These are tough times for the older worker who is still required to generate an income.

While the competition is stronger and the job search process is trickier, there's some good news. Older workers are increasingly valued in some key industries. The secret to your success is to learn how to promote yourself to the right decision-makers.

Here are five powerful job search tips that can seriously advance your candidacy.

1. Get over the discouragement. Don't take your job loss personally. Just move on.

2. Take the time to explore all your options. You're probably qualified for a lot more positions than you thought. It's time to think outside the box. A careful examination of your key capabilities, strengths and assets (not just your work history or job descriptions) will suggest other opportunities you may not have thought of.

3. Don't worry about a resume. It's not going to get you a job. Use it as a follow-up document (like a business card) after you've established contact with a decision-maker who potentially could have an interest in you.

4. Your best resource for identifying those decision-makers are people you already know . . . neighbors, relatives, friends, former co-workers and bosses, religious leaders and fellow members, politicians (local, state and federal), fellow members of service clubs and social organizations, school mates and teachers, etc.

5. Ask your contacts to help you identify decision-makers consistent with your options. Then ask them to introduce you informally. Nothing is going to happen for you until you meet face-to-face with people who are qualified to offer you a job. Introductions by contacts you already know are the fastest, most effective way to get in front of the right people.

Fortunately there are proven strategies available that can help you accomplish your goals in a matter of days instead of weeks or months . . . regardless of your age. The sweet smell of job search success is only a couple clicks away.