Pongo Resume

It's National Employ Older Workers Week, an annual event sponsored by the Department of Labor during the last full week of September. The week is set aside to recognize the vital contributions of older workers in the workforce, and can serve as a rallying point for workers in their 50s and 60s who feel the squeeze of joblessness, a changing economic landscape, and employers' tendency—real or perceived—to opt for youth when it's time to hire.

In a few years, though, being 50- or 60-something may not be as big an issue. The federal government says that by 2018, 43% of Americans 55 and older will be employed, up from 39% in 2008. This is especially good news for those whose retirement portfolios failed to grow enough—if at all—during the recession.

If you've passed your 55th birthday and are now looking for work, you'll need to focus on three things:

How your skills translate into today's work. How can you help an employer today? Show how you've helped previous employers make money, save money, or improve their processes, and translate that into how you might do the same for a new employer.

A love of learning. Even if you haven't been in a classroom for decades, take an interest in learning new technologies, especially social media and the computer programs that just about every employer uses today.

Putting your enthusiasm on display. If you're excited about what you and your company do, don't be afraid to show it, because it can rub off on others.

Need more job search advice? Check out Job Tips for 50+ Workers from the AARP. Also, learn about a federal program that can help place lower-income workers 55 and older in community-service jobs.

If you're over 55, what challenges do you face in today's job market? Tell us in a comment below.

RELATED LINKS

Older Workers: Rejuvenate Your Geezer Resumes
10 Old-School Resume Rules That Don't Apply Today
Is It Age Discrimination, or Are You an Angry Old Fart?

I retired early with a pension in 2002. Recently I have felt the need for a more fulfilling lifestyle, opportunity to meet new people and help an organization survive and grow in this economy using my skills.

I have had several interviews that went very well, but during the last part of each interview, I was told that because I had a pension they preferred to give the job to someone with a young family to support.

Because this has happened more than once I see it as a definite barrier to future employment.

Another excuse seems to read like this. "You have an income so therefore you are not motivated by money, therefore you won't work hard"! This says to me "we can't own you therefore we don't want you".

There is no doubt it is not so much about the money but rather the new working relationships that excites me.

I am currently running the business side of my wife's therapy company. I manage all the accounting, billing, collecting, and data management. I have designed all of her business so that she can concentrate on providing client therapy. I don't get paid. The benefit for me is that I have been able to stay current with technology but I don't have the opportunity to meet new people.

I am 62 years old and since my wife passed away last April I have been looking for work both from want ads in the paper and online. I am not an executive but I am a good office worker. My health is getting better and I need to go back to work to live. Just because I am ove 60 doesn’t mean I am over the hill as an employee. No one seems to want to give me a first look much less a second one and I honestly feel that it is because of my age. I have thought of lieing about it but that would create more problem then it would fix.

I would like to use your quote in one of my blog articles. I would credit you and put a link to your website.

@ Rob -- What you're trying to do isn't easy to accomplish. I'm actually a bit stunned - shocked even - that someone would openly tell you that they wanted someone younger.

If you feel a strong need to go out and meet people while you search, engage in some networking or job search club groups, or volunteer organizations that could benefit from your skills.

@ Michael -- I'm sorry for your loss; I'm sure that and looking for work are making things doubly difficult. Don't lie about your age, but it shouldn't even be an issue if you can sell an employer on your experience, and the workplace wisdom that comes with age. In the meantime, make sure your skills are current, especially your technology skills. If you feel the need to take a class or two to get you up to speed, find one. It can help.

@ Dumont -- Thanks! Go right ahead!

Although I am only 54, I would like to make a few comments about challenges I think I would face about Job market. First, some other person about my age might have thought - OLDER WORKERS: THIS IS YOUR WEEK TO SAY 'TAKE THIS JOB AND SHOVE IT!'... just kiddin'. Some challenges would be debates about: -working from home instead -what do I want to try; ie-heavy equipment operator -keeping up with computer technology -wanting others to do the job thoroughly -new ways and old ways of doing the job

I am 57 years old with a diverse background in customer service, administration and management. My philosophies have always been "a candle loses nothing lighting another candle" and "don't work harder, work smarter." I've found the latter to be more myth than truth. Those of us that work smarter tend to work hardest since we can get it done right the first time.

I have worked myself out of my past three jobs by developing a successful "fire truck plan." I've spent countless hours getting there, the process has been clearing defined and proven so even a caveman can do it. Despite accepting pay cuts, very few benefits and offering to work from home to minimize the cost associated with a cube such as lighting, heat/air conditioning, IT support, etc.; my job has been taken by a not much younger, part time co-worker and family member of the operations manager. Certainly for much less money than an opinionated, highly ethical and older full timer, I'm told to move on as the position has been eliminated. So much for long hours, personal sacrifice and working hard for the benefit of the company. However, I leave with the satisfaction of knowing that I've exceeded the expectations of their [my] customers. Yes, I've sent my resume to many prospective employers, been told it's very impressive and still no job. My most recent job had a salary 50% less than a decade ago and 30% less than my previous positon. As the the job opportunities diminish, so does the salary. It's sad to say that my projected monthly social security benefit will mean getting a raise. Unfortunately, I'm much to young to retire and do not desire to coast until I'm there. I refuse to give up when I have so much to offer. God help us not so over the hill Americans.

@ Pallaya -- Sounds like you like to broaden your skills. If I got that right, good for you!

@ Jerry -- "A candle loses nothing lighting another candle." I like that and I wish you well. I, for one, am targeting 70 to "retire," after which I just might do something part time.

Thanks to both of you for commenting!