Having to look for a job after you have become eligible for AARP membership is a scary proposition. Having to compete with applicants a couple decades younger than you seems impossible. If you think your age may be holding you back, here are some suggestions I have found useful.

Resume How much experience do you have on your resume? It's really easy to look at the start date of your first job and estimate your age. Only put on jobs that cover the number of years experience the job requires, plus the next prior job. For example, if the job requirements want 5 years of experience, I list my jobs that total 5 years experience, and the job before that, even though I have over 20 years experience in my field.

Is your resume format outdated? For example, you no longer need to put your home address on your resume. Go online and search for sample resumes in your field.

Does your resume have current jargon, acronyms, and phrasing? Does the phrasing on your resume match the words in the job description? Most resumes are scanned for keywords, and resumes without them are ignored. Have you remained current in your field to keep up with current processes, terminology, innovations? Using outdated terminology shows you aren't keeping up.

Generally, do you use action verbs, such as managed, directed, identified, created, developed, collaborated? Do you show what you have accomplished versus a list of tasks you completed?

Computer Skills Do you have any? Can you use Word? Outlook? Excel? PowerPoint? If not, you should investigate classes at community centers or a community college. Also check the AARP website [aarp.org] and search for "classes". You may find some free classes in your area. Most jobs these days require a basic understanding of how computers work, or require the use of a computer at work. Even car engines use computers.

Appearance These suggestions are a bit more slanted toward women, since I am one. Let's look at some facts: a man with salt and pepper hair is considered "distinguished", but a woman is seen as old. Wrinkles: they give a man "character"; they make a woman look old.

Does your manner of dress match your age? I'm not saying you should start shopping at Forever XXI or wear Jeggings, but "Mom" pants are not a good idea. Neither are shoulder pads reminiscent of the styles worn on Dynasty. Men's styles have also evolved: collar styles, tie width, and pant styles. I understand that buying new clothes is not at the top of your budget when you're not working, but sales and discount stores abound. Try to get at least a dress or skirt and top that are fashionable, current, and not "old lady" looking, for interviews. Men, at least try to get a new shirt and tie.

If your hair is gray or salt and pepper, consider dyeing it back to its original color. Men, same with facial hair for men. Women, your facial hair should not be visible. What about your hair style? When was the last time you changed it? Women, wear lipstick, but easy on the makeup, and make sure you blend it in at your jaw line.

Women, do wear fragrance? Don't. Not to an interview. Ever. Many people have fragrance allergies, and many companies have rules prohibiting the use of fragrance by employees. Men, same with you. Use your after shave sparingly, and don't use Old Spice, as younger folk tend to associate it with their grandfathers, which is not what you want. Most soaps, deodorants, hair products, and so on, have fragrance added. You don't need to add more.

If the position you seek is customer facing, then our appearance can knock you out as soon as you walk through the door.

Attitude At work, I am usually the oldest one in the room, or on the team, sometimes, in the entire department or company. At my last position, one of my coworkers introduced me to his wife as "This is the cool old lady I was telling you about." It was a complement. Attitude.

Do you sound old when you talk? Are your words and phrasing sound current? I don't mean you should insert "you know" after every phrase, but younger folk don't speak exactly like we do. Don't use idioms or phrases from the 60's or 70's. Do you know what Game of Thrones is?

When you interview are you animated and excited about the position and your experience? When they ask about your experience, do you just list tasks, or do you turn your experience into stories, and, where possible, inject a bit of humor? Do you sit forward in your chair? Make eye contact? Take notes when they discuss the position's responsibilities. You may never refer to them again, but, it shows you are interested.

About Me I work in the software development industry as a contractor, which means I look for a new job every 3 to 6 months; a year if I am very lucky. I am constantly looking for work. The longest I have gone between contracts is about 2 months, when the entire economy was tanking. I am in my sixth decade, and compete with job seekers in their 20's and 30's with college degrees, which I lack. I didn't return to my career until I was 57. And, I have been happily employed (mostly) every since.

I hope you find some of these tips helpful. I am terrified every time I have an in-person interview that they will look at me, see me as old, and have a 10 minute interview. Hasn't happened yet. Might be the stories…