A: Yes you can.

People who say they can't are being overtaken by those who are doing it. "It's never too late to be what you might have been," wrote George Eliot.

Australian businesses are looking more and more at mature-age job seekers as potential new staff. They have to - they need you.

Yes, there are age barriers, but they may be fed by false assumptions from employers who think all older job applicants don't listen, follow directions or comfortably fit into new work environments.

You have life skills, maturity, patience and as a result you make fewer mistakes.

You also have goals and a better awareness of what you need to retire more comfortably. Sit down and put on paper all your work skills, experience, studies, courses, training, personal qualities, life skills, social skills, interests and activities. Appreciate just how much you bring to a job application or interview.

Roughly 30 per cent of jobs are advertised, but people writing creative letters to prospective employers, getting on the phone, knocking on doors and networking with others grab the other 70 per cent. Don't rely on one way to track down a job, but apply every method.

Trust yourself at interviews by being yourself. Let the interviewer see that although you bring much with you, you still have the ability and willingness to listen and learn.

If you have a question for Dr Work, email doctorwork@mycareer.com.au. Please note that due to the high volume of questions received, not all emails can be answered personally.