Golden Opportunities

Job interviews are nerve-wracking for anyone, but if you’ve been out of the workforce to raise a family, or because you held a previous job for many years, the prospect of an interview can be downright terrifying. Here to calm our interview jitters and to offer successful interviewing tips is Barbara Goldstein from JFSA’s “Profit from Experience” Senior Career Services Program.

Question:Job interviews can be nerve-wracking for anyone, but if you've been out of the workforce to raise a family, or have been at a previous job for many years, it can be even more challenging. And that's the situation for many seniors. What can our viewers do to prepare themselves for a job interview?

Answer:The first step to a good interview is to learn all you can about the employer's business. Check newspaper stories or magazine articles, business ads, and the organization's web site. The information can help you anticipate some questions.

Question:Okay. So you've learned about the business. Now what?

Answer: Next, practice your interview. You should be able to talk about your abilities as they relate to the job for which you're applying. Also, anticipate the questions you'll be asked and prepare concise and confident answers.

Question:You've made a list of sample questions seniors seeking jobs are often asked. The first is Tell me about yourself.

Answer: This is not the time to give your personal history or details of your life story. Respond by sticking to examples of experiences and goals that relate to the job.
In addition, make sure you emphasize your interest in, and ability to learn new skills. Emphasize your positive work-related attitudes, such as a strong work ethic and ability to work with people of different ages.

Question:Next, You haven't worked for a long time. Are you sure you can handle this job?

Answer: Focus on the responsibilities you've had during this time away from the workplace. Talk about volunteer activities; the valuable expertise you acquired in organizing, planning and budgeting while raising a family; or the new skills (perhaps computer skills or a foreign language) you've learned while away from the 9 — 5 world.

Question:And finally, You seem overqualified. Why would you want this job?

Answer: There are several reasons for an interviewer asking this question. The interviewer may be intimidated by your experience (likely more experience than he or she!) or uncomfortable supervising a mature worker. Perhaps the interviewer is challenging your commitment to the job. Show your sincere interest in working for the organization and emphasize your attitudes, abilities, and interests that led you to apply for the job.

Question:Any other tips for a successful interview?

Answer: People who appear positive and confident are likely to be hired faster, so you need to dress well and feel well. Make sure your clothes are properly cleaned and pressed. Treat yourself to a visit to the hair stylist. And get a good night's sleep before the interview.
Make sure you arrive on time. Account for travel time or parking problems you may encounter during that specific time of day.
Gather your materials (extra copies of your resume, a notebook and pen, a business card) and bring them in a briefcase or a clean folder or portfolio.

Question:Where can seniors get more help on preparing for a job search or an interview?

Answer: Profit from Experience is a program of Jewish Family Service Association in Beachwood, a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening families and individuals in northeast Ohio.
We help job seekers ages 55 and older with all facets of conducting a job search, such as writing a marketable resume, productive networking, and effective interviewing. We offer individualized one-on-one service as well as workshops in a small group setting.

One last question for our viewers-do you feel prepared for a job interview? For more information on conducting an employment search, give JFSA's "Profit from Experience" a call. My thanks to Barbara Goldstein.