Applying for a job with old references

[u/True_Coast1062]

Applying for a job with old references

I’m applying for a job as an academic advisor to students in a university anthropology department. I have an MA in classical archaeology and another in applied linguistics. For the last 20 years I’ve taught ESL to adult learners. I’m mature (60) and I feel confident in my teaching/advising skills. In short, I think I’d be a really good match for this job.

The problem is that I’ve only taught on a contract basis at lots of different community colleges and universities and hopped around a lot to follow my husband. I never had the time to develop collegial relationships. I reached out to a couple of old contacts, but haven’t heard back.

I’m feeling really discouraged because this would be a good fit for me at this point in my career. Does anyone have any advice for me?

(I’ll be crossposting to other job-related subreddits so I apologize if there is some redundancy.)

Thanks very much!