Ask the Expert: Overcoming Ageism
It is striking that you have told us all about the 'handicaps' you face and nothing about what you do or want to do - and your actual question is how do you get someone else to find you a job!
You need to start by changing your attitude, focussing on the positive and being more pro-active on your own behalf.
To take your points in turn. Yes there is sadly still both ageism and sexism in the City of London. You may well have been a victim of both. But the sweeping nature of the statement that you couldn't find another job because you were 35 and female makes it sound like you might have a bit of a chip on your shoulder! Get rid of it. No one likes a whiner.
If you are convinced that the world is against you, that probably comes through in the way you present yourself. So focus on the positive. While it would be foolish to claim that sexism has been eradicated, it is also true that a lot has changed and many firms are very keen to attract high quality women.
The same goes for ageism. Yes it exists. But beware of assuming that the only reason you can't find the job you want is your age. There are plenty of instances of people much older than you finding excellent positions. It often takes longer to find a job as you climb up the hierarchy because there are, by definition, fewer jobs available as you move up.
So what should you do? The best advice we can give you is to be clear about all the skills and experience you have to offer, forget about the handicaps, and get out there networking.
Having worked on contract for many years you must have a wide network of contacts. Sit down with a piece of paper and write down the names of everyone you have worked for or with for the past five years. Then arrange them in order of how 'warm' these contacts are - how recently you have been in touch with them and how much they know about you.
Then go on a charm offensive, phoning and meeting people. The point of networking is to gather information and let the leads come to you. It takes time, but it does work and there are plenty of books you can find that will give you more detailed tips. Your networking can also lead you to agencies that have a more positive attitude to people with your profile. But remember that more than 80% of job changes come through networking, not through agencies or job ads. (Test this on your own experience. How many of your previous jobs and assignments came through job ads or agencies compared to a personal contact or recommendation?)
A final thought: Do you realise that you are pandering to the very stereotypes you are railing against when you emphasise that you 'look and work as a younger person'. What exactly do you mean by this? Are people normally a bit slow by 45? Are 45-year-olds who look their age less capable of doing a good job than those that look younger? Clearly not.
Age and gender need not stop you. Good luck with your efforts.
Next week's question: I was made redundant nine months ago from an IT position in a bank and have been unable to get a similar role because of my reference. Although officially my position was made redundant it now appears that I was dismissed due to poor performance. As a result, I have not been invited for interview with my previous employer although many suitable jobs have come up. I am 37 and don't have a degree but want to continue working in IT for an investment bank.
What would you advise? Send your answer to: expertadmin@efinancialcareers.com.
Look out for the Experts' answer to this dilemma and readers' comments on Ask the Expert next week!
If you want to submit a question to our panel of experts
