What do employers want regardless of age? Most are looking for computer literacy, flexibility, initiative to learn, the ability to be a team player, the ability to make decisions, and the potential for high performance. An "easy" and pleasant personality helps.

Being prepared is important at any age. Know your strengths and weaknesses; present a functional rather than chronological resume; have good interview skills; present a professional appearance; know something about the company with which you are interviewing; ask good questions; and be a good listener.

To discourage the possibility of ageism, do not mention the "good old days." If there is an opportunity to refer to an energetic activity that you engage in, such a bicycling, jogging or tennis, do so. Energy is often associated with youth. And if you have learned something new recently, mention that also. Your comments will dispel myths about older workers being stuck in the past, having low energy or being resistant to learning something new.

Most importantly, think strategically. Assess your core competencies, determine your transferable skills and then identify industries known to hire and appreciate mature workers.
Posted: Monday, July 06, 2009 - 9:16:58 AM by Chris Bilotta

His basic advice - stop looking.

Having gained your attention with that shocking statement, he goes on to explain. Rather than spending your whole week job searching, spend part of your week doing something completely different. And he is not suggesting watching TV or 'doing lunch' with friends.

Instead, he suggests doing something of value, something that would make a difference to someone else. By spending more time helping others, and less time on your own search, you'll paradoxically find that you improve your chances of finding work.

Of his 10 suggestions, 4 directly correlate to your job search activities and should be incorporated into your job search plan.

• Start a blog and share your opinions on a topic or subject you care about
• Give a talk at a college or university on a subject where you have some expertise
• Share everything you're learning about job searching with other job seekers who are out of work
• Volunteer your time and skills to a charity or non-profit

• An increased sense of purpose and achievement
• Increase in self esteem
• Meeting new people and widening your network
• You'll have a unique answer to that interview question: "So what have you been doing with your time since you finished your last job?"
• You'll develop some new skills (e.g. speaking, writing, mentoring, teaching) which can give you another edge in the job market
• Good karma. What goes around, comes around.

For job seekers, this reinforces the fact that relying on job boards as the main tactic in a job search will produce the lowest yield. Rather, the highest probability for success is built on using multiple tools including: a targeted direct marketing campaign; extensive use of social media sites for networking; and your own personal website to help manage your online identity and communicate your personal brand.

The current employment market dictates new rules for job seekers. The old saying about recruiting being a contact sport will always ring true. However, how a job seeker reaches that first face to face contact is radically changing. Those who recognize the trends and stay ahead of the curve will gain the most advantage.
Posted: Thursday, July 02, 2009 - 5:11:39 PM by Craig Toedtman

Jim Kwik, co-founder of Kwik Learning, has conducted training in the areas of speed-reading, memory improvement, and advanced thinking skills for over a decade. He offers the following technique to help you remember more names at your next networking function.

Just think of M.O.M.

“M” is for Motivation. If there are ten people in the next room, one of whom has $5,000 cash for you IF you correctly remember their name, how many names do you think you would remember? Remember everyone’s favorite radio station: WII-FM (What’s In It For Me). Why do you want to remember this person’s name?

“O” is for Observation. Often remembering names is not a matter of RETENTION, but more of a matter of ATTENTION. Just as you can’t remember the face of someone who you didn’t see, you can’t remember a name you didn’t hear in the first place.

“M” is for Mechanics. Mechanics are the actual techniques, methods or strategies used to remember more names. The reason why mechanics comes last is because if you don’t have the motivation to remember someone’s name, or you don’t observe the person and name in the first place, all the best mechanics won’t help.

Jim Kwik can be found at www.KwikLearning.com

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