Job Interview Tips for Seniors

A job interview can be nerve-wracking at any age, but taking heed of a few job interview tips for seniors will help you rise to the top of the applicant pool.

Employers may have one or more of the following concerns about hiring older workers:

• How quickly will they retire? Emphasize your dedication to making the most of your time on the job.
• Will they be up-to-date on the latest technology? Make sure to mention your computer literacy during the interview. If you're not as comfortable with computers as you need to be, take a class. Community education programs are available through school districts and libraries.
• Will they be aware of current trends in the field? Remain involved in professional organizations and subscribe to the leading publications in your area. Share your thoughts on a recent development during the interview process.
• Will they be able to handle the physical demands and hours? Discuss your work ethic and dedication. If it's relevant to the job, provide examples of your healthy attitude and youthful energy, such as your mountain-climbing hobby or yoga lessons.
• Can they quickly adjust to change? You may mention a time when you had to think quickly and make changes under pressure. Draw on former job experience such as when facing a large organizational change.
• Will they be overqualified for a position? Be open about your motivation in pursuing the job. You may simply be interested in a change of pace or lessening your responsibilities and stress.
• Will they fit in the workplace culture? Emphasize your ability to work with people of all backgrounds and ages.

These worries are based largely on outdated concepts of the senior years. Awareness of the preconceived notions you may face, allows you to take steps to disarm them in the interview process.

One of the most important job interview tips for seniors is confidence, including in what you have to offer your potential employer. If you feel confident, it will show in your answers and your overall demeanor. Don't let insecurity result in timid body language and tentative answers.

Whether it's been a day or a decade since your last job interview, it's always a good idea to practice your interviewing skills. Participate in a mock interview to prepare for thinking on your feet and formulating answers under pressure. "Tell me about yourself" is a common question companies use to start off an interview, and it can be difficult to condense a lifetime of experience into a short description. Practice helps you create the perfect summary of your qualifications. Determine the experiences and accomplishments that are most relevant to the position, so you can focus on them during the interview.

While discrimination laws make it illegal for an interviewer to ask your age, related questions, often discreet, may arise. Overlooking the inappropriateness of the question and answer honestly is an option, but a more useful method is to answer the question's intent. For instance, a question about family commitments can be answered by reaffirming your dedication to work. If you'd like advice on gracefully dealing with age-related inquiries, the Riley Guide offers a helpful look at Handling Questionable Questions.

• Research the company. In addition to learning more about your potential employer, research will allow you to ask intelligent questions and tailor your responses to the company's needs. The company's Web site is a great source of information as are annual reports.
• Dress appropriately for the interview and be well-groomed. Invest in new clothing for your job search and avoid emphasizing your age by wearing an old-fashioned suit or dress.
• Arrive on time.
• Treat everyone you encounter with friendliness and respect. If you are rude to the receptionist, it's likely to get back to the interviewing committee.
• Send a thank-you note after the interview.

When companies interview you, in a sense, you're also interviewing them. You must decide if this particular workplace is right for you. If you get the feeling your talents, enthusiasm, and experience won't be appreciated, move on to the next potential employer.

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