Career Change at 50+, Older Applicants Need Not Feel Intimidated by the Job Interview

Contributed by Sheri Graves

Just because you’re 50 or older doesn’t mean you can’t be successful in your job search. Yes, you feel a little queasy. Yes, you have self-doubts. Yes, you fear the worst. But you have much more to offer your prospective employer than you think.

Age, by its very nature, involves experience. The older you are, the more experience you have had. The only question is: Do you have up-to-date experience in your chosen field? If not, get yourself into a training program immediately to update your skills.

Hiring specialists say these are the seven qualities they seek in job applicants of any age:

• Positive attitude.



• Demonstrated ability to be a team player as well as a leader, if necessary.



• Professional appearance.



• Professional behavior.



• Demonstrated self-confidence.



• Demonstrated proficiency with required technology.



• Willingness to learn new technology as needed.

The first five of these qualities should be easy for anyone age 50 or older. If you are having trouble with any one of these qualities, find a career coach to help you package yourself for job interviews. Career coaches often are psychologists; so let your fingers do the walking through the telephone book yellow pages to find one suited to your needs.

The last two of these seven qualities may require continuing education in your field. As luck would have it, it’s not difficult to find free computer software training opportunities. Many employment agencies offer their clients free classes to learn how to use a computer, learn how to use Microsoft® Access™ or learn how to use Microsoft Word. Some offer classes to learn Microsoft FrontPage® or even learn Microsoft PowerPoint®.

Not big on classes? Better at learning on your own? You’re still in luck. Companies such as Video Professor® offer free computer software training that you can do in the privacy of your own home. CD lessons available range from basic computer skill training to free Excel® advanced training and more.

When you arrive at your job interview, don’t be rattled by the fact that your interviewer looks to be about 12 years old. As long as the two of you can speak the same language, including the use of common industry jargon, there shouldn’t be a problem.

The key is to find something you have in common with your interviewer and allow a couple minutes for casual conversation to share common experiences. That may mean asking questions – “What led you to decide to work in this field?” – which can open the door for you to say, “Me too! I’ve always felt that widgets are important to the nation’s economy!”

Hiring specialists say there are three basic areas of preparation for any applicant facing the job interview:

• Personal Presentation



• Company and industry knowledge



• Technological proficiency

The over-50 job applicant shouldn’t need a lot of coaching to present a professional appearance for the interview. But, just to make sure, check yourself out in the mirror before leaving your house for the interview. Grooming and clothing can make or break a job interview.

The second area of preparation is very important but often overlooked by job applicants. You need to know as much as possible about the company so you can tell the interviewer what, specifically, you have to offer as a prospective employee. That means getting on the computer and accessing the company’s Web site. It also means reading the newspaper business section to keep abreast of any significant changes with the company, such as a pending merger with another corporation or a new branch office opening.

The third area of preparation is of paramount importance. Don’t expect your future employer to let you learn on the job. You need to be able to hit the ground running in whatever position you are assigned.

Truth is, the biggest problem the over-50 job applicant has is meeting current standards for the position in question. You may have been a hotshot in your last gig, but things probably have changed since then. Technology is always on the move, and keeping up with it is the primary challenge facing all workers today.

Age does not have to be a factor in changing jobs or launching a new career. With the mass retirements of workers in the WWII Baby Boom generation, companies across the country are facing a shortage of experienced personnel. As long as you exhibit a positive attitude, are committed to working and determined to keep abreast of any changes in your field, hiring specialists say they will regard your age as an asset.

About the Author:
Sheri Graves is an award-winning writer who freelances from her home in Santa Rosa, California.

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