Laid Off: Looking for Work in Your Fifties

Interesting Article from WSJ.com:

What's more, younger workers are often perceived as job hoppers -- quick to jump from one opportunity to the next. Employers aren't likely to want to invest in training new talent -- especially in this environment -- unless employees are committed and stable.

As to whether or not you include the dates of your degrees, career experts have varying opinions. In most cases, it is a good idea to include them. If your resume attempts to indicate that you are younger by leaving out graduation dates or eliminating 10 years of early career history, "you could run the risk of surprising the interviewer and disqualifying yourself -- not so much because of age, but because you have misled the employer," says Sheryl Spanier, a career coach and consultant. When you include early work experience, it isn't difficult to calculate the general age of a candidate. So why make the recruiter do the math? Leaving out the dates of your degrees may also make it appear that you have something to hide. What's more, many employers verify degrees and will ask you to provide graduation dates, so you might as well provide them. Be sure to include any recent continuing education and dates you completed the work.

For professionals who are in their mid-50s and older, it will be harder to overcome potential employer biases. "If you are a youthful 55, perhaps you could post a professional photo of yourself on LinkedIn, which most recruiters check these days," says Ms. de Lande Long. In addition, in your cover letter, you'll want to differentiate yourself "by showing results, (understanding of) technology and demonstrate ease in interacting with colleagues of all ages," she says.

During the interview process, avoid the "been there, done that" attitude. Instead, show interest, commitment, enthusiasm and energy. "If you're bored with your profession, you can be sure that comes through in an interview," says Susan Chadick, a principal at Chadick Ellig, an executive-search firm serving small and mid-size companies and startups.