I’m Applying to Entry-Level Jobs at 56 and Can’t Get an Interview

This as-told-to essay is predicated on a dialog with Jennifer Mannix, a 56-year-old based mostly in Tacoma, Washington. It has been edited for size and readability.

In 2022, after 30 years working for the city of Juneau, Alaska, I used to be eligible for a full retirement, which included well being advantages and a pension for the remainder of my life.

My spouse and I moved to Tacoma, Washington, and it has been beautiful to have a profession break after a number of tense years in threat administration. Nevertheless, I am in a singular place the place I can afford to not work for some time, however I am solely in my early 50s. I really feel like I’ve earned the chance to place my efforts into one thing that actually will get me excited: girls’s skilled sports activities.

I’ve spent the final yr making use of to entry-level jobs within the trade, from govt assistant to game-day helper, and I have not even landed an interview. My confidence has taken successful, and I’ve to think about my age performs a job.

I want hiring managers might see that there are a number of secure careers I could possibly be pursuing and getting cash in. The rationale for my pivot is my absolute love and fervour for dwell sports activities. I am able to put myself on the market, begin over, and be taught one thing new.

I am attempting to show my age will not be a difficulty

I’ve largely been making use of to entry-level roles as a result of I do know that, on paper, it may be onerous for a hiring supervisor to see how my previous expertise interprets to this trade.

I can solely think about that a hiring manager would possibly take a look at my age and expertise and suppose, “What the heck do they wish to do with this entry-level job?” They could ponder whether my expertise translate or whether or not I plan to stay round for very lengthy. In my cowl letters, I’ve made it a degree to convey that I am excited concerning the job, I needn’t make a ton of cash, and I wish to be concerned.

My confidence has taken successful

I went from a spot the place the folks I labored with knew me and knew what I used to be able to. I am utterly nameless right here. My insecurity level, particularly after a couple of yr of critically making use of for jobs and never getting any nibbles, has gone up. I nonetheless trust in myself, however placing myself on the market in a brand new discipline is certainly susceptible.

I do know I am unable to take rejections personally, however they seem to be a confidence hit.

I lately went to a job truthful particularly for the Seattle sports activities trade, and I felt like I used to be 15 to twenty years older than most people there. I’ve to snigger about all of it and embrace it.

I am constructing my very own enterprise as a result of I do not wish to look ahead to a chance

Final yr, I began constructing a enterprise that curates occasions surrounding girls’s sports activities. I figured, if I am unable to get employed, why do not I make one thing for myself?

We’re particularly doing bus journeys from the place we dwell, about an hour from Seattle, to look at video games. I really like what this trade is doing to advance girls leaders, and I wish to unfold the enjoyment that women’s sports give me by constructing a neighborhood of followers.

I did not wish to put an enormous amount of cash into this undertaking, so I am constructing my web site, organising socials, and studying promotional strategies as I am going, which is enjoyable and difficult. I am additionally nonetheless considerably new to this bodily location, so I am counting on associates with greater networks to assist me promote issues.

It is falling into place; I simply should be affected person.

Networking occasions maintain me motivated and assured

I am undoubtedly introverted, and what I’ve realized by job purposes is the significance of attending networking events and assembly folks. I joined the Seattle chapter of a nationwide group referred to as Girls in Sports activities and Occasions, and I’ve gone to a handful of their occasions.

They’ve had panels with some actually inspirational audio system, together with girls my age or older who’re very achieved within the trade. The power of the occasions is constructive and completely encouraging for me. It is out of my consolation zone, however I am getting higher at it.

You by no means know when you are going to meet somebody who would possibly have the option that will help you.

I want hiring managers noticed my ardour and dedication

I want hiring managers realized I might in all probability get a fairly darn well-paying job someplace within the insurance coverage or threat trade due to my expertise. There are a number of safe careers I could possibly be pursuing and getting cash in. After 30 years of working, I’ve developed transferable expertise that can make me profitable in any place.

As I labored onerous in my previous positions, I’ve by no means had the eagerness and dedication that I do for the place I am attempting to go. I additionally want hiring managers might see that I might assist youthful folks. They could have the training I haven’t got in that particular discipline, however I can educate them tips on how to be an excellent worker and an excellent staff member.

It looks like I am one of many few people in this position, however I do know I am not. If we will bear in mind to maintain the religion and maintain working onerous, one thing will come alongside. I’ve to maintain reminding myself of that.

Are you navigating a profession change in your 50s? Contact this editor, Manseen Logan, at mlogan@businessinsider.com to share your story.