How to find a job when you are over fifty? In the sixth episode of the podcast "The Job Profile", Sandrine Chauvin gives the floor to Patrick, 56, looking for a job in sales and to Catherine Barba, a pioneer of e-commerce.
They are experienced and yet cannot find work. In 2018, the employment rate of those the government modestly calls "experienced workers" was only 52.1%. On average, between the age of 50 and retirement, the French spend two years without activity! For many seniors, unemployment has even become the last step before retirement. And with the coronavirus crisis that we are experiencing, which strikes the most fragile first, the question of age is even more important, even more discriminating.
But from what age do you get old? Or at least too old to be hired by a company? And how do we get out of this situation?
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Patrick, 56, has been asking these questions for several months. For 30 years, he was a salesperson, he crossed France, changed companies several times, climbed all the levels. In 2017, he had to resign from his position as sales manager for family reasons. But since this judgment, he struggles to find a job, he confides in the sixth episode of "Profil de l'Emploi", the first LinkedIn podcast in France, produced by Europe 1 Studio.
To help her, Sandrine Chauvin, editor-in-chief of LinkedIn in France, called on Catherine Barba, a woman who herself chose to call herself "the granny of the web". This e-commerce specialist is not yet 50 years old but she has recruited a lot in her career, for her companies and advising others. She has invested in many start-ups and the general public also knows her for her participation in the M6 program "Who wants to be my partner". In this episode, she gives her advice to Patrick and to people who, like him, hope to get a job after 50 years.
Are you senior and can't find a job? Three tips to help you
Target companies that promote diversity . To put the odds on your side, do not hesitate to address in priority to companies that highlight the values of inclusion and diversity. You can start your cover letter by saying: "I am over 50 years old and I embody your values in my own way".
Learn new technologies. This is a real concern for recruiters. To reassure them about your skills in this area, consider taking a full course or getting help on very specific points, including by volunteers.
Don't brood over your failures. It is important not to keep your failures to yourself. Talk about it in groups around you, maybe on social media. Go and draw strength from others. It will help you bounce better.
Editor in chief: Sandrine Chauvin
Journalist: Tiffany Blandin and Medhi Ramdani
Press Relations: Esther Ohayon and Virginie Meunier
Marketing: Julie Potier
Europe 1 StudioProject manager: Fannie Rascle
Director: Xavier Jolly
Diffusion and edition: Clémence Olivier