Spruce up your resume by keeping it short and emphasizing skills and achievements instead of length of experience.

Be aware of your health and appearance. Recruiters can sense depression and illness. And a look that is too stylish or too dowdy can ruin a first impression.

Don’t distract yourself with suspicions of age discrimination. Keep a positive, confident attitude.

Keep your college graduation dates off your resume and avoid discussing activities that might date you.

If you seem overqualified, recruiters might make assumptions about how much you want to be paid. If a company wants 15 years of experience, trim descriptions of your 40-year career.

Stress your loyalty and dedication to a company. Recruiters will contrast that with younger workers who tend to hop between jobs and prioritize personal time over work engagements.

Seek out age-friendly employers. AARP has a good list.

Invest in a computer and cell phone.

Learn core skills: word processing, spreadsheet design and Internet searching.

Obtain an e-mail address. Join networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn.

SOURCES: RetirementJobs.com, Los Angeles Times research

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