Your Career, Act II: Thriving in the New Economy

Be prepared! This is Beverly Goldberg's recommendation. Even after 25 years with the same employer, Century Foundation, this author of career advice constantly updates her resume and scans the Help Wanted ads. She suggests that you do the same. Doing so not only is good preparation for any unexpected job loss but, more importantly, is a great way of keeping up with what opportunities exist and what qualifications jobs in your area demand.

A resume showcases your skills and experience, and should be continually updated. For some ThirdAgers, the best resume is one that highlights accumulated experience. Career counselor Susan Guarneri suggests scrapping the old chronological resume in favor of a functional one.

In a functional resume, instead of listing jobs, you list Relevant Skills. Analyze the posting for the job for which you are applying, and then draw up a list of skills it requires. You might come up with Communication, Management, Organization, and Planning.

Make those your main resume headings. In adding details to those categories, Guarneri says it is important that you "draw from all your experience," including volunteer. So in the Communication section you might put down "Designed and wrote promotional brochures," which you did for the Boy Scouts. You might also include "Wrote and delivered speeches," which you did as president of the P.T.A., and "Corresponded with clients," which you did as a paid administrative assistant.

Positioning Points

• Stay abreast of new career opportunities by getting familiar with Internet sites such as JobHunt.com, a comprehensive source for information on all types of careers.
• Take an interest in the jobs of friends and neighbors and their companies to find out about local opportunities and employment trends.
• Keep learning, especially computer skills.
• Add awards, promotions, and new projects to your resume as they occur.
• Consider doing some consulting on the side or turning a hobby into a part-time business.
• Attend industry conferences.

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