Job searchers remember: age is just a number

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A friend of mine, in his middle 40s, came by to see me and brag a little. He was being wooed by two different organizations to make a job change and he felt pretty smug. He told me he felt excited to be fought over and believed that, after 20 years in his industry, he knew why. He felt in control in interviews for the following reasons:-- He was very experienced in his industry, but always tried to communicate to potential employers not only his ability to continue learning new approaches and adaptations, but he insisted that he be able to be in a position to continue learning. In other words, he has 20 years experience in his field, but no one knows everything and everyone should maintain an attitude for mental growth and progressive change. -- Change happens in every industry, sometimes only incrementally, but it does change and we must be able to adapt for the benefit of our customers whether or not we personally believe in the changes. We should be able to lead and educate rather than dictate personal opinion.-- He truly loves his work, but instead of jumping up and down with exuberance, he showed his passion with accomplishments in his field. He demonstrated his youthful energy and zest for his work through measurable productivity, and he was careful to communicate mature self-assurance.You'll notice that he never referred to his age. Do you know why? He doesn't believe his age is relevant other than placing him square into the prime of his working lifetime. His age gives him the benefit of 20 years of experience with more than 20 more years to give an employer. He is an experienced, mature veteran young enough to offer another working lifetime to any employer. He is not over-the-hill at 40-something; he's right where he can offer optimum productivity. A good place to be! He surely can say, "Show me the money!"I want to thank my friend for sharing his experience, and even though a change might take him to a different city, today's technology will keep him close by.Believe in yourself, document your accomplishments, and keep yourself young mentally and physically. Stay in shape and stay connected to today's working lifestyles. Age is only a number, not a condition.(Marvin Walberg is a job search coach. Contact him at mwalberg(at)bellsouth.net, marvinwalberg.blogspot.com, or PO Box 43056, Birmingham, AL 35243.)