really knew what went on at dealerships, would you really go? I personally have been told that I am overquailfied and to old. Most all service managers out there have not even worked on an auto before, they only push #s for the dealer. However in these hard times even the independants are begining to do the same things. Even when applying for lesser jobs it is all the same thing, “We will call you if we find something you could do”, “yada yada yada”. Still siting at home for going on five months, I have four children, mortgage, bills, etc., but no calls. GA is not a good place for an over experienced automotive mechanic with many other skills to find a good job, or anything lesser, do to so many other younger kids who think they can do it too. At this time I am looking to leave GA because not everywhere is this way. Have found somewhere to go, but it means packing it all up, up rooting my children, and leaving our families, just so we can try to make a living with out being judged on age or overexperience.
By Greta
February 16, 2009 6:31 PM | Link to this
I haven’t been told outright that I was overqualified, but I have been asked by a person at Gymboree why the sudden career change (from TV journalism). When I applied six months later with Gymboree, she asked me if I saw myself going back to work in television (well, no, since no one in television is hiring at the moment.)
By Michael
March 30, 2009 11:14 AM | Link to this
Back when I actually looked for legal jobs I had different resumes tailored to the position I sought. Why put criminal experience in a resume seeking collections experience? Why put collections experience in a resume seeking criminal experience? I don’t know what a blue collar resume would look like although I did union construction and all kind of grocery store work back in the 80’s and 90’s.