Career advice websites and articles mostly focus their attentions on recent college grads or younger workers. However, older employees such as those in their 50s and above do not receive much assistance, as far as job prospects, when faced with a layoff or termination. The majority of these workers have not dealt with a more demanding job market and more than likely have not interviewed for a position in over 20 years.
Looking through the various blogs and career website, there are some good pieces of advice that may be beneficial to a more mature worker. On the website Resume-Help.org, interview guidance is given in terms of how older workers can make themselves more attractive to an employer.
The first involves revealing to possible hiring managers that with your advanced age comes wisdom. It mentions that older workers should not feel like they have to "act young". Instead, they should emphasize that their mature age is an "asset" not an impediment.
Older workers have more "experience and knowledge" that enables you to make intelligent "professional decisions." It also advises that older professionals should highlight their "ability to ability to use your past work experiences to solve problem" but they should also express to that potential employer that they are open to "new ways of resolving difficult situations."
Secondly, the site recommends emphasizing "your flexibility and your willingness to learn new skills and methods of problem-solving." Showing that you are capable as an older worker to learn new technologies and willing to update your skills makes a difference to an employer's decision when choosing between a young inexperienced candidate and one with more work experience.
Lastly, preparing for the "age-related questions" is highly critical for older workers. Surprisingly, it is not illegal for an employer to ask how old you are. The site reveals that some of the questions you may be asked is do you feel comfortable "working for a younger manager, or working with younger employees." With such inquiries, the appropriate answer should include that you are open to learning from "anyone who has something to teach you, regardless of their age."
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