Ten Tips on finding a job when you are over 40, by Tracy Utting.

1. Do not add your date of birth to your resume.
   I would not add my marital status or whether I have children either. Whilst these may be interesting information during social chit-chat they have no relevance to your ability to do a particular job.

2. Only include on your resume the information relevant to the job you are applying for.
   Long resumes may be skimmed over and may not serve as an advertisement for your ability to competently perform the job which has been advertised.

3. Don't feel defensive about your age.
   It is more important to convince the interviewer that you are the best person for the job.

4. If you are over 40, as with any age really, fitness, attention to grooming and diet are very important elements of your strategy in securing employment.
   The type of people who attend to these important issues are the type of people I would like to work with.

5. Use your research skills and find out as much as you can about the position and company you are seeking employment from.
   A genuine interest in the people who are interviewing you should leave a favourable impression.

6. Keep your skills up-to-date and relevant.
   If you have been out of the workforce for a while I recommend you consider a course to update your skills and confidence.

7. Stay involved in community events, voluntary work and social times with friends and family.
   These activities may help to keep you in a positive and happy frame of mind and provide networking opportunities.

8. If your income is limited whilst you are out of work be very careful with your budget.
   Overspending and the consequential debts will add stress to your life.

9. Let everyone know you are looking for employment.
   Many jobs are gained through word of mouth.

10. Access papers, the internet and local places of employment.
    Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities.

Thanks to Rachel's Reflections subscriber, Tracy Utting, Business Development Manager from Health Insurance Fund of WA, www.hif.com.au

Further Information

"Midlife and Happiness" contains positive stories about being over 40.

Best wishes,
Rachel Green
PO Box 344, KELMSCOTT, Western Australia 6991.
Phone: +61 8 9390 1188. Fax +61 8 9390 1199
E-mail: