Over 40 Job Seeker: 4 Tips for a New Job or a Promotion

"In about an hour, I'm interviewing my grandfather," joked the recruiter to me. He was a top recruiter who wouldn't have granted an interview if the applicant wasn't qualified.

After the interview, I asked how the interview went.

"Grandpa did good," he said. "I'm scheduling him to meet with the hiring manager."

I smiled with relief. Within a few years, I was turning forty and would qualify to be called a grandma by a younger recruiter.

As a former corporate recruiter who runs a resume and interview preparation service (www.cjuliet.homestead.com), I know that even the most qualified applicant can encounter age, race and gender prejudices within the workplace. While I believe that only God can change the hearts of man, I can certainly offer 4 tips based upon my expertise to assist the over- 40 job seeker with landing a new job or promotion.

1. Flaunt your accomplishments not your job longevity.

"I've been doing this for (enter the number) years. I know what I'm doing." While these comments may impress your mother and a few of your friends, no discerning manager or recruiter will promote or hire you based on the length you've been doing a job.

A discerning manager or a sharp recruiter will look at your current skills and past accomplishments during your number of years on the job. In fact, while longevity on the job was viewed as loyalty in the past, today working in one position for too long is viewed as stagnation. Recruiters or hiring managers may wonder the reason you haven't progressed to another level.

On your resume or during the interview, when boasting about the number of years on your job, don't forget to incorporate your accomplishments.

2. Improve your skills relating to your profession, especially your technical skills.

Stay updated with the latest certifications or what is hot in your industry. Even if you have not obtained the certification, let the hiring manager or recruiter know that you are working toward this goal.