Tips for Older Job Seekers: Overcoming Hiring Fears

Overcoming Hiring FearsWhether we like it or not, age is something every applicant has to consider when applying for a job. Let’s face it — depending on the requirements of the job they’re hiring for, most employers would prefer a younger worker over someone double his age. However, this should not discourage older job seekers who want to contribute to a company’s success.

Being older shouldn’t hinder you from applying for a job. Nothing should get in the way, as long as you know that you’re a good fit and you really want the work.

You must be prepared to make an effort to stay current on what’s happening in your desired industry. Perhaps you’ll have to get acquainted with some terminology you’ve never heard before. If you’re not terribly techie, you may find that you have to take some time to learn how to work with today’s technology.

If you’re a mature person who is currently looking for work, you need to take the following steps to bolster yourself if you’re struggling with your self-confidence:

Get rid of the “been there, done that” attitude. Most employers are wary of applicants who feel like they’ve lost interest in any job after having been employed for quite some time. Hiring managers know in these cases that it’s about money, not passion, drive and determination, which is what they really want to see.

In order not to give the wrong impression, make sure you’re sincere and tell the hiring manager why you are eager to apply for the position. You can share some of your past experiences that will help shift attention to your skills and abilities. This way, the recruiter will be able to better perceive you as a colleague.

Be hungry for success. Obviously, no recruiter would want to hire someone who seems uninterested. Since you’re a bit older than everyone else, it is normal for hiring managers to assume that you’ve lost the fire when it comes to setting goals at work.

Show the recruiter how passionate you are about the work and provide concrete evidence as proof. Think of instances where you were able to solve a problem effectively. It will help you get your point across without trying too hard.

Keep in mind that the value you bring is more important than your work history. Instead of starting your cover letter with the years of experience you may have, focus on your skills and talents and how they apply directly to the job you’re looking for.

Be ready to be a team player. Cooperating with others requires sharing and transparency. If you’ve been used to doing things on your own, then it’s probably time for a change. Hiring managers are always concerned about a potential hire’s ability to work with others, regardless of age.

Remember — you do have something to offer. Use your age to your advantage by focusing on your skills and how you can best add value to the company you want to work for.

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Alan Carniol

Alan is the creator of Interview Success Formula, a training program that has helped more than 80,000 job seekers to ace their interviews and land the jobs they deserve. Interviewers love asking curveball questions to weed out job seekers. But the truth is, most of these questions are asking about a few key areas. Learn more about how to outsmart tough interviewers by watching this video.