Too Old for the Market? Louise Keir’s CareerAGILITY Success Story Says Otherwise

“Too old for the market?”

That’s a question many experienced professionals quietly ask themselves during a job search.

Last week Louise Keir started a new role.

When the hiring manager heard her name, they said something memorable.

I’ll share it in the comments.

Here’s the story.

Louise Keir is a highly accomplished Project and Program Manager who has delivered complex technology programs across telecommunications, government, financial services, health and education.

Over many years she has built a reputation for quality delivery, trusted stakeholder management and getting things done.

Louise is also part of the +45 cohort.

For most of her career, work came through reputation and referrals. She rarely had to actively job hunt.

But in mid-2024, Louise’s contract ended and she faced some health challenges.

For the first time in a long time she had to navigate the modern job market.

Like many professionals, she started the traditional way:

Update the resume

Refresh LinkedIn

Apply for roles that looked like a perfect match

But something didn’t feel right.

Applications went out…

Yet the phone rarely rang.

Louise realised something many experienced professionals are discovering right now:

The job market has changed.

Applying and waiting isn’t enough anymore.

So Louise started joining the Talentology AU community events 👍 Job Seeker Café and CareerAGILITY LIVE.

She connected with other job seekers on the same journey.

And she learned something important:

* Around 70% of vacancies never appear on job boards

* Around 80% of hiring decisions are influenced by professional networks

So Louise changed her strategy.

She joined the CareerAGILITY coaching program and got to work.

We focused on:

▪️ strengthening her professional brand

▪️ sharpening her CV and LinkedIn positioning

▪️ activating her network

▪️ increasing her visibility

▪️ shifting from passive applying → proactive hustling

And Louise did the most important thing.

She showed up consistently and did the work.

Then the opportunity appeared.

Earlier this year one of my industry partners in the telecommunications sector called.

He asked a simple question:

“Do you know any Senior Project Managers with OSS/BSS experience?”

I immediately thought of Louise.

Because she had done the work.

She was active in the community.

And she was the perfect match.

It also turned out Louise had worked with this organisation before and had strong relationships with the stakeholders there.

Reputation matters.

Louise started with TPG Telecom last Wednesday.

And judging by the smile on her face in this photo… she’s pretty happy about it.

This story is a reminder that modern job search isn’t just about applying for jobs.

It’s about:

▪️ visibility

▪️ relationships

▪️ community

▪️ consistent activity

Louise leaned in, changed her tactics and made the hustle work.

Congratulations Louise - you did amazing.

TC 💛