top of page
Serving the 'Over 40' professionals in the Bay Area, and their employers.
"Career Perspectives" Blog
Search
Are you a GEN X looking for a job?
In today’s rapidly evolving job market, Gen X (and older!) job seekers often find themselves at a difficult crossroads. If you are facing the unique challenges of a midcareer job seeker, don’t despair!
4 days ago3 min read
Employer Profile: Gusto
Beth Pampaloni Join the company that is growing the small business economy If you’re a job seeker over 40 looking for a company that values both strong skills and strong culture, Gusto is a great company to explore. Gusto is best known as a leading platform for payroll, HR, benefits, and people operations tools designed for small businesses. Their integrated platform helps business owners manage everything from payroll and benefits to hiring, onboarding, and compliance—making
Mar 263 min read
Telling Your Story: A Narrative That Moves Your Career Forward
If you’ve been laid off or are navigating a stretch of unemployment, you may find yourself thinking more deeply about your career and what comes next. Sometimes that reflection brings questions like: Am I still good at what I do? Did I do something wrong? What will employers think about this gap? But here’s the truth: the story you tell yourself — and the one you tell others — matters far more than the circumstances that brought you here. In today’s job market, layoffs and ca
Mar 112 min read
Fear by Jim Poket
What keeps us from reaching for our goals and becoming what we truly desire to be? The number one block to our success, the one which we have the most control of, is fear. Fear is defined by Webster as " A feeling of anxiety and agitation caused by the presence or nearness of danger, evil, pain, etc." A lot of words leading to a vague definition. A more concise definition is "Fear is a Negative Fantasy [1] ". In this case, fantasy is defined as a mental image. A mental
Mar 103 min read
Meet the Recruiters-Review
Caitlin Manuel, Events Marketing Intern for Phase2Careers As “Meet the Recruiters” continues to connect job seekers with professional recruiters each month, longtime HR professional Ann Greenhaw sees it as far more than a panel discussion, she sees it as a rare opportunity to connect, learn, and regain confidence in today’s job market. Ann's own professional journey is a testament to resilience and reinvention. She began working for an attorney while attending San Francisco S
Feb 243 min read
Employer Spotlight: The County of San Mateo – We’re Hiring!
If you’re an experienced job seeker exploring your next chapter – in a full-time role or in a seasonal opportunity and looking for meaningful work that serves the community – the County of San Mateo deserves a closer look. Over 100 Positions Open Currently The County of San Mateo currently employs more than 6,000 people and is actively hiring, with over 100 job openings available right now across departments. These opportunities span a wide range of roles and work arrange
Feb 172 min read
Leveraging AI in Your Job Search: A Smarter Way to Stand Out
by Beth Pampaloni Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword—it’s quickly becoming a valuable tool for job seekers. When used thoughtfully, AI can help you save time, sharpen your positioning, and approach your job search feeling more informed and confident. While it won’t replace your experience or judgment, it can make the overall job search process more efficient and effective. How AI Can Support Your Job Search 1. Researching Companies and Roles AI tools c
Feb 43 min read
A New Year, A Fresh Start: Reigniting Your Job Search with Purpose
A new year has a way of renewing our sense of hope. It invites reflection—but more importantly, it opens the door to possibility. If you’re entering the year as a job seeker or career changer, this moment is your opportunity to reset, refocus, and move forward with intention.
Jan 123 min read
A Look Back at 2025 & Excitement for a Brand-New Year
As we approach the end of 2025, I’ve been reflecting on what this year has meant for our Phase2Careers community. There’s no question that it has been a challenging time for many job seekers and those looking to change careers. The market has contracted and shifted, competition for roles has grown, and the path forward hasn’t always been clear. But even in a tough year, there is so much to acknowledge and celebrate. Each of you has made meaningful progress, whether it’s launc
Dec 2, 20251 min read
Building Your Online Brand: Why a Strong Digital Presence Is Essential in Today’s Job Market
By Beth Pampaloni In today’s competitive job market, your first impression often happens long before an interview — it happens online. Whether you’re actively searching for a new role, building a consulting practice, or keeping your options open, having a strong, consistent online presence is no longer optional. It’s a critical part of your professional toolkit. Why Your Online Brand Matters Recruiters, hiring managers, and potential clients almost always do a search for you
Nov 6, 20253 min read
Get Creative: Finding Work in a Challenging Job Market
By Beth Pampaloni Let’s face it, the job market is tough right now. Sending dozens of applications and waiting for the phone to ring can...
Oct 7, 20253 min read
Breaking Through Ageism: Your Career Deserves More Than a Number
By Laura Leach , MPCC, SPCC, RCC In my years as a career coach, I've watched ageism quietly destroy some of the most capable...
Sep 17, 20252 min read
Ageism in the Workplace: A Real Barrier—But Not the End of the Road
by Beth Pampaloni Let’s face it—ageism is real, and for many job seekers over 50, it’s a frustrating and disheartening reality. Despite...
Sep 2, 20253 min read
Staying Relevant in an Ever-Changing Job Market:6 Things to do Now
By Beth Pampaloni The job market isn’t what it used to be—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. From tech innovations to shifting workforce expectations, the only constant is change. Whether you are just starting out or a seasoned pro, staying relevant requires more than just showing up. It’s about staying sharp, adaptable, and connected. Here’s some thoughts on how you can get ahead. Stay Relevant 1. You are never too old to learn something new Remember when landing a jo
Jun 17, 20253 min read
The Power of Networking: Building Meaningful Relationships for Career Growth
By Beth Pampaloni Strong relationships are the foundation of every great career journey. Networking isn’t just something you do when...
Jun 4, 20253 min read
Mastering the Job Interview: How to Stand Out and Get the Offer
by Beth Pampaloni Whether you are stepping into the workforce for the first time or making your next big career move, job interviews can...
Apr 14, 20254 min read
Boosting Your Job Search: The Power of Gaining New Skills and Training
by Beth Pampaloni Searching for a new job can be a challenging and sometimes frustrating experience. But what if you could turn this period of uncertainty into an opportunity for personal and professional growth? Gaining additional skills and training while looking for a job can set you apart from other candidates and help you stay competitive in your industry. The Value of Gaining New Skills Increased Marketability Employers are constantly on the lookout for candidates who b
Mar 26, 20252 min read
Assessing a Job Offer: Is it the Right One for You?
By Beth Pampaloni Receiving a job offer is exciting, but how can you be sure it’s the right opportunity for you? Making an informed decision requires careful evaluation of multiple factors, ensuring that the job aligns with your long-term career goals and personal values. Here are key aspects to consider when assessing a job offer. Identify Your Priorities Before analyzing the specifics of the offer, take a step back and clarify what truly matters to you in a job. Is it salar
Mar 17, 20253 min read
Time is a Gift: Embracing Self-Care and Balance While Searching for a Job
By Beth Pampaloni Searching for a job can be stressful, overwhelming, and at times, even discouraging. It’s easy to feel like you need to dedicate every waking moment to job applications, networking, and interviews. But what if you shifted your mindset and saw this period as a gift—an opportunity to focus on yourself, recharge, and even grow in new ways? Instead of treating unemployment as a time of uncertainty, think of it as a phase where you can balance your job hunt with
Mar 11, 20254 min read
Overcoming the Challenges of Re-Entering the Workforce: A Guide for Women
By Beth Pampaloni For many women, finding a job or re-entering the workforce after a career break presents unique challenges. Whether stepping away for caregiving, personal development, or other responsibilities, returning to the job market can feel overwhelming. Gaps in a resume, evolving industry trends, and the need to rebuild confidence can make the process daunting. However, with the right strategies and a strong support system, women can successfully navigate their care
Mar 4, 20253 min read
bottom of page