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Show Off Experience, Not Your Age
By Colleen Clarke, Career Specialist & Corporate Trainer
Up until about five or six years ago the experienced worker definitely
felt discriminated against in their work search. With managers being
younger work seekers over 50 find themselves being interviewed by
people their children’s’ age, and not winning the coveted
position.
In the last 5-7 years there has been a complete turn around in
the hiring attitude towards experienced workers. It is your job
to dispel any myths that are not relevant to you.
To succeed in a job interview when you are “a little grey
around the edges :”
- Walk, stand and sit tall and straight. Be conscious of your
posture, it says a lot about your confidence level.
- Be comfortable and confident about who you are and what you
have done, not boastful, but certainly confident. Experience is
intimidating only to the recent grad, or possibly your interviewer,
let them know what you are going to do for them.
- Use modulation in your voice, show enthusiasm and keep your
voice strong right to the bitter end of the sentence.
- Have your S (Situation), A (Action), R (Result) stories ready
to meet each competency / skill outlined in the job description.
- Don’t talk about the good old days. Use up to date examples
and terminology relevant to your industry. Quote experts in your
industry, refer to articles or books you have read that extol
the teachings and philosophies of your potential company or industry.
At the same time, don’t use “hip” words popular
with the 20 or 30 year old generation.
- Don’t call women, girls, or say, “ My girl used
to …”
- Mention the sports or interests you have that require energy
or intelligence.
- Refer to global experience or cultural diversity experience.
- Talk about the courses you are taking or have taken to keep
yourself current.
- Cut off your moustache and beard, dye your hair if need be.
- Don’t put your readers on and off if you don’t
need to use them, don’t draw attention to your diminishing
eye sight. If you need to use glasses, use them, but don’t
use them as an outlet for nervous behaviour.
- Don’t use “when I was your age” or make any
references to age or aging, “When you are my age…”
- Be yourself. Know who you are, what your values are and what
you can contribute - stated in a matter of fact manner.
- When asked about your ability to work for a younger boss be
sure to answer in a positive and honest manner. Say something
like, “We all bring different talents to the table. I’m
sure my supervisor has abilities I can learn and visa versa. We
need to respect each other as individuals and honor what each
person contributes to the team. Age nor gender is an issue for
me as long as I am respected for who I am.”
Go get em tiger!
Colleen Clarke
Career Specialist & Corporate Trainer
csc@colleenclarke.com
www.colleenclarke.com
416-686-3079
"Open a new window every day"
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