Interviewing for Women Age 50 and Better
The primary purpose of the job interview is for you to present a cogent case to be offered the position. For any interview, you will want to find a tone that is simultaneously genuine and communicates your value to the company.
While you may be rightly angry that your gender and age may unfairly be seen as a negative, it won’t help you to reveal your resentment in the interview. Thank goodness, when we are “older,” we’ve had years to get wily and clever so that, with planning, we can address the subconscious concerns of a younger manager. If you were raised to believe that women seem aggressive when they brag about their strengths, rehearsing will help you to become comfortable with more self-assured language.
Through interview preparation and coaching, we can help you find a tone that is assertive, yet comes across as positive and likeable. We can show you how to address your main concerns about age and gender in the job interview by showcasing your current skills and demonstrating that you are still quick, flexible and open to feedback in the workplace. In mock interview coaching sessions, we can discuss appropriate answers to questions you may be asked, increasing your confidence and effectiveness.
If you'd like our coaching support as you prepare for your big interview, contact us to schedule a session.
Interviewing Tips to Off-Set Ageism
Tip #1: Don’t make references to technology or leaders that fossilize you. References to obsolete technologies like Lotus 1-2-3, COBOL, or Quark could date you.
- Question: "How have you solved a problem using technology?"
- Example Response: "I read in the June issue of Fast Company about the advantages of using Drupal to build websites, and recently used it to build a website to accomplish X."
Tip #2: Tell stories with clearly embedded messages about how you’ve been flexible and responsive to tight timelines. Younger supervisors may fear that you won’t have the energy needed to respond under pressure.
- Question: "Give me an example of a challenge you’ve successfully faced."
- Example Response: "I was leading a team of writers and graphic designers on the creation of a newsletter to raise funds for the library. I sent the plans to my manager and she signed off. However, on Friday, when the team was well underway, she returned from a national conference with the news that the best donors are now in the 35-to-45-year-old set rather than their blue-haired grandparents. On Monday morning I presented my manager with three new edgy looks. She was delighted and had plenty of time to pick up her child from Montessori right on time."
Tip #3: Present yourself as having solutions and being very open to new ideas, particularly to your manager’s ideas. Young men are often subconsciously afraid that a strong female subordinate will subvert their lead.
- Question: "How would you reverse the trend of reduced attendance in our programs?"
- Example Response: "I would begin by interviewing you and other staff members to learn what you have learned about this reversal and what has been tried so far. Then, I would bring you several options including innovative uses of social media for you to consider before moving forward."
Tip #4: Use the question period to build the relationship with your potential supervisor. You want to reinforce that you will value his or her expertise, and can reach across the generational divide.
- Question: "Do have any questions for us, Evelyn?"
- Example Response: "Justin, I was impressed with your analysis of the budget. Can you tell me more about your thinking so I can know how I can help you reach your goal?"
If you'd like our coaching support as you prepare for your big interview, contact us to schedule a session.