Age need not doom job search

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Dear Joan:
I am writing on behalf of myself and probably other women who are in the same situation as I am.

I have been looking for an office clerical position for about one year now. I have many skills including computer experience. The problem, I've been told indirectly, is my age. I am 59 years old.

I have registered with some agencies that deal with people over 55, but I cannot support myself on minimum wage. I am listed with Job Service and have tried the networking system between my family and friends.

I have stopped going to interviews at this point because the stress involved with being turned down all the time is beginning to take it's toll on me. I have been living on savings all this time, but this I can no longer do.

I have tried the temporary agencies but you have to sit by your phone from 8 to 5 every day. If you don't pick up the phone by the third ring, they go on to another name. I hope you have some suggestions.

Answer:
You may be your own worst enemy. The hopelessness you feel is draining all of your proactive energy that could get you out of this mess. The first thing you must do to break this vicious circle is to decide to take action instead of being a passive, helpless victim. You will need to take action on several things: your attitude, your appearance, and your approach.

First, your attitude: Join a support group that can help you. There are many groups run by churches, government agencies, and volunteer groups. Some examples are the Job Forum (call Daniel Hess 228-7475) and the "40 Plus" group (call Ron Mulvaney at 781-2939) and the Women's Center at Waukesha County Technical College.

Unless you can shake off this feeling of despair, you will not come across well during an interview. These support groups will give you the tough love you need to get you on your feet and moving again.

Next, your appearance: If, indeed, your age is a factor, make sure you look vigorous and professional. Ask for some honest feedback about how you look. The job-hunting support group can help you get started. Another place to get help is some of the better department stores and hair salons. They often have a professional on staff who can give you some advice. If you look out of date, employers will assume your skills are out of date, too.

Your age isn't as much a factor as you may think. How you act is more important. If you are open-minded, warm, friendly and energetic, the age factor becomes less important. In fact, some companies prefer older employees because they are more dependable and mature. During interviews, make it a point to talk about how healthy, energetic, and dependable you are.

Finally, your approach: You say you want a job but you're doing everything possible to sabotage any effort to get one. If you don't go on an interview, how can you be hired? If you don't get an answering machine to take your messages, how can you know when someone called? If you don't take assignments from temporary agencies, employers won't ever see what you can do.

Because you're getting interviews, your resume is probably ok. If you're getting interviews but not getting the job, your interview skills need work. Most support groups hold mock interviews and some even have video equipment to tape them. Although this may feel uncomfortable, I strongly suggest that you let them help you improve your interview techniques.

Finally, one of the best things you can do is to get some temporary work through an agency. This will keep your skills current (many will train you on new computer applications), and you will force yourself to get out of the house and put yourself in situations where employers can see what you can do. When you get assignments, do more than what is expected, and take steps to get along well with your co-workers. Show them you can be a great asset to their team.

No one is going to tap you on the shoulder and give you a job. And feeling sorry for yourself will only make matters worse. Why not take some steps to get you what you want? The first step is the most important.