FAQs on job searches and careers
How do I become the No. 1 candidate for a position?
If you're a star, you become No. 1 simply by trumpeting your achievements and credentials in your application and interviews. If you're a more average candidate, your best chance is to create chemistry with the hirer. How to do that? Use a human tone in cover letter, resume, and interviews. Also, ask questions of the interviewer. Listen for his hot buttons, and ask more about those.
I'm 55 and have been a stay-at-home wife my entire life. My husband died, and now I need to work. I have to make a good income if I want to keep my nice house and lifestyle. I'm scared no one will hire me.
In some fields, your age will be a plus. For example, most people like to buy products from people near their own age. So, you might try to get a job selling a product to older customers: long-term-care insurance, retirement homes, architectural services.
You also might ask yourself whether your quality of life would improve if you sold the house. That would give you a big chunk of change. [This questioner lives in California and has a lot of equity built up in her home.] Then buy or rent something small and live less materialistically. That way, you wouldn't need to make so much money and so could consider jobs you find more intrinsically rewarding—maybe doing something creative or working for a cause you believe in.
What's the key to career contentment?
Gratitude. Don't forget about all that is good in your career and life. Most grasses, even more-prestigious ones, aren't much greener. Contentment largely comes from within.
Of course, I'm not saying you should accept a career in a clanging, carcinogenic factory with a screaming, micromanaging boss. Indeed, look to improve yourself and your organization. But only by focusing mainly on the positive are you likely to find lasting contentment.
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