Ten years ago, Lesley Withers-Lammers left the work force.

She became a mom and her daughter had a disability. Working and parenting was too much. But now her daughter has settled in school and Withers-Lammers is ready to return to work.

"It's time," Withers-Lammers said. "It's time for me to get back to work and economics plays a part in that too."

The problem is the job market Withers-Lammers, 49, left is far different than one she now finds herself in. With the country still recovering from the recession, jobs are few and far between and the technology boom requires new skills for workers.

But it's nothing for older workers to fear, says job counseling expert Mary Williams.

Williams, who has over 20 years of job counseling experience and a masters in career development, spoke to two dozen unemployed workers and gave them tips on how to get back to work at the Clayton Community Library Thursday.

Over the last two years, Williams has made it her goal to help her peers find work. She has written a book, 10 Surefire Strategies for Jobseekers Over 50, and hosts a radio an Internet radio show, Feisty Side of Fifty.

The title of Williams' presentation at the library, which lasted about 90 minutes, was "Surefire Strategies for Jobseekers Over 50." She covered a little bit of everything: ageism, organizing and customizing your resume, interview techniques and the strengths baby boomers can bring to a company.

But what Williams emphasized most was attitude.

She told the audience about the advantage older workers have when applying for a job. Of course, there's experience, but people over 50 also have developed skills, life and people skills and a mature work ethic.

"You can learn job search skills," Williams said. "But what's most important is having a quiet confidence and to think, 'Sure, I can handle that job.' If you go into a room (for an interview) and think, 'They are never going to hire me,' then you probably won't get the job."

Along with keeping a positive attitude, Williams said the second critical thing is networking. She encouraged people to take advantage of all the friends they've made over the years and not to be afraid to ask for help.

"Do not stay held up in your home and just answer postings on the Internet," Williams said. "You might get a job that way,  but your competition is going to be like 1 in a 1000. But if you get recommended by a friend of the hiring manager you are probably going to at least get an interview."

John Taylor, 56, came to see the presentation in hopes to get some advice on polishing up his resume and improving his interview technique.

Taylor's work experience in the automobile industry and he believed Williams' advice will help him land his "dream job."

"I like how she told us we bring value to the job market," Taylor said. "That will help me when I'm in interviews."