You envision relaxing on a chaise surrounded by golden, sandy beach. A young, attractive waiter or waitress places a cool drink into your hands. This is the moment you worked more half a century for, enjoying the fruits of your labor. Suddenly your daydream is abruptly ended by the stacked files a coworker just dropped onto the desk. Your retirement money has dwindled away due to personal difficulties and retirement anywhere in your 60's seems impossible. You wonder how can you possible compete with a younger workforce and handle the advancing technology.

The scales are unbalanced between older employees and their ability to comfortably retire at 62. Many must continue working until at least 65 or even 70. You have listened to testimonies of the difficulties finding adequate employment after 50. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) was created to protect older citizens and fight against age discrimination in employment. Employees ages 50 and above have to compete with younger, more educated and more computer savvy candidates.

The idea of climbing this mountain of obstacles generates feelings of low self-esteem and confidence. You can increase your chances of employment by reviewing these key tips that will be sure to boost your confidence.

1. Update Your Resume: Its been years since you reviewed or updated your resume. Depending on your line of work, another format may show your skills and contributions more prominently. If your professional experience portion is lengthy its important to include only the positions relevant to the one you are applying for. Its best practice that your resume should not exceed two pages and don’t forget a cover letter.
   

2. Advance Your Education: Check your local library, community college or career center for free courses in Microsoft Suite Programs, QuickBooks and the Internet. You can take courses if you want to change careers or in certain computer programs like Microsoft Word or Excel to improve your skills. In the current job market you must be computer savvy and have the ability to use Google and research using the Internet. Show the employer that you are adaptable and ready to learn. If you have problems catching on, don’t get discouraged. You will get ahead of the learning curve and with time.
   

3. Prepare for Interviews:  The application and interview process changed dramatically changed over the years. In the 80’s and 90’s applicants were welcomed to hand in applications and resumes in person. This has been replaced by electronic applications utilizing employment sites like CareerBuilder and Indeed. If you are contacted for an in person interview you should review a list of the most commonly asked questions then write your responses on note cards in order to memorize the answers. You may need to have several phone screenings and personality tests before you are selected for an in person interview.
   

4. Know What You’re Up Against: Ensure that your knowledge, skills and abilities match the job duties and qualifications. Review job descriptions carefully to ensure that you are qualified for the position. Do not apply for a position that clearly requires a master’s degree that you do not posses. This is a waste of time; it is crucial that you use your time wisely and only apply for positions where you meet the qualifications. If you have assisted your spouse with bookkeeping then you maybe qualified for that position so you should think outside the box a little. Apply for positions online as well as use temp agencies.
   

Temporary agencies can be great resources since they usually offer full, part time and temporary positions. It’s important to except the interviewer maybe someone significantly younger than you and they may have made up stereotypes or assumptions about your motives or qualifications. During an interview, it is unlawful for a hiring manager to ask your age directly but they may ask indirect questions, “Would you be comfortable with the systems that we use?” “Would you be comfortable being managed by someone younger than you?” This is when you do not want to allow yourself to be intimidated or feel defeated. Refocus your answers on the job and why you believe you are qualified.

Lastly, don’t get discouraged if the process takes longer than you anticipated. You must remember that regardless of your age you have something to offer the working world. You have more experience in the field and surely can provide examples of how resourceful you have been in the past.

Written by: Erica Macon (HR Consultant)