• Accountants
• Athletic trainers
• Biomedical engineers
• Child care and day care workers
• College teachers
• Customer service reps
• Federal, state & local government-funded projects
• Financial examiners
• Food service & preparation workers
• Home health aides
• Medical scientists
• Network/data system analysts
• Office clerks
• Physician assistants
• Registered nurses
• Skin-care specialists

          The Interview: Successful Strategies For Those 50+

Once you land an interview for work in any field, you can boost the possibility of getting the position by following tried and true interview techniques. This week, we focus on special strategies for those who are age 50 and older. Next week, we'll discuss the right moves for job applicants of all ages.

Once you've lined up the interview, consider the fact that you may be interviewed by someone who is young enough to be your son or daughter. So don't make a big thing about your age or that of the interviewer. Resist saying, "Oh, you look so much like my son" or "My daughter graduated from the same school."

The Three E's

Instead, focus on the Three E's: being energetic, enthusiastic and engaging. Point out that you love a challenge. If you jog, play tennis, swim or are a great bridge or chess player, quietly work this into the conversation.

And, stress your ability and willingness to learn new technology. This is not a situation in which to be proud of being cell phone-free or being an enthusiast for the first version of Word or the IBM self-correcting typewriter.

Although you should wear something that doesn't date you (like your old college pleated skirt with knee socks or a narrow necktie from the sixties), don't go overboard and select an "in" outfit that looks attractive only an a skinny 25-year-old. And forget about frayed blue jeans, anything with holes in it and tee-shirts with in-your-face logos.

If you haven't been on an interview in recent years and are wondering how you should dress, check with friends who are currently in positions similar to the ones in which you are interested. For many job interviews, a suit is the way to go for both men and women. However, for positions in more casual environments, a suit might be overkill.

Discrimination

Note: If you are 40 or older, it is unlawful to be turned down for a job because of age.

If you feel you have been discriminated against because of age, don't stand still; don't bury the fact. Instead, call the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at: 800-669-4000. This group will conduct an investigation to determine if indeed your rights have been violated.

Other Helpful Sources

o The American Association of Retired Person (www.aarp.org) regularly updates information about what firms are currently recruiting older workers. Within the association's website, check out: www.aarp.org/jobs and www.aarp.org/communitygroups/TheWaterCooler.

o Employers around the country seeking older workers continually post open positions at: www.retirementjobs.com.

o If you are collecting Social Security, be sure to read "How Work Affects Your Social Security Benefits." It's free from your local Social Security office. Or, download at: www.ssa.gov/pubs.

- Nancy Dunnan