If you are age fifty or older, you may have already discovered that you face some rather unique challenges in your job search.

Unlike other world cultures, modern-day America does not appear to value its older citizens. The development and rapid evolution of electronic technology clearly favors youth. I personally believe this is evident by the average age of employees within the numerous ".com start-ups" within Northern California's Silicon Valley and the high-tech community in general. Several firms for whom I recently consulted were founded by a thirty-something year old individual. Other officers and key employees of these firms were all under forty. While I have no scientific foundation for the following statement, it is my contention that the trend to shy away from older American employees comes from some misguided belief that only younger workers have the energy, drive or desire to learn new things, the willingness to accept new ideas or change, or the ability to "think outside the box." This is not to suggest that anyone age fifty or over should "pack it in" and just sit on the porch. Individuals within this age group have much to offer prospective employers; proven skills, experience and a work ethic (younger individuals do not understand) just for starters.

Although age discrimination illegal under Federal equal employment opportunity regulations, such discrimination continues to take place. Realistically, hiring managers can't or won't come right out and say, "we can't hire you because you're too old." They simply say, "we are looking for someone with less experience for this job," "You seem over qualified for this position," "We are looking for people who will fit into our corporate culture" (read young), "The person we hire must have the right personality for the team they will work with," or "We are looking for someone who is not afraid of working long hours or can bring a lot of energy to this job." I am sure some of you readers have heard these remarks or similar ones.

It has been my observation throughout my adult working years that mature workers have a better worth ethic, better attendance, are more patient, have better people skills, communicate more effectively, have more longevity on the job and are more loyal to their employers than many of today's younger workers.

So you might ask, "how do we older workers overcome such prejudices?" You may want to consider the following areas:

Resume:

• work experience - don't list more than ten years of work history, hiring managers aren't interested in what you did twenty years ago, they want to know what you can do for them today.
• education history - don't list dates of graduation from schools

Job Search:

• don't refer to any organization that specializes in placing or assisting older workers with their job search

Computer Skills:

• enroll in courses to update your skills with word processing, spread sheet, desk-top publishing and presentation software
• learn to use the internet - older workers are not perceived as being in touch with the latest in communication technology

Continuing Education:

• if we stop learning, we stop growing as individuals - take courses, seminars or workshops to keep up with the latest developments in your profession, to improve your communication skills - including public speaking, learn a second language - remember old dogs can learn new tricks.

Personal Appearance:

• if you are overweight, lose weight - extra pounds add years to your appearance
• exercise not only helps to lose weight, it also will increase your stamina and create a healthy complexion
• consider coloring gray hair, mustaches or beards - this can take five years or more off of your appearance (such action is no longer taboo for men and shouldn't be an embarrassment)
• if you wear heavy-framed glasses, consider contacts (if they are an option) or more modern, light-framed glasses
• consider minor cosmetic procedures to remove deep wrinkles, loose skin on neck and chin areas, bags under the eyes, crows feet or to remove "age spots" on hands, face and arms (understandably, such measures may seem somewhat extreme and perhaps costly, however, consider the length of time you will continue to work and the positive affect such procedures can have)

Attitude:

• remember when your parents told you to "act your age?" - whatever your age, don't act it during your job search and especially during interviews - age is a state of mind, if you think you are old, you will act accordingly, however, if you project an high-energy, active and up-beat image, you will project the image of being "young" and "energetic."

I sincerely hope that those of you who have "toughed it out" and read all four installments of this article series felt that it was time well spent. As a credit professional and educator, I have long been interested in helping others. It is my hope that some of the information presented in this series of articles has been of help to you.

My thanks to Suzzanne Stanford, CCE at www.eyecatcher.net and Richard Kauffman, CAE of CMA Business Credit Services for providing the opportunity and forum to share my thoughts and experiences with you.

 Job Search in the Internet Age, Part I
 Sample Resumes and Cover Letters, Part II
The Interview - Selling Yourself, Part III