If you want to get a job after 50, you need to do some real networking. Networking is one letter away from “not working.” Engage in a full-court press to let everyone in your personal and professional network know that you’re looking for a job. Here’s a checklist to make sure you’ve left no stone unturned:

• Contact everyone you know via phone, email, social networks (Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter), U.S. postal mail, carrier pigeon, whatever it takes.
• Look up former supervisors, touch base, and let them know you’re looking for work.
• Join professional meetup groups in your area.
• Visit your college career center in person or online.
• Find a mentor among your personal and professional contacts or online. Visit PivotPlanet to find out about hiring a mentor.
• Consider reverse mentoring — connecting with someone younger who can learn from and mentor you.
• Connect with a career coach. The Life Planning Network, AARP’s Life Reimagined, and 2 Young 2 Retire offer coach directories geared to midlife workers.
• Reach out to recruiters in the industry you’re pursuing.
• Attend job fairs in your area and online.

From Getting the Job You Want After 50 For Dummies

By Kerry Hannon