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A recent New York Times article says age discrimination is the reason many people over age 50 can’t find work. Not so, argues Renee Rosenberg, a career counselor who specializes in working with older individuals.

She told Forbes blogger Susan Adams about a 69-year-old client who used a creative strategy that soon resulted in a great new job. It involves a take-charge, can-do attitude and what Rosenberg calls “deep and long” networking.

Instead of bemoaning her fate and giving in to depression, the client used Rosenberg’s “seven stories” approach, which calls for listing seven achievements you’re proud of. That pumped up her self-esteem and took her to the next stage: contacting lots of people and letting them know she was looking for a new job – even some she hasn’t talked with for years.

After learning about an opening, the client crafted an enthusiastic cover letter that spelled out her situation, landed an interview – and an offer – and negotiated a better deal.

Rosenberg says, “If you think you’re too old for a job, then you are too old. If you don’t think you’re too old, then you’re not.”

Read Susan Adams’ blog post.