Age is nothing but another number in the job seeking game!

It seems older job seekers are in limbo during the current economic and hiring landscape. Recent reports from the U.S. Labor Department earlier this month show that unemployment rates are lower for older workers than other age groups. However, that being said, the same report shows that it actually takes these individuals longer to find a new job than any other age group. What does it all mean for the older job seeker in today’s employment landscape?

Older, mature professionals are now job seekers for a number of reasons. Some older job seekers may get discouraged and lose confidence because of their age. However, if you are an older job seeker, stay positive! In today’s evolving job market, not only have the types of jobs out there changed, but so have the individuals who make up the current workforce. Remember that as seasoned professionals, older job seekers are great resources for any company, filled with loads of information and experience!

There are several steps an older job seeker can take to make the most of their job search. First and foremost, take a career inventory. Make a list of all the positions previously held. What tasks were completed? What accomplishments were made? One of the biggest obstacles for older workers is that they may be overqualified for jobs they’re applying to, so try to narrow down experience to what’s really important. Completing this exercise will help get your job search in gear by identifying potential opportunities and serving as a reminder of accomplishments achieved over the years.

I’ll admit it: I’m probably somewhere in the running to becoming LinkedIn’s #1 Fan. I’ve even been known to call LinkedIn “my new best friend” from time to time. Why? In the professional world, LinkedIn can open up a wide range of opportunities. Whether you want to make new connections or just get your name out there, LinkedIn seems to be the best place to do it.

Let me start by saying that there are over 65 MILLION people on LinkedIn. That number includes job seekers, recruiters, hiring managers, executives and regular ol’ joe schmoe’s like me and you. There are tons, and tons, AND TONS of amazing professional opportunities and resources available on LinkedIn.

So, I’ve written this blog post and I dedicate it to all of you out there who may not know, or understand, the power behind a LinkedIn account in your job search. Whether you’re new to the site or a self-proclaimed LinkedIn aficionado, this post is for you.

The first half of 2010 has certainly presented a challenging market for job seekers. Recruiters and hiring managers continue to receive hundreds of resumes every day from a large number of qualified and talented individuals applying to a very limited number of openings.  At a time like this, you really need to make yourself stand out if you even want to get noticed. Companies may not be hiring in mass amounts, but they are certainly open to looking for the talent out there. So how can you differentiate yourself among the other candidates? Let your talent shine! Being able to showcase your skills can be extremely important to today’s job seeker. If you’re good at something and you really want the job – push that modesty to the wayside and let your talent be known!

According to a Q2 Job Forecast released by CareerBuilder, more than a quarter of companies surveyed reported they are considering the option of replacing lower-performing employees for top talent. According to the report, more than one quarter (28 percent) of companies said they plan to replace lower-performing employees with higher-performers in the second quarter. This means that candidates who can really show their worth will stick around, but those who can’t cut it may fall on the chopping block. If you think you can fill in those open gaps and spaces as they gradually open up, go for it and do it confidently. That means you need to describe those things about yourself that will showcase your talents, skills and determination. Tailor your application materials to highlight your relevant skills for each opportunity, based on the job description. Employers want to understand why you are the best fit for a particular position, so be ready to provide reasons.

Looking for a job can be tiresome and is pretty much a job within itself! Between applying to jobs, networking and getting on the radar of hiring managers – all while still trying to maintain your personal life – it can be overwhelming. What happens when you’re feeling low on energy? What can you do to boost it up? Here are some tips we’ve gathered to help you bring up your energy any time you’re feeling a little sluggish:

Change your diet. Eat snacks containing protein and a complex carbohydrate. You may look to candy bars or sodas for a sugar boost but those will only provide you with a temporary fix. Sugary foods will take you on a roller coast, making you feel good at the beginning, but sluggish later. Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Take breaks. If you take short breaks every now and then, it can actually help you overcome fatigue and get more done in the day. If you take one break of five to ten minutes (or even less), it’ll keep your energy up. Studies have shown that schedules allowing brief, frequent breaks are best in terms of fighting fatigue and increasing productivity.

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How can you shine like an Olympian during your job search in 2010? Olympic athletes may have four years to prepare for the intense competitions they face during the Olympic Games, but you only need these four steps to go for the gold in your job search and beat out the competition!

© VANOC/COVAN

How can you prepare yourself to top the competition during your job search? In order to succeed, you need to create a strategy that works for you.

The effects of social media over the last year are undeniable and will definitely continue to effect job seeking in 2010. What could that mean for your professional career? As you reflect over 2009, consider your social networking pages and how they point towards your future growth.

Let’s break down the year in numbers and see how the growth of social media can give you insight into job seeking for 2010!

So, you’ve got an interview coming up. You’re strapped for cash, and you’ve searched through every hanger and drawer in your closet but don’t know what to wear. Not to worry! You can still build an ideal interview outfit right from your very own wardrobe. Here are a few tips for picking the perfect interview attire on a budget.

The bare necessities checklist – no job seeker should be without these!

Suit: One of the pricier pieces of your interview wardrobe can be a well-fitted suit.

Affordable Women's Suit from JCPenney

Designer suits can be pretty expensive, but I found a versatile, four-piece women’s set at JCPenney which comes out to less than $100 and several men’s seperates at JCPenney as well.

If a suit still isn’t in your budget, consider a classic white button down shirt with dark slacks. A white top or dress shirt with long sleeves can be a conservative and fail-proof approach at a professional look. Fitted white shirts can be modestly-priced at most stores, like this Merona men’s fitted shirt or women’s button down top from Target. Some department stores even offer shirt-and-tie sets at a cheaper price than separates.

Accessories: Accessories can put a final touch on any outfit but they don’t have to be expensive! You can save money on some of the expendable accessories in your wardrobe, such as pantyhose and dress socks, which can be purchased at wholesale prices.

Hair and hygiene: Sleek and sophisticated looks always make a statement for both men and women. Gentlemen, remember to shave! It is also recommended to skip on the perfumes and colognes altogether to avoid stirring up any allergies.

Dry cleaning: If you have some extra cash to play around with, you’ll definitely want to consider dry cleaning your outfit a few days before your interview. While this is an extra cost, it will create a crisp, clean finish to your look.

Integrating these tips into your wardrobe selection will save you time and money when deciding what to wear for that next big interview. While interviewing for a job can be nerve-racking, choosing an outfit doesn’t have to be!

Do you have any tips for interview attire? What has worked for you in the past and what hasn’t?

We know that many people are actively on the job search, so we’ve decided to put together some useful tips that are tried and true when it comes to the job hunting process. Click here to check them out or visit:

http://www.StormStaff.com/jobhuntingtips