3. Jargon.

You probably have a resume which lists duties and responsibilities of each of your prior positions. Re-read those descriptions, concentrating on actual words you have used, especially verbs (actions). Do those descriptions date you? Some obvious phrases are old "variety duties" which is now generally called "multi-tasking," and "assisted with" now translates as "customer service." "Typing speed," so ubiquitous thirty years ago is now invariably "keyboarding skills." There are many other less obvious areas. A way to address them is to go to newspaper or internet and review a number of job descriptions in your field. Any words or phrases that are unfamiliar to you need to be researched as they may describe a task you have previously performed under a different description. If you cannot find information you seek, check with a library, an employment agency, or someone in field. If new phrase fits you, substitute it in your resume and all future applications. If it is important enough to be included in a job description, it deserves your attention and neglecting required investigation may doom your job search efforts.

Your goal is to have a potential employer read your resume and be familiar with terms you use. It is your responsibility to be adaptive, flexible, and avoid being screened out due to inappropriate vocabulary. Don't expect an employer to take time to figure out whether you really have skills being sought. Remember that resumes are used to screen OUT - to reduce "possible interview" pile to a manageable size.

When your resume and written applications have been meticulously age-proofed, practice same terminology verbally, with a friend, to be ready for a thoroughly up-to-date self-presentation when that inevitably soon-to-be-scheduled interview arrives.

4. Job Search.

We have no control over when we receive a call for an interview or get that job offer we want so much. What we can control is where we spend our valuable energy. Submitting resumes for openings advertised in classifieds or on line should be a very minor part of our job search. For every position listed, hundreds of resumes may be submitted. Do math and it is revealed as similar to buying a lottery ticket - easy and fun to do but unlikely to change your future. Spend your time more wisely by networking with everyone you know (and everyone they know) and calling on employers in your industry to identify openings which have not yet been publicized. Your sense of control arises out of being proactive: putting yourself in public eye, refusing to passively sit by telephone awaiting call which never comes. You may be exhausted at end of day, and frustrated if negative reactions held no hint of possibility, but you do have self-satisfaction of knowing that you have taken your fate into your own hands and will no longer be relegated to ranks of those who simply "watch and wait."

5. Community Activities.

You may be relatively inactive in local events or deeply committed to your community. In either case, now is time to intensify your level of activity. Since you can only productively job search for a limited number of hours per week, use additional time to become connected. Volunteer for local charities, schools, union halls, hospitals, any communal events you can find. You control where you invest your time and efforts and being productive, even in a small way, can help repair your shattered self-esteem. Interacting with other volunteers is also a whole new opportunity for networking and may indirectly lead to that one golden opportunity you seek.

The world of unemployment, especially if prolonged, can be emotional debilitating. By reasserting control over some aspects of our lives, we can contain damage inflicted on our psyche and face future proudly, recognizing that job loss is a regrettable fact of life, not a personal failure.