Stay current to overcome age bias

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You may recall the column I wrote a few weeks ago about a friend, still working full time, who was recruited by a competitor shortly after his 70th birthday. An update: He celebrated his 72nd birthday this week, and just last week he received a third recruiting call from another local competitor. In the meantime, three months ago, he was promoted in his current job."Stay relevant, focus on the present and future, keep yourself youthful physically and mentally, and be productive", he says. He also told me that he tries to understand his employer's needs, and although he's been around to see trends occur and reoccur, he adjusts to each change realizing that each recurrence brings a new twist that fits with the present."It does little good to tell younger managers that the present comes from the past", he says. They'll learn for themselves as time goes by". When talking to prospective employers, he says that the most important thing you can communicate is what you are prepared to do for them today, not what you did 25 years ago.Does this mean that age discrimination doesn't exist? Absolutely not. And there's no question that age bias is more prevalent in some industries than others, but a lot of the problems connected to age discrimination exist when a job seeker anticipates them. If you look for a problem, you generally will find it. Look for age problem "red flags"......- In your resumes and cover letters, including dates of education and how far back in work history you go. Stay relevant in the past 10 - 12 years.- In your dress and presence. Check your interview outfits and grooming making sure you look current and professional.- Your communication. Talk about your recent accomplishments and steer clear of talking about how things were "back in the day".- Keep yourself youthful through exercise and diet. If you look fit and sound fit, you must be fit.- If you're not computer savvy, get up to speed. The same goes for current movies, TV shows, and music. You don't have to listen or watch, but be savvy; be able to walk the walk!- If you have young children or grandchildren, enlist their help. They'll love helping you become totally awesome!Marvin Walberg is a job search coach. Contact him at mwalberg(at)bellsouth.net, marvinwalberg.blogspot.com, or PO Box 43056, Birmingham, AL 35243.