Message #80733

[msmarieh]

Welcome to DeskDemon!

There is definitely an art to interviewing, especially for those of us that are more mature. We need to emphasize our best qualities and the assets that come with experience.

For starters, make sure you are applying for appropriate jobs - so not entry level where they will want to pay less money and are willing to trade off for less experience.

Secondly, make sure you are addressing any concerns they are likely to have (i.e. if you are really close to retirement age; are you technologically literate; will you be ok working with a younger boss, etc.) in a discrete way without overly emphasizing the issue (so if it hadn't occurred to them, you don't put it in their head).

On the plus side, you are at least getting interviews, so that means your resume is probably fairly strong. If you feel like you are doing well in interviews, be sure to include the question "Is there any quality or experience you are looking for in this position, that I don't have?" That can encourage them to come right out and say, well, we were hoping for someone with "xyz" and you can answer "Oh, well, here's my experience with xyz". On the other hand if they say no, then you can reinforce with some version of, so I have all the qualities you are looking for in this position (and I am basically the perfect choice for you).

Third, are you showcasing your qualities to your best advantage? Are you noting any certifications you have, any particular strengths you have, etc. Are you emphasizing in your cover letter how your background experience is particularly relevant to the job posting, the company, the industry, etc. Don't expect them to connect irrelevant backgrounds and experience.