Any DU'ers out there, 55+ looking for a job?

[bettyellen]

82. It's about not letting them put you in a box, appearing active, vibrant and in touch with the times

Looking like you take care of yourself, and are conscious of how others perceive things. And So many job applicants screw up by showing up late, calling for directions, exposing butt crack and wearing baseball caps, looking like sad sacks or staring at their smart phones. Yeah, people of all ages do need lessons in what not to do or wear!

In a tough economy, many really don't want anybody that doesn't "fit in" to their workplace.
I freelanced for years, and learned to be a bit of a chameleon and edit out or push certain skills and job experience depending on the job offered. I had at least 20 versions of my resume at any given time. I researched companies and used their buzzwords and job ads phraseology in my resume and cover letters. People are blown away when you present as exactly what they are looking for. I don't think you have to be phony young, but a positive enthusiastic open minded outlook and great grooming helps allay their fears immensely. And no one in their fifties needs to putting 30 year old jobs or diplomas out there to be shot down. Pragmatically, you have to make age a non-issue as much as you can.

Everyone embarking on a job search some very basic versatile but stylish clothes that made them look together and professional. It's not a horrible trade off for a job, many places have ridiculously relaxed dress codes these days.
I learned to project both intelligence and an easier going persona (make them less intimidated by your experience) because I had learned the hard way how much people value that team player shit.

What ageists are afraid of is cranky, judgmental, entitled and out of touch people who are stuck in the mud. If you have any of those traits, hide them... and keep them hidden around coworkers.