Older applicants-to be ready for a job interview

Employers ‘ views on age issues often influence hiring decisions. And when you're an old candidate among countless other youthful candidates, it's difficult for age not to become a hindrance. However, there are still actions that can help you increase your success rate during the interview.

The fact that employers distinguish candidates based on age is not alien in the Vietnamese recruitment environment. In a large group of candidates, employers often have the feeling that young candidates quickly acquire new knowledge, improve limited skills and learn experience faster. So, you have no other way: to highlight your strengths to the point where it is possible to overshadow the bias of the employer.

Make the best first impression

It will be difficult for the employer to convince himself that you will meet the job, if in front of them an elderly person, dressed in “fashionable” clothes from decades ago. Your appearance, if not up to standards, will definitely make a worrying impression, especially on positions that require health and agility.

Make sure that your interview outfit is modern style. Pay attention to: skirt length, tie width, lapel width, color and fit. Remember that the interview outfit is not necessarily the most beautiful set in the wardrobe, but the most appropriate, elegant one. Now more candidates dress freely when interviewing, and wearing too formal outfits can make you much older than them.

If you are not sure what to wear, check out the appropriate interview outfit at different companies and ask more salespeople who have knowledge of business attire. You can also ask friends or younger family members for advice.

The same goes for hair. Thanks to the younger styling barbers that are still age-appropriate, if you feel the need to change your appearance.

Consider your experience an asset

Try bringing a portfolio of your successful projects, and turn the interview into a look-and-tell experience. It is even possible to treat the interview as a free consultation: be ready to talk about some of the problems and challenges that the company may encounter and share your solution.

You should let the employer know how you have been a mentor in the past, as well as demonstrate your strengths in understanding the need to provide services to partners or middle-aged or older users.

Have the right technological skills

In this era, almost every job can be brought to the online environment. And this trend is further accelerated due to the need for remote work and online shopping during the covid-19 pandemic.

Employers may be afraid that older workers will not catch up with technological trends. Make sure you know which technology is most appreciated or most popular in the industry, practice the steps of mastering it, and share how you applied this technology to your work.

Add skill item to CV(resume)

Many older applicants default to career experience as skills and ignore this category. Use your skills to highlight your knowledge and strengths. Let's have a tactic – ignore old methods of work, which are no longer used regularly in the industry.

Have your reference ready

Don't disregard written recommendations (papers or emails) from previous senior managers. Especially if it shows that you are a candidate: reputable, reliable, solid in the most difficult situations of the company, sensitive to change…

You can even actively talk before and after interviews with the most feasible employers about how you will overcome age problems if any in the future.

HOW TO SOLVE AGE PROBLEMS

1. Focus on the future

Aspiring candidates for new career goals will have an advantage over those who have satisfied with the achievements achieved. Be prepared to talk about what you hope to achieve in the next stage of your career enthusiastically. Don't let yourself be surprised by the question “Where do you find yourself in 5 years?” .

Show the employer that you are not eager to retire. No employer desires the prospect: older workers work for the company only to spend hours until retirement, and do not enthusiastically learn to grow at work. You can avoid giving them this association when demonstrating initiative, creativity and exchanging plans to develop your professional career at the company. Let's share about the workshops, workshops and online study certificates that you have recently obtained.

2. Handling the standard overabundance

Many employers tend to consider the elderly applicant, who used to be a management position to be superfluous to qualify for the position being employed. It also leads to the prospect that you may be less “bloody” at work. You can change this bias by clearly describing your enthusiasm for specific tasks at work. It is even more profitable to give an example of recent analogues that you have done with good performance.

3. Show willingness to work with a younger manager

Employers may be concerned about your attitude when receiving direction from a younger manager.

You can reassure them by sharing examples of how you deploy work under the direction of younger managers. You can talk more about what you are willing to support.

4. Refresh your interview skills

If you haven't been to an interview for a long time, you may be surprised at the change in the interview method. Employers are now more focused on evaluating how candidates produce results and the impact that results have on the overall development of the business.

Therefore, you need to review each of the past and be prepared to describe the situation in which you apply your strengths and results skills.

5. Keep the spirit optimistic

What you're doing hasn't brought you success can be daunting. Try to stay optimistic!

Consider each interview as an opportunity to cultivate an understanding of the modern labor environment, as well as practice for a more responsive response.

When you accept things with a calm and active mind, you can exude energy and vitality in your posture and body language.

Practice: stand up straight, bounce in your every step and greet enthusiastically with all the people you meet.

Make sure your voice is vibrant and not monotonous.

Think about how to bring a positive energy flow in any situation.