Coming of age: Workers have plenty to offer

The good news for workers 50 and older is that job opportunities are expected to improve. The U.S. workforce is aging and the shortage of experienced workers fuels a positive outlook for mature workers who need or want to continue working and earning.

Healthier than previous generations, many of the nation’s more than 76.4 million Baby Boomers want to stay active and continue working for financial or other reasons. However, to land a job you’ll likely have to deflect a slew of stereotypes that exist despite laws against age discrimination, says career expert Jeanette Woodward. “I think you have to assume it’s a hostile environment out there and that there are a lot of stereotypes to overcome. Your arsenal better be well stocked before you enter the fray.”

As a mature worker, you have the advantage of extensive experience, abilities and interests from a long work history. You will likely have a greater quantity and quality of achievements than younger job candidates, so emphasize results that set you apart.

In each job, what special things did you do to set yourself apart? How did you leave your employers better off than before you worked for them? Accomplishments are the points that really help sell you to an employer – much more so than everyday job duties.

Workers 50 or older have a definite advantage when it comes to networking, which is the best way to find job opportunities and get information.

You’ve likely had several decades’ worth of acquaintances to draw from, which will help expand your list of job prospects and land an interview more quickly. Start by reconnecting with friends, neighbors, current and former colleagues, previous employers, college alumni and members of community groups.