As the economy continues to dwindle in many corners of the world, many older people are coming out of retirement to return to work or delaying retirement altogether.

Many people are worried they won't find a job because of their age, and older people are often the first to be fire. However, the older-than-50 demographic has been successful as of late in finding work. Click here for job search listings.

The following are some tips from Hometownlife.com that older workers searching for a job should take advantage of:
Keep your mind and body healthy - Eat good foods, exercise, get enough sleep and see your doctor if you have lingering depression. Employers want to hire people who have high energy and positive attitudes. By taking care of yourself, you also are increasing the probability that employers will see those traits in you.

Evaluate your appearance - Look at your hairstyle and wardrobe and make sure that your clothing is neat, up to date and fits well. You want to make a terrific first impression when you walk in the door at a networking meeting or job interview. If you need some updated items, try thrift or consignment stores or shop sales. Take your shoes to a shoe repair shop to replace new heels and soles and hide scuff marks.

Smile and sit up straight - Look interested and engaged, even on the phone or computer. Make sure your communications, whether in person or by telephone or e-mail, portray a positive outlook and confidence in yourself. If you don't believe you can land a job, you will show that attitude in everything you do.

Make sure your resume is up to date and meets current standards - The Riley Guide has a number of links to good sources for guidance and examples. Other good sources are available in your public library. Show your resume to a few colleagues to get their feedback and to help make sure you don't have any hidden typos or other errors.

Use your network - Up to 80 percent of job openings are never advertised, so you won't find them in the newspaper or on job boards like Monster or Careerbuilder. Your network is the best source of information and leads as you try to determine which employers might be interested in your talents and strengths.

Define specific job targets and be able to talk about them clearly with your contacts - If you do not want to change career fields, identify new employers or industries that hire people with your background. If you are considering a change in career fields, learn everything you can about it so you can clearly describe how your experience and skills can be transferred into the new career.

Stay active - While you are searching for a job, spend 20 to 40 hours a week on your job search. Get active in professional organizations related to your career interests and serve on a committee. Volunteer for a community or service organization where you can contribute your talents and make new friends and contacts.

Upgrade your computer skills if necessary - You need to be proficient in using Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook - in many business settings. Look for free or low cost training programs. If you don't have this software on your computer, you can purchase it using an educational discount if you enroll in a course at your local community college - even a noncredit course.

Evaluate your attitude toward working for a younger person - Don't let your own prejudices prevent you from getting an offer. Even with the gains older workers have made in the workforce, chances are you will report to someone younger. Your job, in part, is to make your boss look good, so accept that you may serve somewhat as a mentor to the person you report to.

Consider selling your talents as an independent contractor or a consultant - By virtue of your years of experience and contacts in your field, you may be able to create a market for your skills and knowledge.