subject: Is It Age Discrimination Or Is It You? [print this page] Will your communications and presentation highlight how outdated you are instead showcasing your qualifications? Age is just a number. Experience and accomplishments say so much more about you.On paper, outdated skills, pass rsum formats and work histories that go back too far, will get you screened out pretty quickly. In a face-to-face interview, outmoded clothing, lack of energy, referring to past experiences by date (in the '90s, I did...), exhibiting inexperience with modern technology, social media and current industry terminology can put you out of the running because it "dates" you.The key for the mature worker (and today, that's anyone over 40 - believe it or not!) in a job search is authenticating relevancy, fit, and adaptability. Prove value and benefit and you'll greatly increase the likelihood that you'll be the one they choose for the position.Here are 5 tips to enhance your marketability if you are a "mature worker" seeking a new position in your original field or a change in career, role or industry:1. Use your rsum to show employers what you bring to the table by using a Professional Profile to replace an Objective, which is all about what you want rather than what you can do for the employer. There should be quantifiable data to support your accomplishments. This provides concrete information about what you can do for the company. Show career progression in your level of responsibility. Prove your continued intellectual vitality and a dedication to professional development by detailing recent coursework, certifications or other skill enhancements relevant to today's business challenges.2. Exhibit how you stay on top of technology trends including those of the Internet, Windows-based programs and social media. For example, establish or update your LinkedIn profile or develop a web portfolio to show your ability to incorporate cutting-edge marketing tools and put the URL on your rsum.3. Eliminate or modify anything that makes you seem out of step or out of date. This includes your rsum, appearance, communications and even what you do for extracurricular activities. These are separate considerations from what you know as a competent professional in your field. This is about how you are perceived as a person.4. Demonstrate your knowledge of the current marketplace, industry changes and daily challenges facing employers, and connect these to your ability to be a problem-solver. Proven accomplishments, creative solutions and the ability to collaborate to deliver results are key qualifications employers are seeking.5. Exhibit adaptability by considering or proposing alternative work situations such as project-to-project, contract, consulting, temporary or telecommuting to decrease in-house expenses. You might create your own "portfolio career" by working part-time for multiple employers rather than just one. These are often great ways to secure permanent positions by proving your value on the job.The advantage of being a mature worker is that you bring a lot of stability, experience, presence, knowledge and wisdom to the table. Apply the above-mentioned ideas and you'll appear years younger. Personal branding is hot key these days. It's what makes you stand out from the crowd. Make sure you get noticed for all the right reasons.
