She gave more than 40 people at a recent Dunedin seminar called "So you want to work till you're 70" some tips on how to beat ageism in the job market.
One thing older workers should never say was: "In my day we did ..."
It was not necessary to have a date of birth on a curriculum vitae, nor was it necessary to give full details of all the work you did in the 1960s and 1970s, she said.
People should also not use outmoded language in their covering letter when applying for a job.
"You don't want people to build up the perception about you that you are old and doddery, when inside your head you feel 40," she said.
Ms Potter (60) said keeping up with technology was also important, although when her cellphone rang during the seminar she admitted she did not know how to change the ringtone her son-in-law had installed on it.
"Do as I say, not as I do," she joked.
One of the chief selling points of older workers was their loyalty.
They were also rated highly for being trustworthy and honest and should emphasise that, she said.
Those at the seminar were also advised not to rush into training without making sure it was what they were looking for.
She cited the case of someone who had spent $12,000 on an American internet life coach course which produced a qualification which was worthless in New Zealand.
Ms Potter said she was delighted with the turnout in Dunedin as it had been hard to gauge what the reaction might be.
The seminar was also run in Oamaru and Cromwell as part of the Otago Careers Festival.
