What are the obstacles facing individuals returning to the job market after 50 years old?

[Marla]

How to make yourself competitive and what are employers looking for in a older candidate.

[Dazey]

Marla- Welcome to this boat - I'm a few years behind you, but just went through this myself. I'm back into personnel, spent many years hiring, and I often needed and valued mature professional folks to fill positions, we still do.

Areas such as working with youth, entry level at halfway houses, retail, and receptionist in professional businesses especially look for and hire classic experienced folks. You may want to take a community computer skills class if you feel you need that experience, especially in a specific area such as spreadsheets - or if you're pretty handy with your computer at home, get that down on the resume, that certainly counts also. Sales and technology based companies tend to look for younger ones, this type of computer education could get you in to one of these more "modern" types of jobs. I found that gaining experience as a substitute teacher, becoming a Notary Public, and opening my own small side business were useful on my resume as I worked my way back into the professional world. Working for a temp agency, such as Kelly Services, can get you back in the door, and some computer training. I used to travel alot and worked with Kelly Services when I was state-side and in Europe- they were very good about training me and increasing my resume value. I had several offers to buy out my Kelly contract and only typed 40 wpm but I was thorough and very professional. Remember that these are just stereotypes - you go for whatever you want to try, just keep your head up and look confident.
Older employers around our age will tend to value us more, some of them don't get the "Twitter" generation. They tend to look for professionally dressed well-spoken folks who can represent their businesses well. In the interview, speak as a professional adult. No "yup", the word is "yes". No "I'm gonna", but "I'm going to", etc.
We have about one-tenth of a second to make a first impression - this is going to count so polish up, every hair in place, not too much make-up. Keep to a classic look that reflects our age, but in a healthy youthful sense. For example, don't try to use the latest trends or attempt to look much younger than we are. Classic length skirts or dresses below the knee but above the ankle. No puffy sleeves or shoulder pads from the eighties. Classic long lines, simple solid colored clothing are always in style. You are better off overdressing than underdressing for an interview. Matched skirt or pant suits are the most professional looking. It does not mean you have to or are required to dress that way at work. Pink lipstick is for "girls", dark red lipstick can look old, go for peach light rose - something in between. A healthy glow and a firm handshake looking someone straight in the eye can open a door. I know it seems silly to spend this much time on your look, but unfortunately it's the reality. The employer needs to literally picture you behind their desk or counter.
The resume hardcopy (vs. sending it on computer) - classic white paper, nothing funky - absolutely no typos, everything lined up perfectly. Try to keep it to one or two pages giving the basics. These resumes are scanned in thirty seconds or less to decide whether they go into the interview pile or the trash. Underline the headings and keep it simple. Do not put your references directly on the resume. Have them typed up and ready to offer if YOU like the job. They have to also fit you, don't come off as desperate.
If you are sending resumes via computer into a employer data base, you need to find out what key words they are looking for based upon what jobs are being offered. They often use computer programs to search for keywords, so find out what they are and get them into your resume so that their computer program picks up on your resume.

I dump resumes with no cover letters right into the trash. No writing "To Whom it may concern", call ahead and find out exactly what name AND TITLE belongs at the top. Tailor your letter to the company you are applying to - specify why you want that job from them. Something very specific about that company that turns you on - nostalgia, some relationship you already have with that business. If you've done your homework about that company and can get that across, that tells them that you are thorough and also hand-picked them to apply to. Another trick is to send your resume in a 9"x13" envelope - don't fold it up. It looks fresh and professional. We're fighting age stereotypes, every detail is to look fresh and professional. Even if you are applying to a job where you fill out an application and don't need a resume, attach it, or at least offer it.
Now onto the content - no time gaps in your resume. If you've been raising a family, then state it with pride. Specify skills you used such as budget management, fund raisers, coaching, any organizational and negotiating skills you've used - get them down as specifically as possible.
If you've been raising kids, try to casually mention that you've sent along honor students, clarinet players, track stars to college. It's your support that got them there.
Make it clear that you sacrificed your career to raise a family - you give 100 percent and take commitments seriously. You are now ready to do the same for that company.
Good luck!

[wishnuwelltoo]

Oh, my, I used to pray for older people. Older people can get to work all by themselves, you don't have to call them and wake them up for work and then call them back to make sure they got out of bed and can make it in to work before noon. Unfortunately with the economy as bad as it is, it is just tough on everyone. Here they report on the news one guy with three degrees and can speak several languages and he got a job as a janitor. So sometimes you just have to take any job to have one. They had a job fair and 600 people applied for the 2 jobs one company had. Some people are taking jobs at temp agencies in hopes of it leading to something permanent. You need to try and make yourself stand out. Dress nicely and firm hand shake and try to focus on your skills. I wouldn't focus so much on age, but dance around the age issue. I would give examples of how you solve problems, or handle situations, and focus on the job they are offering. The older you are, the better you are at customer service, at handling employees and customers alike. You are better at spotting scams, and you are reliable and have a good work ethic. Some employers are looking for experience, and some just want a degree and no experience. They want people with no experience so they can run the business wrong and the new employees won't know what is going on. They can get away with more scams if the employees don't know the job. If you are or have been in the military mention that. I had an employer who only hired people who were in the military because they had a stronger work ethic.

[dashadow]

They just don't want older workers. Always want to some bul---t excuse not to hire you. I got a ten second interview for a retail job(dressed in jacket and tie) the guy in front of me got 26 min(face piercings and tatoos all over). Only difference was he was 30 years younger and I had experience and he didn't. Talked to him afterward and he said "First paycheck and I'm was gone". Go figure.