By Rhonda Collins, I Start Wondering Columnist
Just because you aren’t planning to apply for a new job today, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be busy preparing for it.

As a career advisor, I’m sometimes asked to help women who have just seen their “perfect job” posted and need help quickly updating a resume, writing a cover letter, and brushing up on interview skills. However, I’m not always able to help them as much as they’d like.
Positioning yourself as an outstanding job candidate takes time. In fact, a friend, age 60, recently told me that a wonderful position closed before she was able to update her resume and contact potential references.
Other job seekers find they are not qualified for a position they know they would be great at because they are missing a required credential – one that might have been easily completed in a few months.
Be Proactive
In his book See You at the Top*, self-improvement specialist Zig Ziglar said, “Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation.” In other words, you might not see any jobs you want to apply for now, but you can prepare today for tomorrow’s next great opportunity.
To help you prepare for success, here are 20 useful ideas in four categories that will position you to be first in line for your next job opportunity or promotion.
Professional Documents
Enhancing your professional paper and electronic documents are the easiest steps to take to help others see you as the competent and qualified employee that you are. Get these in order now, and employers may find and recruit you before you even know about their openings.
Update your resume and give it a new look.
Compare it to your peers’ resumes, and consider a more modern look, especially if you want to demonstrate your artistic flare.
Have your resume reviewed
by a career counselor or professional editor to ensure all items are consistent and that it’s error-free.
Update your LinkedIn profile.
Read the many tips in LinkedIn that tell you how to look professional and get your profile read; then, post your resume on the site and on other job search websites so that hiring supervisors can find you.
Write an updated cover letter template.
Still essential, the cover letter can provide details that aren’t on your resume.
Update your reference list.
No need for addresses; list current emails and phone numbers.
Enhance Your Presence
Here are some ideas to present the most professional version of yourself to employers.
Create a professional personal email.
Don’t use your current work email or an unprofessional-sounding personal one.
Give yourself a makeover.
Update your look, including your haircut, makeup, and professional wardrobe.
Hire a professional photographer
to produce a high-quality headshot of your new professional look.
Clean up your social media presence.
Make sure you have a professional picture for your profile photo, and, because employers often check a job candidate’s online posts, you’ll want to remove any inappropriate photos or political commentary.
Know Your Industry and Be Active in Your Field
Continuing to learn about your industry, including best practices and benchmarks, will help you determine where you need to grow as well as target your job search, perform better in a job interview, and negotiate for a higher salary. Likewise, networking can help you land the next job.
Research the top organizations.
A quick internet search will identify similar organizations ranked by income, compensation/benefits for employees, industry innovation and employee satisfaction.
Determine median salaries
to know the typical salary for someone with your level of experience at Onetonline.org .
Explore other career options
at MyNextMove.org, a website to learn about jobs based on interests and experience.
Connect with others who do what you do.
Chat with current colleagues about common work challenges and maintain relationships with past connections from whom you might need as a reference.
Join a professional organization,
which both looks good on a resume and allows for networking with potential employers.
Write an article for a professional publication/website or present at a conference
to have additional credentials on your resume. This can set you apart from younger job candidates who might not have the knowledge or experience to create a paper or presentation.
Improve Yourself
Your most profitable investment is in yourself, no matter what your age. Increasing your knowledge and enhancing your image will allow you to position yourself for a step up from your current position.
Polish your interview skills.
Review the latest trends in behavioral questions and consider doing a mock interview with a career counselor or friend.
Improve (or tout!) your attitude.
Employers want employees who are self-motivated, reliable, upbeat, and punctual – often this is where seniors trump younger applicants.
Know yourself,
including talents, values, interests, and personality, as well as preferred work culture. This will help you determine if a particular job is a good match for you.
Get the necessary qualifications or learn some new skills.
Consider pursuing degrees or certifications if you see them posted frequently in job opening descriptions – many programs now cater to adult learners. Learning a new technology or skill will allow you to stand out.
Ensure you have a clean record.
Hiring supervisors will sometimes contact former employers, even if they aren’t listed as references, and they often conduct credit checks and criminal background checks.
I challenge you to use these suggestions to start working today on preparing for the job or promotion you want to have six months or a year from now. You can pick one tip each week and work your way through all the recommendations over the next few months.
Here’s to landing your dream job by being ready for it!
*Proceeds from the purchase of this book will be used to support I Start Wondering's programming for women who have reached mid-life and beyond.
Thank you, Rhonda, for putting together this compilation of ideas tailored to older women who may be searching for a new job. This story also provides assurance to help older women realize that they bring knowledge, skills and traits that prospective employers will find valuable.