Also, keep in mind that competition is FIERCE these days and that the process takes time. I targeted a job in May that received over 300 resumes for the position. The employer culled that down to just 3 candidates who got interviews. (I was fortunate to be 1 of the 3.) The job required 3 key "call back" interviews with 5 Emmy winning producers over a 4 week period. What got my resume into the top 3? First, I had the right experience for a very demanding job. But truth be told, I also looked very hard at what the job description spelled out and wrote a brief cover letter (every word counts) stating how my experience matched the job. (The first producer told me it was the cover letter that first caught his attention.) I also stated what "value" I'd bring to the position. That's important. The employer wants to know what you bring to the job that will make a difference, i.e., why should we hire you?

Lastly, I kept my resume short and to the point. Having been in tv for some time, I also "dumbed down" my experience in this specific resume and didn't got back more than 15 years. The goal: get the interview. That gets you the chance to present yourself. Mission accomplished. In the interviews I kept my answers short and to the point. Didn't ramble. Was upbeat. Made eye contact. Smiled. Listened. Didn't ever, ever interrupt the interviewer. Came prepared. Did research on the position and the tv show. Asked intelligent questions. At the end…I asked for the job. ("I'd love to join your team.") After 3 interviews – got it.

Great advice!

A couple brief asides: 1. I was applying for a demanding job where the Exec. Producer is 63. My age – 51 – didn't matter. That's very, very rare for tv production companies. Age was never an issue. It was all about compentency.

2. I made sure to remember names and write them down. When I returned for follow-up interviews I called the receptionist (Andrea) by her name. She gave me special treatment thereafter. (Little people mean as much as the big people in my book.)

3. Every person who interviewed me got a hand written Thank You note sent to them within 24 hours. Made sure to mention how much their time and consideration was appreciated. There were 2 other competitors for the job. So it's the little stuff that often makes a difference. People like it when you say Thank You.

 This year I had meetings in DC arranged for me by a congressman. On our second trip we were prepared to have a meeting to discuss the game plan for a meeting with the next level up. To our complete (almost shock) surprise individuals who take months and several levels of red tape to see just walked into our meeting. Completely changed the dynamics of everything. In a matter of seconds we had to change the focus of our entire presentation. It went very well. Try to plan for the unexpected. And when the unexpected happens stay calm, focused and enjoy the ride. Lastly if your meeting requires you to bring a team…pick them with care.  What Craig said, really important stuff. Thanks…

Something tells me He's not going to tell any of His children who happen to be in their 40s, 50s and beyond, to try and look and act a decade or so younger so they can snag a job.  Where, I ask is the faith in that approach?  Trust God, walk uprightly, keep your youth renewed like an eagles by keeping your faith fresh and He will give you the favor you need for the assignment He's given YOU. 

I'd add this – don't succumb to the temptation to lie about your age. All these suggestions urge you to emphasize your youthful spirit, while not compromising the truth or your ethics. Taking that kind of shortcut is unnecessary for success.