2. Age is an Advantage
Objectives
Perceptions of the experienced job seeker & the
employer
What are the challenges facing the mid-life job seeker
Strategies to overcome perceptions/employment barriers
Share real stories – Youtube video
Interview questions you may be asked as a mid-careerist
Additional Resources
3. Job seekers were asked what are the benefits of hiring a
Seasoned Employee - Are there more???
The Los Angeles County Workforce Investment Board Survey Presentation - 2010
7. Challenges facing mid-life employee
The Los Angeles County Workforce Investment Board Survey Presentation - 2010
8. Counteract Sterotypes of Mid-careerist
Can’t learn, won’t learn
Rigid, inflexible,
opinionated
Intolerant of views other
than their own
Health problems interfere
with work
Examples of quick
learning
Open-minded, open to
suggestions
Work well with all kinds of
people
Energetic, excellent
attendance
9. Additional challenges
Excerpts from “The Age Advantage” by Dr. Jean Erickson Walker
Personal life crisis – loss of identity
Career history was with one company or in the same
job
Confidence has been shaken – lost faith in themselves
Headed for the finish line – present quality of life was
never a goal
Reluctance to accept change in the workplace
Additional financial responsibilities in comparison to
the younger worker.
10. Counteracting Age Discrimination
Omit dates that are “red flags”: high school or
college graduation dates – consider a combination
resume format
Software skills/Classes taken no longer used in the
business world
Make certain your appearance is up-to-date
(clothing, glasses, hair style, accessories) – project
confidence.
Emphasize your positive attributes: flexible, positive
work ethic, good judgment, communication skills.
If you lack a skill or experience the job requires, offer
to learn it or ask if the company offers training.
11. U.S. jobs most in demand –
per Manpower, Inc. (2010)
1. Skilled trades (mechanics, electrician, welders)
2. Sales Representatives – Customer Service Representatives
3. Nurses
4. Technician
5. Drivers
6. Restaurants, hotel staff
7. Management/executives
8. Engineers
9. Doctors
10. Customer support and services
New Emerging Industries
Water Supply Systems, Science & Technology, Clean energy & Power Plants,
Transportation Systems, Agricultural Technologies, Sustainable living.
12. Some different perspectives…
4 Generations Working Together - Jason Dorsey
Resource: Age is an Advantage.pptx
Personal stories
What do these experiences tell us about the world of
work?
Any interview experiences?
13. 10 Interview Questions for Mid-Career Job
Seekers to Anticipate
1. You appear to be
overqualified for this
position. Won’t you get
bored?
Some answers:
“There is a greater return on
your money if I hit the ground
running – there will be less
training time.”
“Based on your company’s plans
for future growth, having
experienced employees will be
critical.
“You are an excellent company.
You deserve excellence in
employees and I have proven
skills such as__________.”
14. 10 Interview Questions for Mid-Career Job
Seekers to Anticipate
2.This company is on the
fast track. Do you think
that you can keep up?
Some answers:
“I have stayed on top of the
industry and am computer
literate (take this opportunity to
showcase any training classes
you have taken).”
“Consider hitting this question
head-on by stating politely that
you have not noticed any
slowdown or stagnancy in
attitude or energy.”
15. 10 Interview Questions for Mid-Career Job
Seekers to Anticipate
3.This is a completely
different industry than
you were in before. Can
you tell us how you will
transfer your skills?
Some answers:
“I have accessed your website
and have read everything about
your company.” (Then, draw
some analogy to a previous area
of expertise & relate it to the
new company’s product or
service.)
16. 10 Interview Questions for Mid-Career Job Seekers to
Anticipate
4.I have noticed that you
have been out of work for
over a year. Besides
seeking employment ,what
have you been doing? Can
you explain this break in
employment?
Some answers:
“I am looking for something
different. I am fortunate to
be in a position to take time
(research) to make sure this
job is right for both of us.”
“I have used this time to
brush up (or learn) a new
skill, and now I am ready to
contribute my knowledge &
expertise to a viable company
such as yours.”
17. 10 Interview Questions for Mid-Career Job
Seekers to Anticipate
5.Why do you think you
are qualified for this
position? I don’t see
where you have
experience that would
match our business
needs.
Some answers:
“My excitement at learning new
things never diminishes. With
my work experience, I know I
will be a quick learner.”
Take this opportunity to point
out any skills you have added to
your repertoire. Identify a skill
you have, and align it to
something you would need to do
on the new job.
18. 10 Interview Questions for Mid-Career Job
Seekers to Anticipate
6.Your resume indicates
you have worked at a lot
of different places. Can
you comment on that?
Some answers:
“Each of those positions
broadened my knowledge and
skill base. I have developed a
keen ability to adapt and be
flexible – not only to the
company culture but also to my
manager’s style.”
“The industries I was in were
greatly affected by external
factors. Fortunately, I was able
to be hired and grew from these
experiences.”
19. 10 Interview Questions for Mid-Career Job
Seekers to Anticipate
7.You were with your last
company for 19 years.
Can you change the way
you do things?
Some answers:
“I am looking for change!”
“My last company underwent
many changes during that time,
and I enjoy trying new things
and ideas.” (Share examples
whenever possible.)
20. 10 Interview Questions for Mid-Career Job
Seekers to Anticipate
8.We are on the cutting
edge of technology. Can
you keep up?
Some answers:
Again reinforce skills,
classes/courses and upgrades
you have had. You may need to
mention this several times and
in as many different ways as
possible to overcome their
doubt.
21. 10 Interview Questions for Mid-Career Job
Seekers to Anticipate
9. I see you have been a
consultant. Does that just
mean you were out of work?
Some answers:
“My previous company brought
me back on contract to
complete several projects,
which I did – and now I want to
see if there is something more
exciting out there.”
“I understand many people are
calling themselves consultants
while they look for a new
position (laugh - use a little bit
of “levity”). But this is what I
accomplished during that time.”
22. 10 Interview Questions for Mid-Career Job
Seekers to Anticipate
10. What do you think you
are worth since you have
been in the work world
so long?
Some answers:
Never respond with a specific
dollar amount. Affirm that you
have vast skills and experience.
Indicate that you are either
willing to start over to show
them the value you bring to the
table or deserving of top dollar.
Either way, be confident.
Research what the range of a
similar position would be.
Ask them what range of pay is
allocated for this position.
23. Resources
Computer Skills (through WCTC & WFDC)–
Basic/Introduction – Computer Skills Lab
Beyond Basics Computer Lab
Library Express
AARP -
http://www.aarp.org/work/employee-benefits/best_employers/
Free webinars through AARP: http://www.aarp.org/work/job-
hunting/info-04-2010/job_webinars.html
www.40pluswi.org
Positive Attitude is Key For Older Workers and Job-Seekers.mht
http://www.acinet.org/occ_intro.asp?
id=1&nodeid=1http://www.quintcareers.com/mature_jobseekers.html
Networking – work your contacts through Linkedin?
Questions/Expectations?
24. AGE IS AN ADVANTAGE
BEST OF LUCK IN YOUR JOB SEARCH!
Rose Susami
WCTC Career Center - 2010
