I find it hard to find work. I am 53 yrs old and it seems employers want younger employees assuming they know more re computer skills. I am completely computer literate. I have over 35 yrs of "computer-data entry" exp. I recently updated my skills by taking a course. How do I access job info re your website?

— Miss Maxine

Dear Miss Maxine,

 

Thanks for writing and describing a challenge that other visitors to our Coming of Age site may be experiencing.  While some employers may think younger employees have better computer skills, your job search efforts need to be focused on finding those employers who do not hold that faulty assumption.  Networking and using your personal contacts to identify unadvertised openings will help to reduce the competition from younger applicants.  Tell people about your job search; past managers and co-workers, relatives, friends, neighbors, your hairdresser and others might be able to connect you with your next job.

 

You wrote that you have 35 years of computer-data entry experience.  Be certain that your salary expectations are realistic for the jobs for which you are applying - salary.com is an excellent resource for salary information.  Sometimes employers assume that they cannot afford you if they see that you have substantial experience.  Include a researched salary range in your cover letter when responding to ads that ask for salary requirements.

 

You have already taken a very positive step by taking a course to update your skills.  Be sure this course is on your resume and mentioned in your cover letter when applying for jobs.  Did you ask the instructor or program that offered this course if they had any job leads? 

 

At this time, we do not have any specific job listings on our site.

 

Thanks for writing and good luck with your search.