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Mei Lin, 58, from Vancouver, British Columbia, says “I spent more than 30 years in project coordination and client relations, and I know I still have a lot to offer. But since being made redundant last year, I’ve struggled even to get interviews. When I do, I’m often told they’ve gone in a “different direction.” I’ve updated my skills, refreshed my LinkedIn and stayed positive, but it’s beginning to affect my confidence. How do I find my way back into work without feeling invisible?”
The first thing I’d say is that your skills probably aren’t the problem – the way hiring works has changed. A lot of companies now use screening software, so experience needs to be written in a results-focused way. Don’t just say what you did; show what changed because you did it. For example, mention how you improved a process, kept customers loyal or saved time and money. That makes your experience easier to see.
Please don’t underestimate the role of networking at this stage. I found my best opportunities after 55 came from people who already knew how I worked. Former colleagues, suppliers, volunteer committees and even neighbours can become leads. At our age, reputation is often stronger than any CV. A short, friendly message saying you’re open to opportunities can go much further than another online application.
I think confidence is one of the hidden casualties of job searching later in life. After enough rejections, even very capable people start doubting themselves. What helped me was writing down every major work success I’d had over the years. Seeing those achievements on paper reminded me that one difficult season does not erase decades of value. Your confidence needs feeding just as much as your CV does.
It may also help to widen the definition of work. Many of us were raised to think in terms of one permanent full-time role, but that’s no longer the only route. Consulting, short-term contracts, mentoring younger teams, nonprofit administration and part-time hybrid work can all suit experienced professionals brilliantly. Sometimes the best opportunities don’t look like the jobs we had before. They look better.
One thing that helped me was reframing the story I told myself about this stage of life. For months, I assumed every rejection meant I was “too old,” when in reality, many companies were overwhelmed, understaffed, or unclear about what they needed. When I stopped taking silence personally, I became more strategic. I targeted organisations whose values aligned with mine and wrote directly to department heads instead of waiting for postings. Sometimes the door isn’t closed – it just needs a knock in the right place.
I’d also encourage you to look at industries that actively appreciate maturity. Healthcare administration, education support, municipal services, insurance, and community organisations often value steadiness, diplomacy, and long-term perspective. I transitioned into a role with a local nonprofit at 62, and they told me outright that my calm under pressure was the deciding factor. Your experience isn’t a liability. You just need to be in rooms where it’s recognised as an asset.
Something practical that made a huge difference for me was doing a “skills translation” exercise. I listed every task I’d done in my career — even the ones that felt ordinary — and then rewrote them in the language of today’s job market. “Coordinated schedules” became “optimised workflow across multi‑disciplinary teams.” “Answered client questions” became “delivered high‑touch client support with a 98% satisfaction rate.” It felt awkward at first, but it helped recruiters understand the scope of what I’d actually done. Sometimes the work is impressive – it just needs a modern translation.
