Hi - My name is Ann. I live in Oregon and have been out of work for about 1 year and 2 months. My most recent experience has been in the training and development field, having worked for the State of Oregon for a couple years and for Portland Community College for about 12 years. I also have a masters degree in adult education. It's tough out there. I'm 56, which I think can make it difficult to find new work for a number of reasons - one related to salary. Although I'm willing to accept a salary less than I was making before, I think sometimes employers are concerned that you'll leave as soon as the economy improves. I have gotten quite a few interviews, and have even been invited back a few times to a second and even a third interview. But I haven't been hired yet. A few times I've gotten feedback that the company or agency found someone with experience that more closely matched their needs -- etc... etc... I've been told my resume and application materials are excellent. I'm a member of a couple professional organizations and attended a "mock interview" session a while back. That was an eye opener. It wasn't that I did anything glaringly wrong, but the interviewer did offer some good advice on my presentation skills and words I chose to use, ways I described myself, etc... I have a much easier time expressing what I want to say in writing than I do in person -- on the spot. Glad to be part of the online support group.