No love for small business owners

It's an interesting time to be looking for a job for anyone let alone a 60 year old who's changing career paths. I wrongly thought that my experience as a small business owner would be enticing to potential employers. Medical device companies want someone between the age of 22 - 27 years old, former D1 athletes because of their competitive nature with little to no experience. Pretty much the same with Pharmaceutical companies. Recruiting and placement for medical professionals would seem to be a good fit but as of today I haven't been given the chance to interview. Believe me I understand that companies want to hire new graduates for a variety of reasons. I have 2 children in this age group, both with BS degrees in business and 1 with an MBA in International Management. I employed and 1 looking. The process seems flawed as AI technology doesn't always give individuals an opportunity to meet with decision makers. Oh well these are the times and good luck to all of you job hunting!

https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?currentJobId=3237840428&distance=25&f_TPR=r86400&geoId=100855814&keywords=salesperson&start=25 35 Salesperson jobs in Scottsdale, Arizona, United States (35 new) Today’s top 35 Salesperson jobs in Scottsdale, Arizona, United States. Leverage your professional network, and get hired. New Salesperson jobs added daily.
🏰 War Stories
💉 Medical
🧢 Sales Management
12
CuriousFox
WR Officer
6
🦊
What about asking your connections for a referral?
formersmallbusinessowner
Contributor
2
looking for the right fit
Actually I have and they have given me great insight into hiring practices and narrowing my search
LordOfWar
Tycoon
2
Blow it up
TBH this is how I landed most roles. Everyone I talk to likes me and wants to work with me but on paper I don't tick all the boxes.
formersmallbusinessowner
Contributor
1
looking for the right fit
very familiar with that scenario.
braintank
Politicker
5
Enterprise Account Executive
Is your experience in the medical device / pharma field?

Feel free to upload an anonymous resume -- the war room is always good at feedback.
formersmallbusinessowner
Contributor
1
looking for the right fit
No I thought with my background as an athletic trainer a medical device or Pharma sales position seemed appropriate and it would be if I went that direction 35 years ago.
jefe
Arsonist
5
🍁
It's a tough go at any age, but even tougher for someone in your age bracket, unfortunately.

Age-ism is real and a bitch, I truly wish you all the best in your search
formersmallbusinessowner
Contributor
2
looking for the right fit
Thank you, luckily I have a lot of contacts and something will come up!
jefe
Arsonist
0
🍁
Absolutely - you got this!
formersmallbusinessowner
Contributor
1
looking for the right fit
Thank you!
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
3
Sales Rep
Age-ism can be a huge issue in the interviewing process, are you getting the phone interview stage or what does the process look like?
formersmallbusinessowner
Contributor
1
looking for the right fit
I have gotten both voice and video opportunities. Feedback has been limited with one company entering a hiring freeze
DungeonsNDemos
Big Shot
3
Rolling 20's all day
Age-ism sucks, and these companies end up with non-diverse teams due to it.
Might be a dumb question but do you cold call their hiring managers to stand out?
formersmallbusinessowner
Contributor
0
looking for the right fit
that's a good idea! thanks
antiASKHOLE
Tycoon
2
Bravado's Resident Asshole
You will get something. It sucks that you are having to deal with this. What are they saying to you that "makes you not the right fit"?
formersmallbusinessowner
Contributor
0
looking for the right fit
off the record - my age is not in their wheel house. On the record their response is something along the lines "after reviewing your application we have decided to move forward with other candidates"
Sunbunny31
Politicker
1
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
While I didn't land a job in pharma, I did land a job as an older person.

The truth of the matter is, they do need people to sell, and sell well, now. You have something the youngters don't, which is age, experience, and I presume, gravitas. I hope you are given the opportunity to leverage those to your advantage.
formersmallbusinessowner
Contributor
0
looking for the right fit
I agree and congratulations. It's a learning process for me and even though I haven't been hired I feel I'm making headway. Cheers
saaskicker
Celebrated Contributor
1
Enterprise AE
Nashville is a giant healthcare hub - understand you're looking in AZ, but you might find some remote options searching for healthcare tech jobs in the Nashville area.
formersmallbusinessowner
Contributor
0
looking for the right fit
Fortunately for me my wife has a good job here in the valley and we don't have to relocate. Thank you for the information!
TennisandSales
Politicker
0
Head Of Sales
What type of sales are you looking to get into?
formersmallbusinessowner
Contributor
1
looking for the right fit
My background is in athletic training and sports medicine. I would like to be in healthcare or sports related company
TennisandSales
Politicker
0
Head Of Sales
i would lean into the healthcare side of things more than the sports.

There are many different avenues in healthcare that you can gol
formersmallbusinessowner
Contributor
1
looking for the right fit
Agreed, I have worked in sports at all levels and their are more opportunities in healthcare.
msbiz
Member
0
Enterprise Account Executive
Look for companies with emphasis on DEI (Diversity Equity & Inclusion). It is built into their DNA.
formersmallbusinessowner
Contributor
0
looking for the right fit
I agree. I have been working on trying to scrub any information on my age. Seems sad