With a July 2010 unemployment rate of 9.5 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployed professionals are competing harder than ever for the handful of jobs available. When you're past the age of 50, you are often competing against younger, more creative and more tech-savvy younger professionals, and it can make your job search seem intimidating. By showing a prospective employer what your experience can do for the company, you make yourself a valuable asset and a desirable employee to snag the job you want.
Step 1
Search websites specifically geared toward older job applicants. The AARP offers an employment team that actively searches for jobs applicable to the over-50 crowd, and Senior Job Bank and Seniors4Hire post jobs geared toward those over 50, according to CNN.com. These are jobs that you'll have the best possible chance at being hired because the companies actively recruit older workers.
Step 2
Take a class or course to ensure that you know the latest software and technological applications for your area of work, says Mark Miller of RetirementRevised.com. Younger applicants will know how to utilize technology for their benefit so it's important that you adapt and show that you also know how to use technology to make you more productive. Local colleges, trade schools and communities offer computer classes.
Step 3
Create a resume without the identifying dates of your graduation and job experience, Tom Musbach, senior editor of Yahoo! HotJobs tells the "U.S. News & World Report." If you want to be considered for a job without a prospective employer knowing your age, remove the dates from your resume and trust in your education and experience to advance the resume to the right hands.
Step 4
Focus on your experience and dependability in your interviews. While you may be a lot older than most of the applicants, you've also been in the job market and industry for a longer time, giving you a competitive edge. Instead of talking about the dates and years that you've worked, talk about what you saw throughout your years of experience and how it could benefit the company.
Step 5
Avoid talking about yourself, your hobbies or your family in an interview. If you're being interviewed by a younger manager, it could bring to his attention the age gap between you and himself. For instance, if you start talking about your granddaughter or telling the interviewer he's the same age as your son, it becomes painfully obvious how much older you are. Instead, stay on professional topics so your interviewer is able to see you as a potential employee.
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