How to Overcome Obstacles in a Cover Letter

How I wish it were as simple as writing a better cover letter and having a snappy knock their socks off resume. I am 65 and have been very successful in several positions and have enough former employers recommendations to write a book. Nonetheless after retiring from the department of corrections after earning a master's degree with a 3.93 GPA, I have had one interview after applying for 30+ positions, all of which get a cover letter, follow-up phone call, follow-up cover letter, 30-60-90 day action plan, postcard with my picture and my wife on it, and so on. I finally wrote what I call the "cover letter to end all cover letters" which I share for your amusement: Oh kind reader, to say I have jumped through your hoops a thousand times would only be a slight exaggeration. You keep advertising positions for which I meet every requirement. I have attached letters from past employers and clients that speak of my sterling character and many outstanding attributes in glowing terms. I have sent you my transcript showing a 3.93 GPA, A's in 11 of my 12 courses. What more could I do to get through to you how solid I am and how I make those around me better? I am not about to quit, to roll over and feel sorry for myself. I really need to get back to work. Not because I need the money, but purely because I need to make a contribution. I didn't shell out 40 G's at age 62 to get a master's degree so my resume would look better. I did it to change my career. Here in SC, back in 2005, I was consigned to the dung heap of rejected candidates for counseling positions, despite having been certified in Pennsylvania and having been very successful. So I labored in obscurity for the Department of Corrections where the work is exhausting and the lack of appreciation is something every dedicated SCDC employee understands. I served with distinction, and my ability to communicate with unhappy, demanding, and often nasty people makes anything I do on the “outside world” a breeze. I would still be there, but a shoulder injury makes it impossible for me to shoot a shotgun, and I am unable to retain my certification. Since my forced retirement, I have applied for at least 30 state positions that require a master's degree and two years experience. I do not expect every agency to call me. But when no one calls at all, this tells me something is seriously wrong. It troubles me to even think that those who are choosing the candidates might think people past age 60 can't cut it. Of course, they will say something like, “Oh, no... we would never practice age discrimination...” but what else am I to conclude? I had coffee last week with a man my age who faced all the same rejections when he pursued a career in counseling at age 60 after being a lawyer and before that a cop. He said the state is hiring women over men nearly 10 to 1, and most of the women are Black or Hispanic. Is he right? At Lieber all the chaplains and mental health workers they hired during my tenure were black, and the mental health workers are all female. Were there no qualified white men? I am not a whiner, a complainer, or a critic. This is a private communication, and I am not overly optimistic that you necessarily feel my beef is worth your time and energy. I don't want your sympathy. I just want a job. If you would give me a chance you would find out like the folks at Lieber, and everywhere else I've worked, that I am extraordinary. I worked with so many people who hate their jobs but I always love mine. I come to work each day determined to do a great job. I hope you will read the lyrics to a song I have written to that end, called 'Thank God for Your Job' and one called 'Diving in and Driving On', written while employed, concerning my need to continue to be involved at a vibrant workplace.
Our world has become polarized, me against you, us against them. I believe this needless strife contributes to the demise of brilliant people like Robin Williams. The total self-absorption of so many people telling us how things ought to be and how we need their class, their product, their stamp of approval. My dear reader, I have written a novel, sung and been applauded by thousands of people, written numerous articles, raised four children to be awesome adults, and I have kept a woman happy for nearly four decades. Nonetheless, my value does not lie in my accomplishments or character. It's by the grace of God I have life and can communicate. Now if this is all a crashing bore to you, so be it. In that case all I can say is, “Thanks for letting me vent.” But, seriously, I don't need counseling. I am a counseling explosion waiting to happen, and I seriously believe you need more people like me.

It's very difficult to even get an interview for a lower level position when you have extensive experience from 15-20 years ago. I left a large financial services firm as a finance manager to raise a family. It took me over a year to get a basic accounting job. Now after being there for over 4 years and trying to get a higher level accounting job in a larger company, I have had absolutely no luck. I feel I should wipe out the 10+ years on Wall St and just list my low-level job as my experience.

This was very helpful. Thanks for making this process easier.