Appearance question
OK, getting back out into the work force after several unpaid years finalizing my late parent' s estates. I am almost 52, moderately "well-preserved," but not young by any means! Gray-hair, some wrinkles, you know? I like the age I am, that is, until I am waiting to interview in a room filled with applicants 20 years my junior. It seems like all my experience, talents, and skills fade into nothing, draining my confidence before I even get to the interviewer' s desk! Most of the interviewers are also MUCH younger than I! Ack! The job market in this area is very, very tight. Many businesses have closed their doors which means there are multiple applicants for every open position. The great majority of applicants are either currently employed or recently laid off. I have always been told that those are the applicants who have the edge in hiring. I am wondering how much difference does age make in interview and hiring decisions? Does anyone have some insight for me? Age can be an advantage--turn it to one in this case! I just went thru the hiring process and I am just your age. Been out of the traditional workforce for 5 years, albeit have been working at home freelancing. My boss is young enough to be my daughter, and only one of the 6 people I interviewed with during my 2nd interview even approaches my age! So I was there, did that.... As an older worker, you bring so many good things to the table, not the least of which is knowing "how" to work, which many younger workers don' t. You have skills that have been honed over the years, thus great competency. You understand how to deal with all kinds of people through both your work and life experiences. You understand the word "deadline," know you have to get to work on time and leave once quitting time has arrived--or stay till the task or project is done. You don' t need to climb the corporate ladder; i.e., you won' t bolt at the first offer of a couple of grand more and a fancier title. You are secure enough in who you are that you can go about your work and not feel you have to be patted on the back for every little thing you do right. You don' t need to be babysat or have your hand held.... Once you are trained in company and job specifics, you can go do the job. See? You have much to offer--focus on that, not what you feel you lack. And, really, it' s not all that uncomfortable interviewing with younger folks! I colored my hair back to it' s original dark brown. I color my hair, just to brighten it up, not to cover all the grey, and I think it keeps me looking relatively "young"! Mine is totally grey. I don' t mind the color, it' s very bright, but it does make me look much older. If for no other reason than my own self-confidence, I am making an appointment to get it done. (Eyebrows, too, plus a manicure... might as well go all out.) Did you know that the younger people sitting in that lobby about to be interviewed are looking at you and thinking the same thing. They are thinking, "#### she probably has a lot more experience than me. Probably knows more, too." Why do I say this? Because I have been the one sitting in that lobby with someone with gray at the temples or graying hair altogether. "I am almost 52, moderately "well-preserved," but not young by any means! Gray-hair, some wrinkles, you know? I like the age I am, that is, until I am waiting to interview in a room filled with applicants 20 years my junior." What a negative statement about your age! Do you really consider yourself old but moderately well preserved?" What does moderately well preserved mean? How is a woman of 52 supposed to look and feel? How are you going to feel about yourself when you are my age which is almost 65? I am working, and I get along just fine with my coworkers - most of whom are in their twenties! Age is just a number! Your main problem is yourself and your pessimistic attitude about getting older. Get over it or you will not be able to happily work anywhere. | |
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Career Tips
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