Finding a job these days is not an easy task – and it’s worse when you’re 50 years old. The job landscape has changed so much over the years, and while companies are not supposed to discriminate with respect to anything other than skill and competency, it is a fact of life that the older one gets, the harder it is to get a job. Looking at the bright side, it may be difficult but it is not impossible! So how do you land a decent job – maybe even your dream job – when you’re “over the hill” as some would say?

Work at it. There’s no going around it, sad to say. Fresh graduates, young people, experienced young professionals – the current state of the job market dictates that the average person has to work hard at finding a good job. You just have to put a lot of effort into it – until you find that job you want. My personal tip: keep sending in your application even if it does not seem that you have a high chance of getting the job. If you want it, at least try to go for it. You never know what the outcome may be!

Make the most of your time. So you do not have that job yet? Do not sit idle when you are not going to interviews. Instead, spend that time to improve yourself – professionally as well as personally. Look for free training sessions. Read up on your field. Sign up for group discussions. Do everything that you can to add to your marketability as a professional.

Build a network. The chances are that you’ve built your own network over the years. Well, there is no reason for you not to continue expanding that network. Participate in various activities that will help you meet people. Charity work, mentoring students, lecturing – whatever you can do that fits your skills and personalities, go ahead and engage in it.

Age does matter for some, but as someone once said, with age comes wisdom and experience. Use that to your advantage!