It was just a few years ago that resumes with more than three or four job listings were often moved to the bottom of the pile. A "Job Hopper" may have been a good worker, however, their resume gave unintentional warning signals. Frequent moves to other jobs may have convinced the employer the candidate was immature, unreliable, restless. Not so these days, says Kathy Jordan, director of the Radford University Center for Experiential Learning and Career Development. She says there's a workplace revolution going on and if you want to compete, you have to stay on top of the game.

"We've went from an agricultural and manufacturing-based world to one that is technology-based. People today are switching jobs about every four or five years," Jordan says. "Employers now may look at the resume of someone who has been in a position for 20 years and actually hold it against them. They may think the person doesn't know new things and that they've been in a comfort zone," she says.

Career counselors now coach their clients to step back every two to three years and evaluate where they are and where they want to be in a few more years. Jordan says life-changing events usually give way to thoughts about a need to start a career makeover.

"Personal events are closely linked to other major events in life. There may be someone who had to quit his or her job and care for an ailing spouse or aging parent. Maybe the company they've worked for all their life is no longer viable and the plant is closing. That's a major life event. It's the end of the only job they've known," says Jordan. With rapidly changing family situations and technology that changes almost in the blink of an eye, Jordan stresses the importance of "managing your career in a pro-active fashion."

Jordan says, "A career is a process. When you're in college, you're defining who you are at that moment and at that time. All of us know that the person we are at 21 is not the person we are at 40. We've had life experiences and we are more clearly able to define who we are." She says if someone is feeling that a career makeover is on the horizon, there are several things to consider. Jordan says, "Ask yourself who you are today and who you want to be later. Will you need a flexible job schedule? Do I need to earn more income? Do I need to travel?"

A career makeover that begins midlife has its own challenges. Jordan says, "There is a concept of ageism in the workplace. This concept started about 20 or 30 years ago. Population demographics today show the world is aging and that's not just true in the U.S. Employees over 50 may not be as technologically savvy, may get sick more often and cost Human Resources more in medical insurance. Employers may think they are less adaptable and less energetic. Those are the sweeping generalizations that come from the concept of ageism."

Jordan says the employer is going to want to see that the applicant has energy and is excited about a career change. "It's almost a given that they're going in with computer skills. One of the top things they're looking for is the person who has a passion and desire, someone who really wants to do the job."

The National Association of Colleges and Employers do annual surveys to determine what employers look for in a job applicant. Jordan says the same five things show up every year - excellent interpersonal skills, common sense, strong communication skills, a team player, enthusiastic and a strong work ethic. Jordan says interpersonal skills are on the top of the list. "RU students, for example, are known for their desire to succeed. Many of them are first generation col- lege students. They aren't afraid to roll up their sleeves and get in there and work. Employers want this type of person," Jordan says.

Employees who want a career makeover but who want to stay in the same company have their work cut out for them, Jordan believes. "It's going to be very difficult. Over the years I've had to tell people they really should leave the organization and come back to it. Many times people assume that because they've worked in one company, that what they do and how they do it is obvious to the supervisor and other departments. That's usually not the case."

Jordan urges them to seriously consider moving outside the company, at least for a while. "Look at a competitor or a supplier to the organization where you currently work. They will see previous industry experience that would be helpful to them."

Jordan gives the example of someone who earned an associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees while working at the same company for years. "Don't wait too long after your first degree to start searching for new job opportunities. Ask for increased levels of responsibility in your current job. A person who has waited in their comfort zone for 10 years, even if they've earned three degrees, is going to have a hard time proving themselves in a different role in the same company. Leave and then come back at a higher level," Jordan advises. If it turns out to be a situation where the employee must stay in his or her current role, Jordan says it will be a situation of either growing or getting stuck. "Remember, look for those additional responsibilities. Redefine yourself in some way. Take on a new task," she says.

Continued education is critical in today's workforce. Jordan urges employees of all ages to take classes, attend seminars, read professional journals and become a life-long learner. She says one of the keys to future success is continuous improvement in what we already know.