DEAR JOYCE: At 34, I've just earned my degree in business administration during years of working as an administrative assistant. After six weeks of interviewing, I seem unable to convince employers that my background qualifies me for management trainee ranks, but I've had two offers for clerical positions. Strategies? -- K.N.

Use a digital recorder to practice articulating your objective. Do you sound like a manager -- well-spoken, articulate and confident? Or like a pleasant woman who lacks the self-assurance and authority to manage others? Never forget that personal presentation talent packs a punch, making a difference in who wins and who loses.

Strong strategy: Develop a persuasive sales pitch that doesn't recognize the administrative-support offer. "I'm delighted you recognize that my previous exposure to all levels of work in an office has sharpened my recognition of effective supervisory techniques, as well as avenues to genuine cost-cutting. I've been there and have seen what really happens in the trenches. In short, I've got the jump on most graduates. May I tell you more about my qualifications as a management trainee?"

Get a job-search partner, a book or two on effective interviewing, and practice, practice, practice.

An alternative, time-honored strategy: Take the best of the administrative-support offers and rise through the ranks.

DEAR JOYCE: I read that Robert Redford just married a 51-year-old woman. Lucky her! That's my age and all I hope for right now is a way to turn to a new page in my life's work. I am unemployed in the banking field through no fault of my own and ready to move on. Ideas? -- C.V.

A destination offering potential is the paraprofessional tier -- not the lawyer, but the paralegal; not the physician, but the physical therapist; not the engineer, but the engineering technician. The point is that the training is shorter.

I anticipate continued high interest in distance online education, private career schools and vocational-technical courses and programs at (currently overloaded) community colleges -- all of which offer escapes from low-skill, low-paying service jobs. Continued...