How to prepare for a job interview

Written by Joanna Webber for Australian Seniors

Nailing a job interview can be tricky at any age, but when you’re sitting opposite a hiring manager who is 20 years younger than you, it can be downright daunting. Not only that, but the job-seeking landscape has changed significantly in the past decade, and if you haven’t had to interview for a job in a while, you could probably do with a brush-up on your skills.

Bias against age is unlawful, but unfortunately it’s still prevalent. The Australian Human Rights Commission received 271 complaints related to age discrimination between 2021 and 2022, most of which were about employment and reported by people aged 55 and older.

With more Australians wanting (and needing) to stay in the workforce for longer, ageist stereotypes need to change. Myths about older workers being less equipped to adapt to change don’t hold up to research. “Older workers have solid advantages when it comes to finding a job: years of experience, productivity, wide networks and problem-solving can’t be taught,” says Simon Bennett, Managing Director at Glide Outplacement and Career Coaching.

But while you may have experience in your field of work, that’s vastly different to experience in job-seeking in today’s market. Simon shares his tips on how to land your next job.

How to write a strong résumé

“People think the most difficult part of the job search is getting through the interview but getting your résumé right is far more important,” Simon explains. “If you’re applying for any advertised position, you might be up against 100 or more applicants. If all of them are suitable for the job, then you might have a one-in-100 chance of getting an interview, so your résumé needs to be spot on.”

Don’t try to squeeze every job you have ever had into it. Best practice today is to include only the past five to 10 years. Also, don’t include dates. List all your qualifications but leave out the year you achieved them. “The fact that you have the qualification is what’s important, not when you got it,” says Simon. “Leaving out the numbers is an easy way to help disguise your age.”

Think about your résumé strategically and stay on point. “Consider keywords in the job description,” says Simon. “This will tell you what qualities your employer is looking for and how you can best use your experience and skills to demonstrate that you’re the best person for the role.”

Make sure your LinkedIn profile is current and well presented, as this is where most employers will search your work history. More companies are also using video-conferencing technology such as Zoom for preliminary interviews, so familiarise yourself with the platform and do a test run before your interview. 

Diversity in the workplace 

“You want to work for employers who believe in diversity,” says Simon. “Companies that are going places employ people who aren’t only right for the job today, but who’ll also be the best person for the job tomorrow. 

“If the organisation is full of 30-somethings, having someone outside of that demographic who can provide different ideas and insights is a valuable thing. Likewise, if an organisation is trying to sell products or services to your demographic, it’s not going to reach them with a bunch of young employees who don’t relate to their needs or expectations. Be confident about what you have to offer.”

How to address overqualification in job interviews

One of the challenges facing older workers is that they’re often seen as being overqualified and too expensive. “If you think your being overqualified is a reservation, don’t be afraid to raise it,” advises Simon. “Asking gives you the opportunity to address it before leaving the interview room.”

“If you’re passionate about the role you’re seeking, having more than the required credentials shouldn’t be a problem. Talk about the aspects of the job that appeal to you most and that made you apply in the first place. If salary expectations are a concern, be upfront about that, too,” he says.

Prepare a shortlist of job interview questions to ask as well. Do your research on the company, and if you know who your interviewer will be, look them up on LinkedIn. “Even if your hiring manager is 20-something, be empathetic and positive.”

Keep calm and manage nerves

Everyone experiences some nervousness during an interview, and that’s a good thing, says Simon. “It proves you care about the job, and you’re truly invested. Try to think of those butterflies in your belly as excitement. 

“The neurological responses when we’re nervous or excited are exactly the same,” he says. “Rather than worrying about nerves, welcome them and get excited about what it is that’s motivating you to apply for the job.” 

Older employees statistics 

The Australian Seniors Series: Ageing in the Workforce 2021 finds…

• around 93% of over 50s think that older employees are undervalued in the workplace.
• about 47% believe that employers start to look at employees differently between the ages of 50–59.
• that 75% are making efforts to take more control of their careers.