More on this story

Selling yourself

The market

Stay safe or branch out?

Going it alone

Ask our work expert a question

Useful websites

Dinosaurs unlimited

Making the right impression at interview

Expert advice on making the right impression at an interview when you’re over 50

In interviews the over 50s have an acknowledged advantage because they tend to turn up on time and dress smartly.

Specialist recruitment agencies all agree that the key to being successful is to present yourself as flexible, adaptable and enthusiastic - and that you are the kind of person who welcomes change.

These are attributes more normally, if erroneously, associated with younger applicants.

Dianah Worman says the biggest mistake older people make in an interview is underselling themselves.

"You don't want to be bragging, but understand what it is they want to know about you and prepare well by looking at their website and researching the business."

Stress your experience, knowledge and discipline, and show that you are happy to work under a younger manager.

One idea that often goes down well, says Barry Badham, is to mention that you could become a mentor to younger workers in the office.

If you don't get an answer after your application or interview, write to ask why and get some feedback.

After October 1, 2006, it becomes unlawful to discriminate against someone in the workplace or at an interview because of their age.

If you can prove discrimination based on age, you may be able to take them to an employment tribunal.

Written by Rachel Carlyle

This article was created: 19 July 2006.
This article was last edited: 7 November 2006.

Email  Back to top