Job interviews can be intimidating at the best of times, but if you’re a candidate over 50, or 40 for that fact, you may be feeling extra pressure because of your age. And while you’re confident in your skills – your resume did get you the interview, after all – you’re just a little worried that your ‘years’ of experience might actually work against you.
Here are three key issues for an over 50 job-seeker, and how to handle them with style!
Overqualified
It’s true, having a quarter of a century of experience in a role may make you seem overqualified for a position on paper, so you’ll be wise to address the issue head on in your interview. The hiring manager is more concerned that you’ll become bored and leave the position, rather than your over-abundance of experience. Simply put, they may be wondering if you’re just filling time until something better comes along.
Let them know that you’ve got a solid understanding of the role and all it entails. Demonstrating that you understand exactly what the role will require to be successful in the position will work to your advantage. If the job is just what you’ve been looking for, then come right out and tell them you won’t be bored! It’s also worth reminding the hiring manager that you need little, if any, training since you’ve been doing a similar job for years. You can hit the ground running, and that means greater productivity for the company.
By clarifying the issue with the hiring manager directly you’ll be eliminating any fears they may have, and they’ll be able to see how your experience will be a benefit to the company in the long run.
Motivation
Some hiring managers may question your motivation for the position. While they might genuinely be enquiring as to why you’re interested in the role, chances are they’re actually asking about your overall energy and enthusiasm. The best way to ease their anxieties on the issue is to provide references! Let your previous employers and colleagues sing your praises and soon the hiring manager will have very few concerns over how you might fit in. Also, take the opportunity to point out any recent accomplishments or achievements. By demonstrating that you are someone who is actively engaged in life, and achieving new things, you’ll be telling the hiring manager you’re worth their investment!
Working For a Junior if You’re Over 50
Working for someone younger, with less knowledge and experience, may not be ideal, but it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. A good way to address this issue, if it arises, is to point out that while you may have more experience or knowledge in one area, the person you’ll be working for will have more experience and knowledge in a field that you don’t. By working together, everybody, especially the organization, wins.
But the best thing to do in an interview, at any age, is to stay focused and positive. By being someone likable, you’ll be putting your candidacy in the best possible light.
Are you over 50 and looking for a new job? Do you need to update your resume? Contact one of the professionals at Top Notch and let their expertise and passion put you in a strong position to attract the best job offers.
