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OK we can complain and even understand to a point but what can we do?

We can't make ourselves younger, after a certain point hair dye looks fake. We can't prove our value, all we have is a resume and recommendations. We can't make ourselves cost less to employ?

What do we do about it?
Has anybody beat this discrimination and got employed?
What actually works with employers?

I recently attended a short workshop (about 2 hours): "Using Age To Your Advantage" that was held @ the Lynn (MA) Career Center. I'm not sure if this workshop is held @ other career centers but I suspect it is. I recommend that you check it out. I don't know if it will be of help to me in my job search but it DID provide me with some very useful tips & insight that I am, most certainly, going to practice. I would be happy to share some of the brochures & other useful information that I was provided to those who are interested. But I strongly urge readers to check it out.

But, to the "Do you think age discrimination still exists for older workers?" Yes, I most assuredly do. And because of the economic tsunami we are all experiencing, I am of the opinion it will get worse before it gets better. We live in a culture where it is an "accepted" philosophy that "older citizens" retire to make way for the next generation. And historically, we have complied. But with the decimation of "mature workers" 401k's, IRA's & other retirement portfolios, seniors are forced to work well beyond the years they did in years past. To be sure, seniors, baby boomers and the like have continued to work but in today's economic climate, they are finding it necessary to compete for the "serious" jobs: i.e. fulltime, full pay, benefits, vacations, etc...that, once upon a time, they may have been able to forego BECAUSE we had those retirement packages to help sustain & support us. Additionally, as a society, we live far longer than, say, OUR parents did. Add this all together and the math is qute clear.

But I also believe we mature workers have a lot more going for us than many of our younger counterparts whom we are competing against. I think most in this forum can agree. We possess a work ethic that is seriously lacking elsewhere, for one. Regardless of where your politics lie, VP Joe Biden said it best: "There's a dignity to work". And no one understands that more clearly than us. We're not afraid of work. We show up on time, focus on the task at hand. We're stable. We don't want to job hop. We have the experience and maturity that only comes with the wisdom of our years. What's left to be done is to convince those, to whom we interact & interview, to convince them of this. And a positive attitude goes a long way.

Although reports that some businesses are beginning to do call backs from layoffs the prognosis is that the labor force will not return to what it was before the collapse. That means you will be competeing for positions along side 30 and 40 year old job seekers. Currently there are so many out of work the plight of the 50 plus is off the radar. We barely get noticed when the economy is thriving and competition with younger applicants is less. I've read several columns about what's needed in general to find employment. Preparation is key to helping you. Learn about the company and have questions for the interviewer. Presentation is also important. You should have at least one suit that is tailored of well fitting. I the past I've done technical interviews for hiring temps and had individuals show up in street clothes or in need of some kind of hygene. Everytime I was in their situation I would have a suit dry cleaned before each interview plus new shoes and shirts once I was laid off. This was due to comments from HR personnel when we were discussing interviewees. It's important to make a good first impression. As Reggie said you can't make yourself younger but you can present yourself in the best light. At least you know you did your best.

There are some individuals in this group that have made a success out of the internet. I'm not fond of MLMs but am researching what other possibilities are out there. Some of the other groups provide training and instruction in web design or hobbies. You may have talents that are in demand. It's worth reseaching. Also, as I've said again and again look at the small business seminars. It's inexpensive and if nothing else provides insight into what you are willing or not willing to do.

Thanks for all the good information!

Definitely agree with all that has been written here.

I have been at work as a constuction tradesman for a Gym & Phyical Therapy place for the last 4 + yrs. and now I ma a janitor and I am turning 63 in January. My work at no complaints, but because of the lack of jobs I was booted and downsized because of women that will do the job cheaper and their half my age and I am still faster then these younsters, God Bless them.

I'm a 61 yr old female living in a college town. I lost my job 9 yrs ago and can't find anything full time that pays decent because I always have to compete against new college grads. I can't even get an interview. I had one interview about 2 yrs ago and as soon as I walked in the room I was told the job was filled. But a young friend of mine who also applied had an interview a day later. She asked if many others had applied and was told no one else applied. I have been told I look young for my age but it doesn't seem to matter.As far as not being allowed to ask your age, some companies get around that by asking when you graduated from high school, and if you're filling out an online application you can't leave that area blank or it won't advance to the next question. I can't even get hired at the local Walmart or McDonalds. Where does one go from there?

I'm 2 and 1/2 years down that same road.

I think our only option is self employment but taking the skills we have and figuring out how to market them cheaply is the problem.

I think that after looking for work for so many years maybe we should start an advice column in the paper or something.

Other people have said start as a volunteer and they will offer paid work when they see what you can do. Maybe that works.

Well, I applied for a job at Starbucks and got turned down. Or I should say I was "not selected". While I noticed that most of the applicants were under 30 there were a few in their 50's or 40's. I'm 60. I offered up being able to work 7 days a week from 5AM to 10PM. Others I overheard couldn't work this day or that due to school constraints or other time problems. The interview went well and I thought it was positive. So where did I or they go wrong? Must be age because I certainly could do the job of cashier or barista? So what does one do about it? File an age discrimination suit? Just felt stupid that I wasn't hired. Hell it's Starbucks not Strategicbucks.

Let me tell everyone out there that age discrimination is alive and well... Age 53 Busines went out.
Took me 1 yr 24 days to find a job

I will no tell you the 2 co. that I applied for a job--but they werre both Major CO. They both told me I was too old and they were looking for younger people... YES--- That is what they said.. Both intervewis said It is your word against mine... Now-- they were younger and very polite.. Wish I had a recorder on me at the time