Q: I'm a 63-year-old retired executive with 40 years' experience in telecommunications. During my career, I've received certification in project and process management, and I've established, staffed and run call centers, marketing groups, contract management and sales. I have applied for more than 100 management jobs in those categories and was unable to land a job. When I used a chronological, dated résumé, I never received acknowledgments. When I switched to an undated résumé, I received many responses, but they always asked me to provide dates "because it was their policy." When I provide dates, I don't hear back.

I exercise regularly, and most people say I look as if I am in my late 40s. I made it to one interview in which the person asking me questions was in her late 20s. She seemed enthusiastic but asked me what year I graduated high school. I made the mistake of telling her. She stopped taking notes, and the interview shortly ended. I only was asking for $25,000, which is very low in my field and for where I live. It's very frustrating to see inexperienced young people get hired over me. Am I to sit in a corner and wait to die? What can I do differently?

A: Your frustration is understandable and shared by many in your position. As a full-time employee, companies will have to offer you benefits, including insurance, which they won't want to do because of your age. It is discrimination but it is common, and there is not much you can do about it.

Rather than seeking a full-time job for an inappropriately low wage, proudly market yourself as a highly experienced, independent telecommunications consultant.

As a contract worker, you can ask for a proper fee for your expertise and present a list of areas in which you could lead companies. Take your former salary and break it down into costs per project. That would be far more successful and appealing to you than dyeing your hair and listing only the past 10 years on your résumé.

Employee Wants To Know Rights After Changing States

Q: I moved from Wisconsin to Florida and secured employment. I am finding out that the labor laws are very different here, even though many of the issues I have run into are federal. The company already has discussed my age, the length of my hair (though I am a female), how they determine whether an employee receives straight time or overtime, and more. I was even asked for my medical history. I told them it is none of their business. If they continue to ask, I will contact a lawyer. It has been an eye-opening experience. What can I do?

A: All states have different employment and labor laws, but state laws cannot conflict or override federal laws. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the American with Disabilities Act cover private employers, state and local governments, and education institutions that employ 15 or more individuals. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is the governing agency that oversees these laws. Before you contact a lawyer, check out www.eeoc.gov to have many of your questions answered.

Please send your questions to: Lindsey Novak, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045. E-mail her at LindseyNovak@yahoo.com, or visit her Web site at www.LindseyNovak.com. To find out more about Lindsey Novak and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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