The 50+ Woman Job Search Outlook

Let's face it, ladies. We might have some drooping going on here and there, but we're still vibrant, valuable assets and any company would benefit from our knowledge and wealth of experience. We have excellent work ethics, show up on time, and go the extra mile to make sure the job gets done. So what are we waiting for? Let's go get those jobs! They're out there waiting for us to prove ourselves to them.

Dressing and looking the part is part of the process. If your clothes are a bit outdated you should pick up a couple of more modern outfits that are suitable business attire for your target industry. The "classic" we knew 20 years ago isn't the "classic" of today. Now they call it vintage. Take references of Windows 3.1 and typing speed off your resume. As a matter of fact, you might want to consult a resume writer and have your old one completely redone. We can be over 50, be the best for the job, and not even be considered if we don't know what to wear, how to accessorize, have "big" 1980's hair, or have gone all the way out in left field and turned our hair black with pink stripes, as  proof that we're still young.

Once you get the interview, which I'm sure you will, you have to make that first impression count. Have a green smoothie and walk a couple of times around the block to boost your energy and your endorphins. Learn all you can about the company. Ask questions. Offer solutions. Take the focus off of the past and bring it in to the future. You can turn the conversation toward how you can solve the problem and off of the idea that you might have a few crows feet around your eyes. Be positive, upbeat and friendly. Interviewers dislike interviewing as much as you do. Make their job easier and you might just walk out the door with the job.

As with everything in our lives, after 50 getting there tends to take a little longer and a few more steps. Don't worry about the companies that don't reply. Use those applications to your advantage. Go back and review what you wrote. Did you have spelling errors? Did your resume get all messed up when you uploaded it on the Internet? Did you even bother to writer a cover letter and what did it say? What was your attitude like when you submitted the application. Did your sour mood or bad day reflect in your writing? Tweak your documents, adjust the language in your application. Energy, vibrancy, enthusiasm should all come across in your communications.

If your computer skills are a little dated, take some classes online or at the community college. Without the freshest computer skills, you might be overlooked even if you are the most qualified in every other way. Learn to use your smart phone to email, text, video chat, and share files. Today, many companies issues cell phones and laptops for their employees.

Arming yourself with new tech skills, your smooth confidence and your command of the language of your industry, combined with your easy interaction with the interviewer will give you the best shot at landing the job.