Does My Resume Reveal My Age?

QUESTION: My husband and I recently relocated to Colorado from California. I have been searching for anadministrative assistant/clerical position for months, but I have not had any luck.

I'm wondering if my resume reveals my age, indirectly, due to my extensive experience, although my resume only goes back about 10 years. I realize age discrimination is illegal, but how would I know if that's the problem if I can't even get my foot in the door? Please, can you give me someadvice?

ANSWER: Age discrimination is illegal, but that doesn't mean it does not happen every day. We come to the workplace with our own hidden and not-so-hidden prejudices andpreferences.The two most telltale elements of an age differential in the workplace are:

• A lack of computer skills. This doesn't just mean that you should know how to use Word and Excel. You also need to have a real desire to jump into using the computer and exploring all that it can do for you.
• A real desire to do any thing that's needed in the office. I watch so many of us of a certain age just not want to have anything to do with grunt work. It's important that you show your willingness to contribute at all levels.

These are two things to watch for. I would also do my best toget in front of prospective hiring managers personally, rather thanonly through your resume. At that point, all the wonderful qualitiesthat come with maturity -- like judgment, the ability to understand priorities and genuine loyalty -- can be illustrated.