A. Don't ever wait until you need a job to build some resources for yourself. It's true that the marketplace has slowed down now, but that slowdown is, no doubt, fanned by our fears about it. Trust that opportunities will always be there for you if you are ready. Instead of lying low, hoping that any bad news will pass by, you have to start acting more proactive. Take more risks. Become more valuable. Build better relationships with your bosses, your coworkers, and your clients. Tell about your successes and look to solve problems of others. Ask some experts in your field what experiences you might go after and try them out. You may just catapult yourself into a better position within your own company rather that getting sacked.

Q. I'm over 50 and am not too happy to be interviewing for a job for the first time in ten years. How can I compete?

A. We did think that we'd progress in our lives without suffering any of life's rollercoasters, but that's just not so anymore. Most of us will change jobs, even careers, several times, either by choice or being forced out through layoffs and mergers. Then we will have to compete with a lot of younger people. You'll get the job you want if you follow these rules.

• Tell about your successes in a positive, intelligent, energetic way. Choose examples of what you've done – how you initiated projects, planned, followed through, generated new ideas and clients, handled conflicts and managed teams.
• Rehearse answers to questions like - Why do you want to work here? Why do you want to leave your present job (or were you fired)? Why should we want you? That last question is key: You have to show or prove how compatible, similar, and skilled you are.
• Don't let self-doubt overtake you. Reread your own resume and script your next dream.
• Don't shut yourself out by talking about age differences, show similarities in skills.