Guest Author - Gwendolyn Thompson
If you are a mid life job seeker than you have probably heard the phrase, “We like you but you are overqualified for the job.“ Most people would interpret this phrase to mean that they are too old when in reality overqualified means that they are no longer being considering for the job.
Employers have found that by using the politically correct term, overqualified, they can safely move on to the next interview without addressing questions and emotions of the current interviewee. This saves them time and speeds up the interview screening process.
Most of the time the reason has nothing to do with your qualifications or your age. What it does have to do with is a value that the potential employer spotted on your resume that you failed to convey and prove during the interview. Your focus must be on what you can do for them.
Employers are seeking and screening applicants that will “fit” their job opening. They are looking for enthusiastic and eager to succeed applicants that will work well with their team. These traits are easier found in younger applicants who lack the necessary skills and experience needed for the job.
Mid life job seekers have the necessary skills and experience for the job but fail to portray previous accomplishments and the value that they will bring to the job and the company. Employers are aware that older applicants are more dependable and efficient than younger applicants.
The following are four tiers to prepare the mid life job seeker for their next job interview. If you can portray yourself as the applicant that the employer is seeking, rather than the employee that you were at your previous job, then your chances of landing the job will greatly increase.
Tier 1: Employers are seeking a qualified hire that is with in their budget.
If you got an interview then it is because they seen something on your resume that was of interest to them for the job that is open. Interview with their needs in mind and what you can do for them based on your previous accomplishments and focus on what the job description listed.
Tier 2: Employers are not fearful that an older applicant will leave for a better opportunity.
They deal with turn over all the time. Talk about what you will contribute to their company and stay on the job opening topic. Show an interest in future opportunities by letting them know what you find interesting about their company and the job that you applied for.
Tier 3: Employers do not think you will be bored because you are overqualified.
If you portray enthusiasm and excitement about the job and a willingness to excel in their company then you have just past the screening test for the “fit” that employers are seeking for the job. Express your eagerness to learn and advance in their industry.
Tier 4: Employers will not view you as competitive.
Express to them how you can make them look good by using examples from previous employments. Prove your value through your contributions and learning capabilities that you have achieved from experience and how you made your previous employers look good.
Today’s economy demands change due to high unemployment and it has become more difficult for the mid life job seeker to find suitable employment to meet their needs. Mind set and change can put you back in the spot light for a new job in a growing industry.
.
