We have discussed making your resume stand out from the crowd. So what happens once you get the interview?  What if you are competing with candidates half your age? Abby Kohut, a top staffing consultant, already gave us two great tips to help get you in the door. We turned to her again with this question:

What are the best techniques for a baby boomer competing for the same job as generation Y?

She shared this advice with us.

Regardless of your age, when you’re on an interview, it’s critical that you demonstrate that you are totally committed to, and interested in, the job that you are interviewing for. It is your responsibility to convince the recruiter that you are looking forward to making a home at their company for the next 3 – 5 years. It is your job to convince them that you have kept up with all the technology and terminology in your industry, and that you will fit in well with the team. Having a social media profile will help you prove your point. Most of all convince them that you have the skills that they are looking for, and that you are a mature, dedicated individual who takes responsibility seriously. And while you’re at it, demonstrate an overabundance of energy and passion.

If a recruiter tells you that you are “overqualified” during an interview, consider this is a blessing in disguise. This news provides you with a chance to overcome their objection. It’s Sales 101. You can only overcome something you know about. After you have regained your composure from the excitement of being called overqualified, now it’s time to tell them why they are COMPLETELY WRONG. Remind them that your depth of experience means that you will accomplish more work in less time, and that the training curve will be shorter. Explain how perfectly your skills match their job description. Remind them of your specific accomplishments and how loyal you have been to past employers. And, remember to show your passion for the job, the company, and the industry.

These tips are great and can be used no matter what your age or competition with other candidates.  We wanted to know more so we asked Abby: Can you share some advice for people that are entering a new field later in life? They may be starting over near the bottom of the ladder and have trouble convincing the hiring manager why they are comfortable taking the step “back”.

In order to convince someone that you are interested in what they are offering, you have to first be convinced yourself. Take the time to evaluate your options. What kinds of responsibilities really get you excited? What are you best at? What have people complimented you on in the past? Once you know those answers, you can begin to determine what your true passion in life is, and then search for those opportunities, even if they involve taking a step backwards. Explain to your interviewer that despite the fact that you appear to be taking a step down, you are completely passionate about your ideal career and will do whatever it takes to be a success. You are willing to learn and grow in the position and will not become bored because this is what you have been waiting for all along. Remind them that you are in it for the long haul now that you have discovered your passion. That should be the key to your success.

As a recruiter, what I am most concerned about is whether a person has the qualifications and the passion to succeed – their age has nothing to do with my opinion about them. If you believe your age is a problem, then it will be, simply because it will diminish your confidence, which spells disaster during an interview.
 
 
Abby Kohut , President and Staffing Consultant, Staffing Symphony, LLC
To Learn more visit www.absolutelyabby.com or www.CareerWakeUpCalls.com.
You can also purchase her newly published book 101 JOb Search Secrets.

To read more advice from Abby on Workchic, follow this link: Make my Resume Stand Out.