Now most people would not expect to see a [[mutual fund]] company headquartered in Bellingham, and I have to admit I was surprised also. I had seen the Saturna Capital offices which were rather odd looking for a little while as I drove down Holly Street.
An interesting side note - Saturna is the name of an island in the San Juan’s that are part of northern Puget Sound and border WA and Victoria and Vancouver, BC.
But as chance would have it, I discovered who they were about the same time they placed an ad in [[CareerBuilder]] for a copywriter/financial editor who knew a lot about the investment business, finance, etc.
Here’s the kid who, according to their own website, has the position. He seems like a nice kid and here’s his background right off the Saturna site:
Jacob last name deleted, Copyeditor, joined Saturna Capital in November 2007. He moved to Bellingham from Texas, where he obtained a BA in English Literature from Schreiner University in 2005. Jacob enjoys hiking, amateur mycology, and constructing rafts from driftwood.
And I have 30 years in the securities industry. And I can write, and from the perspective of simplifying complicated issues into easily understood every day language. And I have experienced more in this industry than most, and if you looked at their website and bios, maybe all of them including their management and directors.
I applied and even addressed the cover letter to the HR manager. I don’t want to appear too cocky, but I wrote gracefully and firmly regarding my abilities, my experience, and my interest in working with them here in Bellingham.
No response. Not a call, a postcard or a rejection letter.
Look at the pictures of the staff on their site. I challenge any rational person to explain how I do not even rate a phone call given my background and proximity to their office.
I know why. It’s the silent killer for applicants over 60. It’s called age discrimination.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
i’ve worked in human services going on 20 years and my professional experience has taken me up the ranks and back down. at 52 years old, i’ve decided that in order to get along in the work world, a minor role would suffice. it’s difficult paring down a resume due to one’s experience. i’ve spearheaded many worth while activities, unheard of in my field and i would be remiss if overlooking them. yet, i have sent many resumes and have not heard a peep.
my chosen profession not only is age biased but is also gender biased as well. as you may guess, one does not complement the other. while it is no doubt strange having a boss who is younger, you accept it and move on to more important matters. if only this were true for those that are younger, but they’re intimidated and find it even more difficult to accept one who is graying as part of the rank and file. further, being amidst a workplace skewed with females is alienating and replete with sexist jargon. talk about role reversal.
i’ve come to the conclusion that the workplace is a hostile place to be, more so due to ageism than any thing else. while those entering the workforce find it an adventure, those that have been there as long as we have may find it holds only diminishing returns. it’s a bad position to be in also when considering that hiring inexperienced workers is a sound business decision when considering wages and benefits these days. i suppose we only have ourselves to blame beings that we created the little monsters.
deperino…
Oh you speak so clearly to the truth. I especially related to the issue you brought up regarding paring down one’s resume. I know I removed all references to Sr.VP, and President, and replaced them with “manager”. I also condensed several similar positions on my resume trying to get it all onto 1 page.
The workplace is an absolutely hostile place for us to be, as you so clearly stated.
Thanks for your comments.
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