Lisa Johnson Mandell: Stand Out

It's a concrete jungle out there, as those searching for a new or better job know all too well.

Lisa Johnson Mandell, a career-image author and specialist, says you are competing with teeming masses who will stop at nothing to get that plum position. Competition is stiff even for what you might have considered as fallbacks, like retail sales and restaurant service.

She says it's especially difficult for those over 40, whose 20-plus years of experience could be more of an obstacle than an asset. The people screening you may be under 30 and could place you squarely in Parent (or worse, Grandparent) Land. To make matters worse, they may automatically assume you know very little about computers, electronic communication, social networking, etc. And in some cases, they may be right.

So your strategic game plan is to head those young nay-sayers off at the pass. Greet them with a fresh, hip, Web-savvy presence that will prove absolutely irresistible to potential employers. Put your best foot forward in a way that will allow them to find you. Most recruiters are combing the web for decent candidates.

Try this One-Day Career Comeback, and by this time tomorrow, you just might have a job offer. You really can change your life in one day.

• 8:00 a.m. - Spend two hours Botoxing your resume, by eliminating your year of graduation and any work experience more than 15 years old.
• 10:00 a.m. - If you're a woman, go for a blow dry at your favorite (budget) salon. If you're a man, shave off the facial hair that dates you and get a hip haircut.
• 11:00 a.m. - Ladies, have your makeup done in your favorite department store. Dont forget to at least buy a lip gloss.
• 12:30 p.m. - Have a friend or relative under 30 help you select a current, professional, colorful outfit from your closet. Snap several digital photos and download the best on you computer.
• 1:30 p.m. - Serve your young consultant/photographer lunch. While you're eating, have him or her proof your new resume.
• 2:30 p.m. - Start blogging. Find one of the many free blogging sites, set up your own personal blog with a clever title, post your new picture and start writing. Stumped for something to say at first? Write about your One-Day Career Comeback.
• 4:30 p.m. - Start networking. Post your new digital photo and a well-written profile, using information from your new resume, on LinkedIn.com, Facebook.com and any other networking sites that apply to your specific profession. Find connections and friends in alumni groups, former employer groups and special professional interest groups.
• 6:30 p.m. - Step away from the computer. Relax on the couch, kick off your shoes, indulge yourself with a glass of wine or your favorite treat and some mindless TV, reveling in the knowledge that you have just repackaged and presented yourself in a fabulous new light, and potential employers will be emailing you shortly.