Is age a factor in your job search?

     Recently, I have heard several people complain that their age is a factor in their ability to obtain employment, climb the cooperate ladder or relate to their co-workers.  The usual retort is "you are only as old as you feel' or "age is just a number" however, these statements don't make you feel better.  An article in the The Huffington Post (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ dated 12-22-10) listed 21 obsolete items which included VCRs, Dial up Internet, CDs, landlines phones, and fax machines.  As a baby boomer, we remember when these items were the state of the art.  However, there are things that are now obsolete that will impact your job search. 
      Consider, your job search.  In the old days, everyone checked the classified ads in the Sunday paper.  Today, you go to craigslist, or the company's online job board.  You don't mail or fax your resume  but complete one online or email it to potential employers.  Researching potential employers required the use of the telephone book, encyclopedias, directories, and catalogs.  Today, a Google search can provide a wealth of information.  You could also do a blog search and  consult Face book.
       The intangible qualities (ie being organized, responsible) that everyone promoted and office skills (ie typing and the ability to use office equipment such as the  fax or copier) were standard questions.  These skills are obsolete.  Time management is automated because your smart phone has a calendar function that can integrate both your personal and business activities and provide you with reminders.  No reason to request directions to the office for the interview because you can rely on the negation function on your phone.  Your knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Power Point and Excel) are the skills of today.  So how do you disclose your age on your resume or in your cover letter?

1. Did you type or hand write it?  These are both No Nos! Please take a course at the local community college or State employment office to learn how to use a computer.
2. Did you mention any of the afore mentioned obsolete items ie fax machine?  
3. Check your spelling and vocabulary?  Terms, phrases, spelling have changed.  Are you using terminology that is obsolete or unique to your previous employer?  If you need help, ask a young person to proofread your letter and resume.  If they don't understand a term or phrase, most likely your interviewer will not either.
4.  Addresses:  Companies like people move.  Are you using an address, phone number or email address that is dated and no longer valid?  Take the time to confirm this information.  If the site you worked at is now closed ask them how should it be listed. 
5. Phone numbers and email address:  Your employer may not have physically moved but they might have relocated in cyber space.  Include the area code and check the number.  You may want to include the extension rather than have someone have to travel the menu tree.  Get the email address of previous employers.  
6. Position titles:  positions could be consolidated or renamed.  Should someone contact a previous employer, the new HR person might not be familiar with the title you held.  Ask them would is the current title and use it or explain the position in your cover letter. 

Thank you letters are not obsolete however, please email their thank you notes.  Don't waste time writing a letter.  Post your response immediately.  Remember to ask for the interviewer's business card so that you can have the correct address.