Whether fair or not, age discrimination does exist in today’s workplace, and it is important for older job seekers to be prepared for the challenges they will face. In most cases the discrimination older workers face will not be overt; after all discriminating against job applicants on the basis of age alone is illegal. Instead, the discrimination will likely be more subtle; applicants may never know the reason they did not get the job had anything to do with age. The reasons some companies shy away from older workers are varied, but they include worries about health care costs and fears that older workers will not remain in their jobs over the long haul.

The truth of the matter is older workers have a great deal to offer in the workplace and many companies are actively looking for older, more stable and more experienced workers. By placing the focus on what they are able to contribute, older workers can not only succeed but thrive in even the most challenging job environment.

Older workers bring different things to the table than their younger and less experienced counterparts, and it is important for them to focus on their areas of strength and expertise. While there is no one magic formula for getting a great job, older workers may find success by using the following tips:

• Emphasize accomplishments over experience – a long job history filled with increasing responsibility is good, but it can also emphasize a worker’s age to would-be employers. Instead of focusing merely on dates of employment, a well crafted resume should focus on accomplishments.
• Focus on relevant experience – older workers have a wealth of experience from which to draw upon and emphasizing the experience most relevant to the job being sought is vital. Industry certifications and completed training can help older workers compete against their younger peers while reassuring hiring managers that they are up to speed on the latest developments in their industry.
• Highlight recent education instead of decades old degrees – recently attended training and college courses look great on the older worker’s resume. While it is still important to list all education on the resume, the focus should be on the most recent and relevant.
• Keep your network active – networking is an essential skill no matter what your age, but it is particularly important for older workers to stay in touch with their peers and colleagues in their industry. Older workers can use the contacts they have built up over the years to find out who is hiring and what skills are in the highest demand. An older worker’s access to a larger network of contacts gives them a distinct advantage over their younger counterparts.

Landing the right job can be challenging for older workers but by focusing on their strengths they can turn a perceived disadvantage in to an advantage.