Hi ya party people,

It’s been SUCH a fun week at Safe Space Summit, seeing so many faces IRL and spending time with people who understand me! ❤️

My heart is full, and my energy is empty. If you need anything from me...please submit it to the couch where I’ll be decomposing for the weekend.

But first, your questions!

One reader is a Marine veteran with decades of experience and 700+ applications who’s worried age is getting him screened out. How the hell do you get a fair shot when experience seems to have become a liability?

Another reader’s former employer posted something negative about them online. Leaving wasn’t enough…now there’s a public review. Can they ask for a retraction, and what’s HR checking before the first interview?

Let's discuss, and if you wanna make my day and submit your own questions, submit them here! ⬅️

ASK AWAY

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📣 Sondra Norris, Founder @ Strategic Culture Partners:

I hate to see this for all the expected appalling reasons. Thank you for your service, for the invisible things you did that allow the rest of us to live as we do. I have no idea how AI resume screening may be selecting out for age - but I harbor the same suspicions and frustrations. April 2025 is long time to be in this position, especially with your level of experience and accumulated wisdom. The best advice I could offer is to talk to the people in your military and professional network, a lot. Reach out to connect and re-connect. Develop a short description of what you offer that solves real problems and pain points any company or department may be experiencing - I know that's hard with so many years under your belt.

The more people out there that you know and trust who know about what you offer, and get reminded about it, the better. For what they might have, and for people they can introduce you to. The result may be advising positions, contract solutions for specific problems, or an opportunity. There are "head hunting" firms out there that bill the company, not the applicant - they'd be searchable by your vocation or industry. In a nutshell, my advice is to take the proof that 700 personally-submitted applications has given you and turn to the people. And in the meantime, keep yourself moving, volunteer where you find meaning, maybe grab a part-time job somewhere that interests you.

📣 Tammi Burnett, Director of People and Culture @ Rainforest Action Network:

@Sondra Norris dates of employment and education indicate age, and yes - I have a close friend who works for an AI-based ATS and they know for sure that this happens. So OP's suspicion and yours are correct.

📣 Kristy McCann, CEO/Founder/CHRO @ 127 Ventures:

I am so sorry this is happening to you. First, it is not you - it is them- bots, algorithms, assholes - you name it 2- tell your story and profit from it. Mobley vs Workday happened because 1 person called bullshit. If you are Linked In - share this story and what platforms you were using to apply to - contact journalists - business insider is always looking for a good beat and 3- you are an expert - sell your services - coaching, consulting, contracting, writing, advisement, etc. You have helped people for a long time - and now it is time for you to help you and for people to help you. Last, you are not alone - I see this everywhere and change happens when we stop what we WERE doing and start DOING something different as HR has the most TRANSFERABLE skills - because we literally do everything.

Look inside and within and cradle your passions and get them out there. Regarding money - do a go fund me - there is no shame - you are trying and you are not alone. Also, stop applying to jobs and use your network - it is literally old school ways that are breaking through - I am happy to help. I have a big network and a big mouth.

Safe Space members can join this discussion here. Not a member yet? Apply to join here.

📣 Tammi Burnett, Director of People and Culture @ Rainforest Action Network:

It's pretty unprofessional for an employer to bad mouth anyone publicly; it's just not done. However, after many years hospitality and service, it doesn't surprise me.

I'm curious why you think this is what's preventing you from finding new work - has anyone directly confirmed that to you? If so, some states have anti blacklisting laws that carry actual legal weight and may be relevant here. Yes, you can absolutely ask them to retract it, and if you have supporting laws in your state, I would gently inform them of those. If that doesn't work, I might talk to a lawyer - sometimes a simple cease and desist letter will do the trick.

Otherwise, it could just be the job market, or it could be your search methods. Are you getting interviews? If not, it could be your resume/application. Can you have a friend take a look at your resume and give you an honest assessment? If you're getting interviews but not progressing, it could be your interview technique - can you have someone help role play with you so you get more comfortable?

There are a lot of factors that can play into why someone isn't getting interviews or offers. Without knowing more, these are some broad strokes that may help.

📣 Nikki Riedt, VP, Operations @ Conservation Colorado:
Yikes. It is incredibly bad form for the employer to do something like this on a human level and it's very legally dicey. I was just going to repeat what Tammi said so instead I'll just say "second!" to her advice.

And let me speak to the managers out there -- don't do this! Just because someone didn't have the needed skills for your circumstances, doesn't mean they won't thrive somewhere else. And even if you think they won't, just be glad they aren't your problem anymore. And it's just bad karma.

Safe Space members can join this discussion here. Not a member yet? Apply to join here.

🚨 ON YOUR RADAR

🎧 Jessica Winder’s back, and the Cackle Queens have some shit to discuss! We’re talking untrained managers and job hugging. Listen in for our very professional review of an eventful year so far. Check it out on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

💰 Pay Transparency matters (but it's also difficult). That's why I created this course. Join the Safe Space community to access it, plus everything else you need to stay ahead of the curve.

🧯It's not too early to get ahead of next year’s BS. Rippling’s free 2027 Compliance Survival Kit includes a deadline calendar, a payroll, benefits, leave, and hiring compliance checklist, plus ready-to-use AI prompts for benefits comms and compliance updates. Get a head start on next year while you can!*

*This one is brought to you by one of my amazing brand partners

📝 RESOURCE OF THE WEEK

Each week I feature a resource I love from the Safe Space library that I believe would be relatable to this week's newsletter topic.

Today, we’re talking salary ranges. Check it out HERE ⬇️

🫂 COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

In-person Meet-ups

🍂 PHILLY - NEXT WEEK we’re hanging at Bok Bar on Oct 22 at 5:30 PM EDT with Safe Space member Dawn Whitfield as our host! The vibes: An open-air rooftop in South Philly, fall weather, and an evening of swapping HR wins and workplace horror stories with people who get it. No icebreakers, no presentations. Grab your spot 👉here!

🍺 HEY ASHEVILLE, we’re hanging NEXT WEEK at Highland Brewing Company on Oct 22 at 5:30 PM EDT! We're talking crisp mountain air, a cabana inside an old grain silo, food trucks (we heard there’ll be glizzies and BBQ), and your first drink + food is on us. Big thanks to Andrew Wachter for cohosting!! Grab your spot 👉here!

Charlotte - your fall in-person meetup is in the works! Stay tuned 👀Want to host your own meetup? DM Kat!

FRIDAY FUN

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Unless it is that serious then okay freak out and ignore my calming circle.

That's all for this week! I hope you enjoyed! If you have any thoughts, please let me know. I'm allll ears.

Reminder: Today is FRIDAY. 🙏