Age and Sex Discrimination... Really?

I continue to be fascinated by people in the 40's (or 50's or 60's for that matter) who blame their job search predicament or career woes on their age and their sex, things they have no control over. Sadly, many career counselors and professional groups often promulgate these theories rather than challenge them.

The bottom line is every human being is their own unique personal brand. If they believe they are too old to compete against people who are less mature, less managerially savvy and have a brighter upside, then they are. If they believe they are being hindered from growth in their workplace as a result of the "old boys club" which holds them down, then they will be.

Our mind, energy, confidence and motivation should only get better as we enrich our knowledge base through diversified people interactions and an attitude of positive change for ourselves and those around us, every day.

I'm 48 and still working towards my business prime. Now if you want to talk about my tennis game, that's a different story.

New Years Resolutions for the Job Seeker

New World I will recognize that finding a job in 2010 job search has no correlation to my past job searches.
In Control I will make no excuses and put no blame on others.
Always Selling I will put on my sales hat, no matter how much that intimidates me.
Contacts are Key I will push myself to practice my communication everyday through aggressive networking and public groups (Toastmasters anyone?)
Beyond My Comfort Zone I will meet people outside of my comfort zone and field of expertise to enhance my contacts and spur my creativity.
No Presumptions I will recognize that it only takes one job to end my job search, but I won't stop "hunting" until the deal is sealed.
Obstacles not Opportunities I won't cry about my age, my confidence, my looks, my resume, my background - but seek to turn any potential employer objection into an attractive retort.
The Golden Touch I will get my resume and my cover letter buttoned up so that when I look at them fresh each day, I like, no love how I present my Brand.
Always Networking I will recognize that I need to continuously promote myself in order to land the new job.

Words You Shouldn't Hear in an Interview

In my younger days, I interviewed with an International Real Estate Holding Company and the process was going terrific with the final step to be a meeting with the high powered, high ego CEO. I sat down in his office, we shook hands, he looked at me straight in the face and the first words out of his mouth were "You don't know "!%&$". I lifted my jaw from the floor, looked him straight in the eye and replied, "I disagree" and confidently detailed the ways in which I would deliver value into his organization. I got the job offer the next day, but responded Thank You, But No Thank You. Lesson Learned- No one is motivated by intimidation.

TV Interview- Tips for Professionals Seeking Jobs

Kane in Your Corner- 71009- Eric Frankel

My TV Debut- ready for more opportunities ahead!

Ask This... Before You Accept the Job Offer

I helped a neighbor recently in deciding about an attractive job offer. “Heather” is an operations manager with very marketable skills and in a long-time situation which has recently soured. Although her employer is a great company, it’s time to move on, when the right opportunity presents itself.

Her offer was attractive, she really liked the two business owners and her instincts said yes. I suggested she respond to the offer with one simple request... "I would like to review your financials- I'll sign a confidentiality agreement and the review will be done with you present." The prospective employers immediate response; “No one has ever asked that before. No way.”

Heather is going to work today knowing she made the right decision to stay where she is. And she is much better armed to ensure when she does make a move, it will be the right one.