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What are some tips you can give to someone who is job interviewing and the person who is doing your interview is two times younger then you and you sense that the age difference is not an issue for you but seems to make the interviewer uncomfortable?
I have been within the work force for some time; 30 years to be exact; I am running into interviewers that are younger and find themselves thrown by interviewing me. The 80/20 rule of interviewing goes out the window and they seem to do all the talking like they are the ones selling themselves. I want to find a way to put them at ease and show them I might be older however there is a great deal I can learn and that I want to do just that. #learningeverstops #interviewing #workforce #80/20rule #tips #atease
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9 answers
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Lisa’s Answer
Hi Angie, I think you’ve answered your own question perfectly: Present yourself as a continuous learner with a growth mindset, that you feel there’s a lot you can learn from working with people of different age groups, and that this and all types of workforce diversity makes for stronger organizations.
Reach out directly if you have more questions!
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Decker’s Answer
While age is irrelevant, if the interviewer seems uncomfortable about your age, you should ignore it. You don't need to focus on putting them at ease, due to the age gap, but just focus on being yourself and being receptive to the questions and interview. Focus on the understanding the culture of the business and what the day to day life looks like. By focusing on these, this should really show alignment with the company and how adding you to the team would be a good experience for both the team and yourself. Let your experience define you, not your age.
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Rod’s Answer
Hi Angie - Great question. I have been on both sides of this situation. My suggestion when being interviewed is to actively listen to what they are saying and determine if they might be looking for advice or some insight to their job situation. I try to leave the interviewer with the impression that I'm a collaborative person to work with. Be patient and be ready to ask questions about the job you are interviewing that will help to get the job interview back on track.
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Kelly’s Answer
HI Angie, I think this is a great question as it happens quite often. One point to keep in mind is that they interviewer may just be as nervous as you are and its not even related to the age differences. Interviewing and being interviewed are both tough! It's a skill that not everyone is good at and sometimes puts people really far outside of their comfort zone!
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Bradley’s Answer
Hi Angie,
As a younger professional in the workforce, I know that it is important to be able to work with and interview with people of all ages. From my perspective, if I was to interview someone much older than me, I would want them to act natural. In a work setting, we are all equals and it shouldn't matter what the age difference is. I think if you come in with a sense of confidence about yourself, that will take over any type of hesitancy that may exist on the interviewer's side.
As a younger professional in the workforce, I know that it is important to be able to work with and interview with people of all ages. From my perspective, if I was to interview someone much older than me, I would want them to act natural. In a work setting, we are all equals and it shouldn't matter what the age difference is. I think if you come in with a sense of confidence about yourself, that will take over any type of hesitancy that may exist on the interviewer's side.
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Don’s Answer
Hi there!
I think age is irrelevant in this situation. In my experience, I've seen all ages show some of those behaviors. My recommendation is to stick to your interview plan and listen to what they have to say. Sometimes, what is being said in those "monologues" could be important for you to hear as a part of your interview. Try to align your experiences with what they are talking about.
I think age is irrelevant in this situation. In my experience, I've seen all ages show some of those behaviors. My recommendation is to stick to your interview plan and listen to what they have to say. Sometimes, what is being said in those "monologues" could be important for you to hear as a part of your interview. Try to align your experiences with what they are talking about.
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Nadir’s Answer
Angie,
As an interviewer at my workplace it does makes me uneasy when since the candidate is older, they want to show that they know more about this job which I am at then they do. I do love when they acknowledge that since I have been at this company, understand the culture and know the expectations/culture at this job, they will be looking at me for directions in those regards. At the same time though, they are well versed in their qualifications and can do the job well.I like the methodology of developing a 60 second pitch that you can give at the beginning of your interview. That could help add some pointers there indicating you are experienced in the field although would work closely with the interviewer in other aspects you can learn from them. Good luck and hope this helps.
As an interviewer at my workplace it does makes me uneasy when since the candidate is older, they want to show that they know more about this job which I am at then they do. I do love when they acknowledge that since I have been at this company, understand the culture and know the expectations/culture at this job, they will be looking at me for directions in those regards. At the same time though, they are well versed in their qualifications and can do the job well.I like the methodology of developing a 60 second pitch that you can give at the beginning of your interview. That could help add some pointers there indicating you are experienced in the field although would work closely with the interviewer in other aspects you can learn from them. Good luck and hope this helps.
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Belinda’s Answer
Relax! Both parties could be uncomfortable. I would suggest that you try to break the ice, at the beginning of the interview, when you are introducing yourself. You could do this by sharing something fun or unusual about yourself. This will help both of you feel more comfortable. It could also be a way for you to stand out among all the other interviewees. Then you’ll need to concentrate on what the interview questions are and try to give relevant and current answers to the questions. Good luck Angie!
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Amy’s Answer
Hi Angie! As an aging career woman undergoing interviews, I can relate to your concerns. The trick I use is to listen intently to what they're saying, then when they stop (or take a breath), I'll ask a couple of questions.I do treat them with respect, as a peer and give them the attention they need/want, but I also do not let them overtake the interview time with their speeches, and will interrupt if I feel I am not getting adequate time to ask my questions or tell them more about myself. Don't hesitate to "stick up for yourself" when necessary. If they are good at interviewing, they will notice your drive to want to know more about the company they work for and provide your own background. Good luck!