Dear J.T. & Dale: I’m a 55-year-old male classified as permanently disabled. However, I can manage my disability and remain active. Before leaving the work force in 2000, I was employed for 35 years. I am considering seeking part-time employment. Can employers disqualify me? — Bob

J.T.: Companies cannot discriminate against you because of a disability; however, if you can’t execute the job as it is defined, then it is within their rights to choose not to hire you.

Dale: But, of course, we all know that there are people who will discriminate against you — for your age, your disability and, especially, for your years out of the work force. But here are two questions to put the situation in perspective: Are there people who won’t hire you? Are there people who will? The answer to both is YES.

J.T.: I honestly think it is all in the way you present your services. And that’s exactly how you have to think of it: You are not applying for a job; you are selling your unique package of services.

Dale: Yes, the mistake most people make is to go to employers and (in effect) say, “Here are my skills; where do they fit in your company?” Doing so, you give the employer a problem to solve. But as a salesman, you do the work of figuring out what you can do and want to do, and then offer yourself as a solution.

J.T.: Once you’re ready to clearly state your skills and availability, you can proactively make contact with HR departments and staffing firms. Finally, look in the want ads for jobs that meet your criteria, and apply directly. Even if the jobs are full time, you still can contact them and see if they’d be interested in someone part time.

Dale: Like a good salesperson selling a specialty product, focus on one fact: What you have is perfect for someone. There’s someone who needs your experience and your determination and who can’t afford a full-time employee. It’s up to you to sort through a lot of wrong people to find the one you’re perfect for.

© 2008 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.