You're obviously concerned that you may have one major strike against you--your age. I'd even go as far as to say you're fixated on it. So before we go any further, let's get this under control or it will control you as it sounds like it does now, and potentially sabotage your job search.

Everyone has what I call a "perceived liability." For some, it's their gender, race or education. In your case, it's your age. You believe, in a nutshell, that once an employer puts two and two together how long you've been on this planet, he or she will think, "Uh oh, he's old, sick and slow."

Now let's just say, I think I have one strike against me because I'm a female with two young children. I'm afraid employers will think, "Will she be dependable? What if her kids get sick? What if school is closed? Who will take care of her kids?" So as a result of my fear, I come up with a list of characteristics that I want an employer to know about me so he or she won't think twice about my dependability. I focus on telling them I rarely miss work, I get my work done on time, that type of thing.

What am I missing? The big picture, that's what. What about the fact that I have umpteen years experience as a financial whiz who has worked for one of the nation's largest manufacturers and led the development of an innovative system that tracked sales internationally, and the fact that I have expertise in new business development, sales presentations and contract negotiations? What about all that? That's what I should be concentrating on.

Yes, it's important to include the fact that you have a reputation as a dedicated and loyal employee who always meets deadlines on time and within budget. Get that in there too--and that's how you communicate it. But give the employer more reasons than that to want to meet you.

Attack this cover letter with complete confidence and belief in yourself. To do that, you can't let this age issue be the driving force. Sure, your age could cross an employer's mind. But don't assume that will keep you from playing in the game. If you do, you definitely have a major strike against you because you are letting it affect how your market yourself.

Your job search strategy should focus mostly on talking to the hundreds of people you've met, worked with and for and decision makers you've developed relationships with in your rich career. This is how most jobs are found. If people know you, like you and are familiar with your great work, you've got a much better chance to be considered for jobs than if you're a stranger answering an ad for a job. Most jobs won't be listed in ads anyway.

One more thing: Be prepared to talk about why the company is going under. An employer is probably going to probe this. And since your position was a key financial role in the company, they might be thinking you contributed to it through shoddy work. So have a solid explanation that doesn't indict you and doesn't talk poorly about anyone else. Don't dwell on this. Once you give this brief explanation, move on, telling the employer what skills and expertise you're looking forward to contributing to a new company.

© by Andrea Kay