Barbara Russek is a French teacher in Tucson.

Other articles by Barbara Russek:

Business tip for soft economy: Pampered customers come back There's nothing like travel to really open up the mind

Education
Assessment Technology, Inc
Social Studies Content Writer Health Care
Rio Salado College
PA's/Online Instructors General
CORT
Warehouse Supervisor Construction
Komatsu Equipment Co
Mechanic General
CORT
WAREHOUSE/DRIVER

I'm a female job seeker over 50 in a weak economy. Sounds almost like an oxymoron, doesn't it? Yet many women are in exactly the same boat, and for reasons as diverse as the jobs we seek.

Who anticipates that the company where someone put in 20 good years will downsize, that a spouse's health will take a turn for the worse, that she will suddenly find herself the head of the household or that the kids' college tuition will go up dramatically?

The good news is that women today have the education and skills (often updated with recent refresher courses) to get back in the saddle and start bringing in that extra income. Between networking with your l00 closest friends, combing the want ads and even making a few cold calls, something's got to give. It may not be a dream job, but these days, good enough can sound pretty terrific.

Women of a certain age can soon be dressing for success, picking up that morning latte and heading off to join the millions of younger folks in the work force. Or can they?

Not according to Charla Krupp, whose book "How Not to Look Old" was the subject of an article in the Star ("This feminist definitely does not love wrinkles," Sept. 30).

Krupp boldly states, "No one's hiring people in their 50s."

She emphasizes that to compete in the youth-oriented job market, one must avoid looking old and "out-of-touch." Tips are included for avoiding the dreaded "OL" (old lady) syndrome, such as: show some leg, wear thongs, paint the nails, exfoliate.

I'm adding a few of tips of my own based on my experience trying to snag that part-time niche (front desk/concierge, working in the arts community, et cetera) where I have contact with the public:

● Change your name. Most places I've applied to work are run by people with names like Nicole, Jessica, Tiffany and Amber.

● Wear four-inch heels, miniskirts and low décolleté, even while you "lift your boobs," as Krupp advises. You're not sagging, even if the economy is.

● Let prospective employers know that you love to talk on the phone with your friends, who are the first priority, even if customers are walking through the door as you speak.

● Also, inform the prospective boss you'll be leaving in six months to go back to school, move in with an old boyfriend, et cetera. Express a "sorry about that" regarding the salary you'll collect while in training.

Are attributes like capable, hard-working, responsible, having good interpersonal skills and professional demeanor now on the back burner?

I hope not. Those are a few of the things I'm bringing to the table.