"It seemed like most of the positions available are junior," many of my Candidates observe. "The ads say, 'Must have ten years-plus years' experience and a boat load of different technologies and languages.' That's the mask that the job market puts on itself through the screening process. You've expanded your target market and sought out jobs that were not quite "the right" level, but still get rejected and sometimes told that you're "overqualified," the more politically correct version of too old.

The Careerpilot

The current job market has increasingly become a talent-deficient marketplace, even with the current unemployment levels. That anyone in this market would say that, "I want somebody underqualified or just on par would be pretty silly."

Silly or not, older professionals often hear that answer during interviews. But such job seekers can adopt strategies to cope with these rejections. Further, coming to grips with the age issue in your career is a vital part of career FITness.

Coming across as the old guy (or gal) at work can cost you when it comes to raises, promotions, and layoffs. There's no upside to appearing stale -- much less ancient -- in today's workforce, where job security is as elusive as the gophers Bill Murray stalked in "Caddyshack."

 If you saw that movie in a theater, you fit the Careerpilot’s chrono-age profile!

 Having the appearance or presence of “the old-timer” could sabotage your chances of getting a raise or promotion, even if there's no immediate risk of losing your job. Sure, many companies value older workers for their organizational knowledge, industry expertise, network and mentoring capacity. But you can't rest on those laurels in a rapidly changing workplace.

RESUME TIP:  Sprinkle in accomplishment statements that address these positives without attaching the thought to tenure.

Not that it's easy.  It’s natural to be intimidated by the high tech savvy shown by younger colleagues. Who doesn't occasionally think that previous ways of doing things were better or more productive?   Do you sometimes find yourself hoping to muddle through till retirement?

It's okay to think these things -- you just don't want to be projecting them in the way you talk, dress, or do business. Watch for these signs that you're adding to your work age…

Resume “Traps”

Issue#1: Over 45 with no clear, consistent pattern of success and career development.

Solution: Feature employment “most like” the position you seek… use sub headings to organize bullets (like a mini-functional resume for that position)… control vertical space, especially with “ancient history.”  Show most recent training that supports your objectives.

Issue#2:  Dates that age you, like high school and college graduation… even “old” training events.

Solution:  Cover such dates verbally only… remove from resume.

Issue#3:  No mention of technology training or usage.

Solution: State evidence of all use of technology, especially as appropriate for your objectives… watch out for dated evidence!

Issue#4:  You are over sixty

Solution:  You may not even need a resume… avoid traditional marketplace avenues… network, Network… and NETWORK some more.  There are employers who prefer mature, experienced employees.

Read the original article…

How to age-proof your career  Additional reporting by Lauren Kelleher and Beth Braverman contributed to this article. 

   >> Understated Qualifications   >> The Related Negotiation Issue   >> Writing A GREAT Resume

The Job Market's Mask Series: Your Resume | Career FITness | Keeping Up With Technology