These 10 questions are examples of some you might be asked. Not all of them are overtly age-related. But each one gives you an opportunity to present yourself as a skilled, energetic worker who brings high value to an employer.
Tell me about yourself.
Make your answer short and sweet. Stick to experiences and goals that relate to the specific job for which you’re applying. Resist the impulse to stress your years of experience. It’s more important to talk about your skills and achievements that show you can deliver. Emphasize your flexibility and positive attitude.
Why are you looking for a job?
Keep it brief. A straightforward answer is best. For example, “My organization was forced to downsize.” Avoid negative statements about yourself, your work, or your ability to get along with others. Nevercriticize former employers or coworkers.
You haven’t worked for a long time.
Why not? You may have gaps in employment for many reasons. Be honest. Speak confidently about your experiences during the gaps. Some could transfer to on-the-job skills. For instance, if you were a caregiver, you managed complex financial issues. As a volunteer, you might have worked with diverse groups and on flexible schedules.
What are you looking for?
It takes a lot of thinking to be ready for this question. Don’t speak in generalities. Be prepared to name the type of position you think would be appropriate for you and how your skills would translate to a new employer.
Aren’t you overqualified for this position?
Even though “overqualified” can be shorthand for “old” or “expensive,” it’s important to stay positive. Express your enthusiasm for the job and pride in your qualifications. Explain what makes you interested in this position at this point in your career—such as wanting to apply your skills to a new field or to achieve more flexibility and work-life balance.
We have state-of-the-art technology. Would you be able to jump right in?
Show you are adaptable and tech-savvy. Give examples of projects you’ve done which required computer skills and familiarity with electronic media. Emphasize training you’ve taken to keep your skills up to date.
We don’t have many employees who are your age. Would that bother you?
Explain that you believe your age would be an asset, you are eager to learn, and it doesn’t matter who helps you. Describe recent experiences, whether at work or in other situations, where age diversity has been an asset. Though it’s not illegal to be asked your age, the question could be a red flag about the employer’s commitment to age diversity. Know your rights under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
What’s your biggest weakness?
This is a reverse invitation to toot your own horn. Do it with an answer that puts you in a good light. For example, “I’m too detail-oriented, but I work hard to control that.” Keep it simple—and smile.
What are your salary requirements?
Try to postpone this question until a job offer has been made. Prepare by knowing the going rate in your area (sites like Salary.com can help). If you don’t know the range and the interviewer persists, reply, “What salary range are you working with?” The interviewer may very well tell you.
Do you have any questions?
Show your interest and initiative by asking specific questions about the organization and what you can expect in the job. Use your questions to demonstrate how your skills can contribute to the organization. Answering “no” to this question says you’re not really interested in the job.
There was a time when age discrimination conjured visual images of men and women nearing the retirement age of 62 and older. However, with the increasing impact of technology, the changing workplace, globalization and economic instability, age discrimination has crept into the lives of working professionals as young as 40.
So if you are over 40 and have been unexpectedly thrust into unemployment, how can you find career success? Overcoming the barriers of age discrimination takes persistence, dedication, a positive attitude and employing a few proven strategies for your job search.
Strategy #1: Unearth Your Personal Brand
If you have not conducted a job search in over ten or fifteen years, you will find yourself entangled in an intense competition for today's top positions. Add your age factor to the equation and you will need to find ways to differentiate yourself from other jobseekers and show employers why you are worth more.
One of the best places to get started is with personal branding. Through deep self-evaluation and external feedback, you will identify your unique strengths, personal attributes and the authentic value you offer to potential employers. Here are five questions to get you thinking about your value proposition:
What aspects of your work and life do you enjoy the most?
What is your area of expertise and/or specialty skill?
What do you have in your background, education or experience that differentiates you from your peers?
How do you want to be perceived?
Ask peers, colleagues and managers how they perceive you and what strengths they see in you.
Strategy #2: Develop an "Age Friendly" Resume
Your resume plays a vital role in your job search and is one of the primary tools that potential employers will use to evaluate your qualifications. While you need to emphasize the breadth of your experience, you want to avoid including information that "ages" you. Here are a few techniques that will help you "de-age" your executive resume.
Encapsulate your early experience or positions in a summary paragraph without dates
Remove the dates from the Education section
Restrict the number of years experience in your profile summary to "15-plus" or "15+".
Bring older achievements to the first page of your resume under a section called "Career Milestones" or "Career Achievements" Include volunteer, community outreach and extracurricular activities to subtly diminish concerns about your vitality and energy level.
Highlight computer and technical training to demonstrate that you are current with the latest technology.
Strategy #3: Practice Well for Interviews
No matter your age, practice, practice, practice! To prepare, you might want to do the following.
Conduct extensive research on the company through the Internet and if possible, "Google" the names of the person(s) who will be interviewing you. Learn as much about current industry trends and other events that impact the company.
Prepare for the big day through mock interviews and practice questions. Develop success stories around your career accomplishments and refer to them during your interview.
Strategy #4: Upgrade Your Look
Your professional attire and physical appearance will make an impression with your interviewer as much as your resume. Do everything on your part to put your best foot forward. Seek advice from family; friends;c and an image consultant (if necessary) to ensure that your business suit, hairstyle and accessories really compliment you.
Strategy #5: Enroll in Support Networks
Besides traditional networking events, there are several organizations that provide emotional assistance and support for professionals over 40 who are seeking new employment.
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