Is a one year gap in employment and being over 50 years keeping me from getting a job?

I need advice in January I was laid off from my job due to office restructuring. I started looking for employment the next day, it has been a year now and I still have not found a job. I have answered ads,signed up with many employment agencies,and have mailed,emailed and mailed my resumes to companies hoping that they might have a job opening. I have not had any luck. I also have my resume posted to many of the job boards on the internet. I have had my resume rewritten professionally. I am really getting worried now that I might not find a job. I have worked for over 23 years in a office enviornment. I was also wondering if my age had something to do with me not being able to find a job I am over 50 years. I was not limiting myself to only offfice work when I applied for employment. If someone could help me I would really appreciate it.

Probably. Though you will never get any place that you are applying to (or actually anyone outside an anonymous board like this) to admit it.

Older people cost more. THey often demand higher wages, and cost more on med insurance. They also require more time off for doc apts and sick leave, and usually dont hesitate in asking to take their vaca time. Older people also just simply dont have the physical abilities of a 20 something.

Also, the fact that you were in one place for so long. That is actually starting to be looked down upon, and is being percieved as an inability to try new things or adjust to new settings.

It may be, but jobs are scarce nowadays... I know it's frustrating, but all you can do is keep trying. I would think that you'd be a valuable employee BECAUSE or your age... older people are generally more reliable and mature, especially in an office environment.

On-line job postings may get hundreds of resumes.

Your age may also be a factor. Try taking a class to update some skills. Employers may have some perception that your skills aren't current.

Also, each state has a department of employment and training. They can help with job listings and interviewing skills.

It doesn't help...

I'm in the same boat...I've worked through a temp agency at the same place for the past seven years and I want out really bad, but no one will hire me. I'm too old, too educated and the places I really would like to work figure I won't stay with them because of both those factors and being a "temp" employee.

It's supposed to be illegal to discriminate in hiring because of age, but that's a bunch of bull!!!

You might consider trying an employment agency. They love office workers and at least it's work!!!