Sharing Thoughts on the Current Recruitment Situation for Candidates from the 7x Generation

"Dear Mr. Nguyen,

First of all, please allow me to send my warmest greetings to you.

I happened to read your post on LinkedIn a few days ago, so I am writing this email to you in hopes of receiving your insights and advice from the perspective of a recruiter with many years of experience, regarding people from the 7x generation.

First, let me introduce myself. My name is D, born in 1976, so I am turning 50 this year. I have been working for over 25 years, starting in 1997 when I was still a 3rd-year university student. I have taken on many roles, but mainly in Sales, Marketing, and Business Management. Most of the companies I worked for are FDI companies in manufacturing and distribution of chemicals and construction materials, such as: [...]. I also spent some time as a Sales Manager for construction equipment rental at [...] and as Branch Director at [...].

I’m sharing this briefly so you have a general idea of the industries and companies I’ve worked in. As mentioned above, I have worked for Korean companies like LG, Japanese companies, and European companies, mostly in management roles in Sales & Marketing. However, the purpose of this email is not to apply for a job. I would like to ask for your opinion regarding my current situation.

For the past 3 years, I have not been working for any company. Partly because of my age, when I sent out my CV I received very few responses. At that time, I was approaching 50, so companies probably prioritized candidates under 35. Another reason is that in recent years there haven’t been many positions on the market that I’m aiming for. I prefer companies where my knowledge and experience are a strong fit, and where I can leverage the relationships I’ve built in the past. Finally, I also wanted to spend more time with my family, especially to support my second son during his high school years. That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t have had time for my son if I were working, but due to the factors I mentioned above, I decided to dedicate that time to him so my wife could focus on her career.

We are not under financial pressure. Over the years of working, both my wife and I have savings, and we bought a house in Hanoi when we were young. Both of us were born and raised in Hanoi.This year, my second son will start university at NEU and will enroll this September. My eldest son is currently pursuing his MBA in Finland. With the kids now grown and independent, I am less worried and have started thinking about returning to work.

At the age of 50, retiring would be too early, even though finances are not an issue for me. I still want to do something that makes me feel valuable. During the time I was not working, I have had my wife’s full support.

I understand that working for a company is not the only option and there are other paths I could consider. Still, I would really value your opinion.Job applications will still be a challenge for people from our generation — our generation, because I assume Mr. Nguyen and I are not far apart in age.

At this point, I am not too concerned about job titles or earning a high income. While staying at home, I have taken several online Coaching courses on Udemy, but I still have a lot to learn to become a professional trainer. During my time as a Sales Manager and Branch Manager, most of my training experience was focused on teaching sales knowledge and skills to my team.

I have also participated in recruitment interviews for positions within departments, working together with HR.

Regarding English, since I worked mostly in FDI companies, I am fluent and used to attending meetings and reporting to foreign Directors/Managers as part of the BOM.

I can also speak some basic French, though I haven’t had the chance to practice it in a long time. I hold two degrees: Finance from NEU and French Language from Hanoi University of Foreign Studies.

This email is already quite long. I understand you may not be able to reply, as you have no obligation to do so. I saw your phone number/Zalo on your post, but I wanted to send an email so I could ask for your advice and also give you some background information about myself.Thank you for reading my email. I look forward to your sharing.

If you think it would be helpful to have a direct meeting or to give me further feedback, I would be more than happy to listen to your advice.

Best regards,"