"I've sent 276 CVs in 9 months": the struggles of an unemployed senior trying to find work

The government wants to launch a major campaign for seniors, as older workers are heavily affected by unemployment. To help them, a dedicated website, "Boost 50+," is to be launched. "We will set up 8- to 12-week workshops with France Travail for those over 50, to help them come to terms with their previous job and expand their range of possibilities," explains Labor Minister Astrid Panosyan-Bouvet .

Philippe, who will soon be 59, is no stranger to work struggles. After a career in agri-food groups as a logistics or flow manager, he struggles to find a job: "When I send my CV, I get a quick call back, but with the video interview, you can see that I'm over 50. This interview went well, and they didn't even call me back," he lamented this Wednesday on RMC and RMC Story . And he's sure it's his age that's the problem.

Marie, unemployed at 60, sends out numerous CVs without success: "Employers receive hundreds of CVs and then they sort through them. I don't put my age on my CV, so on the phone, they first ask me my age, then when I'm going to retire...", sighs the woman who is looking for a position as an accounting assistant.

"I only have a high school diploma, which was enough at the time, and today you need two more years of study, but we don't look at experience," she laments, assuring that she's looking seven days a week.

"I've sent out 276 CVs since September 1, 2024," assures Marie, who says she's ready to change fields if necessary but can't become a "waitress at 60."

Catherine, 59, is looking for another job: "I even applied for a cashier position, but it's always negative on video calls. I thought it wasn't my age, even though I have 7 years left to work, but I looked at my CV and it's my age that scares employers."

On the set of Les Grandes Gueules , Mourad Boudjellal isn't convinced by the scheme. "Companies should have tax exemptions to make it worthwhile to recruit seniors," he believes.