Many older job-seekers' interview tips revolve around being well-prepared and asking questions that will show your interest in the job. Your appearance should reflect your energy and positivity. These tips will help you impress your interviewer! Continue reading to find out the top tips and tricks for job seekers older than 50!
Positivity
Finding a job is difficult for older job-seekers. While employers cannot discriminate on the grounds of age in employment law, unconscious bias still plays a part in the hiring process. No matter your age, these tips will help you land the job that you want.
The first tip is to be positive at all times during an interview. Employers want people who are positive, optimistic and work well with other people. Negativity can only hurt your chances of getting the job.
Humility
In an interview, a job candidate who demonstrates humility shows the interviewer that he or she is not arrogant or cocky. The best employees don't show egotism or self-serving. They have a genuine desire to help others. It is helpful to share examples of your achievements and past achievements.
A candidate should demonstrate his or her determination and commitment to the company during the interview. The candidate must also show that he/she values friendly and long-term professional relationships. This shows humility, dedication and commitment.
Time limit for work history
You can list your tenth to fifteen most recent jobs in most industries, but limiting your work history only to the past five or ten years will allow you better to present your most recent achievements and contributions. You may not be able to show your best skills if you include your past work history. However, your work history from the past can be helpful in demonstrating your ability to progress and your credibility in your field.
While age discrimination is a reality in today's job market, it is difficult to prove. The largest generation to have ever been born was the baby boomers. They started their first job in the mid-sixties and were set up to dominate the workforce by the 1970s and 1980s. ADEA was passed in 1967 to help protect vulnerable members of the previous generations. However, Gen X and Baby Boomers have been outnumbered by the Millennials and Gen Z are emerging as a new generation of talent. This new generation is distinguished by its tech savvy as well as up-to-date skills sets. Therefore, there's no excuse to ignore them when it involves seeking employment.
Exude energy by dressing in an attractive way
It can be hard to dress up in a way which exudes energy for job seekers older than you. CultureIQ surveys have shown that almost half of U.S. workers feel comfortable wearing jeans for work, and nearly one-third are comfortable with sneakers. These are good options for younger workers. Older workers may want to be more formal. Also, formal attire can signal to coworkers that your preference is for a more hierarchical structure.
Transferable skills
These skills can be used in multiple job areas. A good example of this is a past sales experience in a retail setting. You can then transfer it to another type. Or, you might learn a new skill and apply it to your career. You can either use your transferable skills or increase your chances to land a new job.
While younger workers might believe that companies are only interested in hiring young people, recent labor statistics reveal a significant increase of employment opportunities for seniors. Your age shouldn't stop you from looking for work. Employers value maturity and experience, so be sure to highlight these attributes.