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ACCEPT HELP
Should your previous employer offer you the benefit of outplacement services,
seize this valuable opportunity. Explore the resources of federal and local labor
departments as well as any associations, unions, or industry groups of which you
are a member. Many organizations offer free training programs for which you
may be eligible. Investigate every resource that’s offered to you, and then decide
which ones may suit your needs.
ASSESS YOUR SKILLS
Identifying your unique skills, strengths, and traits can be difficult. It’s not diffi-
cult because you don’t possess any, but because so often we take our own capa-
bilities for granted. So spend some time considering your skills—or ask a friend
or colleague to help you. Jot them down from the most simple (“I can use a com-
puter.”) to the more complex (“I am an ex-
RECRUITER’S TIP pert in Microsoft Access, PowerPoint, and
Publisher.”) to the truly astonishing (“I
HOW TO RIDE THE brought in $25 million in new business as
AGE WAVE a direct result of my Mercury program-
Whether you’re 25 or 75, age ming capabilities.”). For help, be sure to
may play a role in your job use the worksheets in Chapter 3—you can
search despite the fact that the complete them on your computer by using
law prohibits age discrimina- the enclosed CD-ROM. Once you’ve writ-
tion. So be sure to complete the ten down (or typed up) your skills, you
worksheets in Chapter 3. Your can then decide which ones are relevant to
youth may account for more the various positions for which you may
advanced computer skills, an apply. This becomes especially important
understanding of current in- if you’re transferring skills to a new job or
dustry initiatives, or “New industry. In every case, identifying what
Age” management techniques. you can do and what sets you apart from
Your maturity may suggest other candidates is essential.
more in-depth knowledge, a
historic perspective of your in- NETWORK, NETWORK,
dustry or specialty, or experi- NETWORK
ence managing people and You can’t start soon enough or do too
change. Plus, energy, enthusi- much networking. You’re planning your
asm, and adaptability are age- future, after all, so take charge! Begin by
less. So don’t shortchange your- listing all the people to whom you can
self—get comfortable with your talk. Not only those who may have the job
strengths!

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