When you’re over forty, finding a job can feel more difficult than it used to be. If you’re over 40, how can you avoid feeling like your age is hindering your job hunt and how can you increase your chance of acing an interview?
Interview Tips For People Over 40
If you’re over forty and feel like you’re facing a few hurdles getting past through interviews, there are strategies you can utilize to help you secure employment. Here are a few interview tips:
Build A Strong Resume
The first thing you need to do is build a rock-solid resume. Your resume is your front line. List out all relevant and current information. And with this resume, remember to highlight all your significant or remarkable achievements as well as previous job experiences. Focus on experiences/achievements that put a spotlight on your skills; specifically for the job, you’re applying for. This way, they can focus on what you offer instead of your age.
Dress the Part
First impressions matter. With that said, you have to look your best. You don’t have to overdress but keep in mind that what was appropriate before may not be as appropriate now. If you’re unsure, you can talk to an in-store stylist and ask about the age-appropriate style you wear at an interview.
Learn the Right Tech Skills
One of the issues hiring managers feel they’ll have to overcome with older people is technology as many have a hard time learning new technology. So if you know the right tech skills, mention that to the interviewer or highlight it on your resume. Let them know that you’re still willing to learn new skills.
Confidence is the Key
Coming into an interview, you might be faced with a significantly younger interviewer/hiring manager. Keep your composure and try to make the interview light – find a common interest with the interviewer.
Retirement is Far Out
Hiring managers are worried that older workers are just going to retire after a few short years. If you want to increase your chances of getting hired, stress that you’re not ready to retire. Instead, talk about them about your future plans as an asset to the company. Talk about new skills you’ve learned that you think will be valuable for the position. If you’ve attended workshops or seminars related to your what you’re applying for, mention that.
Follow these interview tips and it will give you a better chance of getting that job. To sum it up, if you’re over forty the best interview tip is that be genuine, showcase your experience/achievements and keep pursuing.