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As my generation (baby boomers) age, changing jobs is more difficult for more than one reason. It is painful at any age to go job hunting. The fact that business technologies change so rapidly and we’re scrambling too keep up doesn’t help. The way we apply for jobs has gone techie as well, and social networking for jobs is on the rise. So – add the fact that some of us are now more mature and there are a number of people job hunting in this economy and you could get very discouraged. Don’t! According to an article in "Marketwatch" by Andrea Coombes, we should be touting our maturity and experience. The idea is to confront age biases head-on by addressing them. Here, in brief, are a few tips. 1. Get someone to recommend you. This is always a good idea, as some companies get inundated with resumes, sometimes hundreds for a single position. 2. Create a profile online detailing industry skills and experience. Include that link in your resume. 3. Address the stereotypes. Talk about your flexibility and willingness to take on new experiences. Show the company that you’d be cheaper to train because of past experience and let them know you’ll be around for quite awhile if that is the case (many aging workers are perceived as headed for retirement). 4. Create a skill-based resume, focusing on the knowledge needed for the job you are seeking. Highlight the last 10 years or so- not your entire career. 5. Attend conferences and workshops relevant to your field to be up on the latest in that industry. 6. Your cover letter should make you stand out as a candidate. Include references to what’s happening in your industry or in the company you’re applying to. Good luck and good hunting.

Tags: applications, hiring process, job application, job seeker, job seeker attitudes, recruiting