Senior job seekers have many tips to help them prepare for interviews. Asking questions and being open to learning about the job is a great way to show that you are interested in it. Your appearance should reflect your energy and positivity. These tips can help you win your next interview. Continue reading to find out the top tips and tricks for job seekers older than 50!
Positivity
For older job seekers, it is often difficult to find a job. 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 will hire people who have an upbeat attitude and who seem to work well with others. Negativity will hurt your chances of landing the job.
Humility
An interviewer will notice if a job applicant is humble and not arrogant. They aren't self-serving or egotistical. The best employees have a desire for helping others. It is also helpful if you can give examples of your past achievements.
During the interview, a candidate can showcase his or her commitment and determination to make the company successful. The candidate must also show that he/she values friendly and long-term professional relationships. This shows humility as well as dedication.
Work history is subject to a time limit
Most industries allow you to list the ten- to fifteen most recent years of employment. However, it is a good idea to limit your work history to the five to ten most recent years to show your most recent contributions and capabilities. Your work history will not reflect your most recent achievements and highlight previous roles. However, your work history from the past can be helpful in demonstrating your ability to progress and your credibility in your field.
It is possible to prove age discrimination in today's job marketplace, but it is still a real problem. The largest generation ever to be born was the Baby Boomers. They began their careers in the mid-60s and were set to take over the workforce during the 1970s-80s. ADEA was passed in 1967 to help protect vulnerable members of the previous generations. The Millennial generation has outnumbered both Gen X and Baby Boomers in terms of population, and Gen Z is the new wave of talent. This new generation has been characterized by its tech savvy and up-to-date skill sets, so there is no longer an excuse to ignore them when it comes to seeking employment.
Dressing in a way that exudes energy
It can be hard to dress up in a way which exudes energy for job seekers older than you. According to a recent CultureIQ survey, over half of employees in the U.S. feel comfortable wearing jeans to work and over one-third feel the same way about sneakers. For younger workers, these options are fine. However, for older workers, formality is a better option. Coworkers might also notice that you are wearing formal clothes to signal your desire to be part of a hierarchical structure.
Transferable skills
You have skills that can be applied to different jobs. A good example of this is a past sales experience in a retail setting. You can then transfer it to another type. Or, you can learn a new skill and use it to advance your career. You can either use your transferable skills or increase your chances to land a new job.
Although younger workers may believe that companies only want to hire young people for their jobs, recent labor statistics have shown a substantial increase in opportunities for older workers. Don't let your age stop you from searching for a job. Employers value maturity and experience, so be sure to highlight these attributes.