Finding A Job Over 50: Life & Happiness With Laura Rowley (VIDEO)

The February employment report comes out this week, and economists are hoping for more good news on the job front. In January, the unemployment rate fell to 8.3 percent. The picture also improved for people age 55 or older: Unemployment in this demographic fell to 5.9 percent from 6.2 percent in December -- the first time it has been below 6 percent since February 2009. Still, it's tough terrain for the long-term unemployed. Huff/Post50's Laura Rowley offers some tips to improve your chances of getting hired in the video above.

Comments

[dyslexialogistics]

10:32 AM on 02/28/2012

That video was not realistic, my husband has been out work for many months and sends his resume via e-mail on a daily basis. Even if he did update his wardrobe, it would do no good because he gets no opportunities to be interviewed in person. My female friend says the same thing. The rules have changed. It's very discouraging, but giving up is not an option...

[brendabfromfl]

07:54 AM on 02/28/2012

I'm over 50 and lost my job over a year ago. It's distressing! However, I haven't given up hope. What is amazing to me is that for work purposes, I'm in the prime of my life, I've got no children issues, my health is amazingly good, I'm smart and capable. Last week I dropped into my local unemployment help office and the woman told me she would get me a job and I believe her. One of the problems in today's world is that no one wants to 'see' us. Everything is done online. Online, you can't see that I'm smart or capable and heck, I might even appear old, which I'm not. The woman that I dealtt with at the workforce office, flat out laid it out, go to your office, get to know the staff. They deal with the employers and they can recommend you as the person that would work for their office.

DON'T GIVE UP! Be proactive!

[DEmusicman]

12:36 PM on 03/01/2012

Sorry but you have ALL the things they do NOT want

[breakingpoint]

03:58 AM on 02/28/2012

start a bank -

the best way to rob a bank is to own one

works on Wall Street

[stephendavisz]

01:59 AM on 02/28/2012

When it comes to unemployment it’s been a tale of two recessions, with level of education playing an unprecedented role in whether you’ve been pink slipped or not. Getting a degree from High Speed Universities is the only solution

[lesleypalmer]

12:53 AM on 02/28/2012

I am 61, and my advice to those my age and older is...go back to school and learn a new trade, where older people are welcomed. I have been "aged out" of the graphics business, and though I do freelance, I need another income stream to support myself into my "retirement". I've settled on a new path as a state-certified home healthcare provider. Accredited education in a private school is under $2,500 and they do not discriminate against older students (unlike community colleges-who, for better or worse, try to fill their slots with young high school graduates...sigh, it is frustrating) It is not a high-paying position, but there is a great need. If you like working hands-on with people in a one-on-one setting, providing assistance and companionship, this is the job for you! At my age, pursuing an LVN is too costly, so this is what I am doing. Wish me luck!

[grd]

07:16 AM on 02/28/2012

Good luck!

[lesleypalmer]

01:49 PM on 02/29/2012

Thank you, grd!

[DEmusicman]

12:37 PM on 03/01/2012

And where is that - where older epople are welcomed? No where I have seen...we're treated as if WE caused this mess, especailly by the very people who DID - republinuts and their sponsors, the rich!

[lesleypalmer]

02:14 PM on 03/01/2012

I know it is frustrating. I am doing the best I can to survive in the least hostile work environment where I can continue to be employed. The fact that many people think that those over 55 caused the economic collapse is false. In fact, as my rapidly shrinking 401K can attests to...I am certainly not part of the 1%. I know that the rich and in particular, Republicans, are responsible for the economy. But, I do not have the luxury, nor the time, to assign blame as I try to support myself.

[arthrbaum]

12:40 AM on 02/28/2012

Laura..the only jobs available today is 'Newts' school Jobs '' the toilets'' for 10 to 12 year olds..or Mitts washing his wife's Cadillacs' or Ricks Church sweeping holy floors or handing out Aspirins to young girls!,or Rons housemaid hot -curling his sons hair on a daily bases.''.what 'da' you tink kid!''

[arthrbaum]

12:26 AM on 02/28/2012

Laura,what dont you get! ...America needs a new civil rights law 'ala 1960s..restaurants: old people over50 not allowed to sit at the younger than 50 counter..restrooms over50 there's a separate entrance read the signs please! /...the Young the other side please!,also..over 50 must sit at the back of the BUS! in the senior seats...about.jobs if your over 50 ,a retiree..or,computer,ipad,smart phone-' illiterate',or a coupon clipper,wear a tie clip, or Velcro flap shoes..your finished!.. welcome to the Future America!

[DEmusicman]

12:38 PM on 03/01/2012

Thank you and well said!!!

[geoff ward]

11:14 PM on 02/27/2012

can i have my money back please.

[Frank David Nall]

10:11 PM on 02/27/2012

And i should listen to a woman give job advice while she has a makeover?

[DrJon]

09:06 PM on 02/27/2012

I started a business and the cops haven't caught me yet!