Being made redundant is usually seen as a difficult ordeal in professional life. For some, however, it becomes an opportunity for a new beginning. Instead of looking for a new job, more and more employees are using the outplacement program offered by their employer to start their own business. This trend reflects the change in mindset and career prospects in a constantly changing world of work.
At the age of 59, I was faced with a major challenge: after more than three decades in the same industry (mechanical engineering), I was suddenly unemployed as a certified project manager. The uncertainty and fear of the unknown were great, but I decided not to give up. With the support of an OTP outplacement and a clear strategy, I managed to find a new career path. Here is my success story.
I had experienced many ups and downs in my long career. Instead of being discouraged by the negative experience of being made redundant, I learned in coaching how to work it through and draw positive conclusions from it.
During the coaching process, I realized that I had a lot to offer despite my age. While younger applicants often score points for dynamism, I was able to convince with my extensive experience, my in-depth specialist knowledge and my success stories. I have a wealth of experience, especially when it comes to difficult work situations and challenges.
I spent a lot of time researching and processing job offers. I set up search filters on various job portals so that I was always informed about new vacancies. My OTP coach continuously supported me in my job search by using the exclusive OTP job platform.
No pain, no gain – I took this motto to heart. I applied directly to companies and avoided going through recruitment agencies as often as possible. Every application was one more chance. After applications and unsuccessful first interviews I evaluated the rejections together with my coach. I quickly realized that proactive follow-up calls in these cases provided valuable information for the subsequent application process.
I also regularly sought feedback on my application dossier and my strategy from my coach, colleagues and acquaintances. This feedback helped me to constantly improve my documents and to align them to new job requirements.
The direct exchange within my network proved to be extremely helpful for me. I was able to make valuable new contacts and benefit from the experiences of others. Through the OTP webinar on networking techniques and procedures, I recognized the strengths of systematically building up this activity.
With the help of my coach, I professionalized my approach to the job search and job interviews. I realized how important it is to be emotionally attuned to the interviewer and to show appreciation for them. The discussions with the coach repeatedly held up a mirror to me. With the coach’s outside perspective, even if I didn’t implement every one of his suggestions straight away, I was able to be more sensitive in my approach to job interviews and avoid one or two “blunders”. It became clear to me that success in these interviews depends heavily on winning over the other person emotionally.
AI-supported tools such as ChatGPT helped me to create my CV and cover letter. I also used Job Scan to find out how well my applications matched the job advertisements. In the feedback from my coach, however, I also realized that a purely AI-based letter lacked the personal touch of my professional history and my success stories. This meant that the AI-generated templates had to be edited again and again.
Although I was skeptical at first, I finally decided to make targeted use of LinkedIn and XING. I weighed up the benefits against the effort involved and used the platforms strategically for my job search.
Taking off again professionally at the age of 59 is no easy task – but it is possible! My story shows impressively that with the right attitude, professional support and the will to learn, you can be successful even at an advanced age. Even if, as in my case, I sent out over 100 applications.
The success proves me right: I found the company that saw me as the ideal project manager for its technical projects and offered me a contract after a trial working day.
Let yourself be inspired and believe in your own abilities – because success knows no age!
S.P. Technical Project Manager
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