In this episode, Matt Trainum with the Council of Independent Colleges responds to a question from a "seasoned" employee in their 50s. 

Our listener said they would like to get back into college recruiting but given their years of experience, they feel they are being passed up for roles that would be a good fit. 

"What positions should a 'seasoned' employee like me be applying for in higher education?" they asked.

Trainum said that candidates should apply for jobs they're interested in, ones in which they can be successful. It's also important for job seekers to make the pitch and promote themselves to the hiring manager. 

In terms of the listener's question, he said he perceives that they're applying for roles that younger people typically might occupy. 

Trainum said this job seeker may feel that "the folks I see in this position don't necessarily resemble me." 

This can be painful for a job seeker, and it could lead to a sense of not feeling valued in a space in which they know they can contribute. "It's because of a factor that shouldn't be important," he said. 

Trainum is the vice president for networks and strategic partnerships with the Council of Independent Colleges.

For more on this topic, listen to "Job Searching After 40," one of our most popular podcast episodes from June 2023.

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