Tip No. 201
Q. How do I handle a job interview where the interviewer is 20+ years my junior?
A. A large age gap where the power differential is shifted to the younger individual is a situation ripe for tension under ordinary circumstances. When it happens in an interview, where anxiety typically abounds anyway, special considerations may need to be taken by the more seasoned interviewee. Important to consider is the possibility of the scope of your experience and professional skills bringing out insecurities in a younger interviewer. Address these two main areas of concern to diffuse any worry and direct the interview to how your strengths match their needs: 1. Assure a young manager that you are not a threat to his/her job by addressing this concern directly. 2. Emphasize your willingness to be managed by describing your flexibility in working with a variety of management in your professional past. In any interviewing situation, age gap or no, be ready to tell about yourself in terms of your strengths and avoid outlining your employment history from start to present. A long chronological description will work against you by adding to any perception of age, and it will take time away from discussing your more recent, relevant experience and accomplishments. Finally, be tolerant of any cultural differences you encounter, especially in the area of etiquette. It is likely that someone much younger than you will have a different approach to conducting an interview than you would, so it is up to you to stay composed and professional, no matter what the interviewer says or does. It may be that your young interviewer is not the ultimate decision maker in your hiring process, but they are definitely a key part if you are meeting with them and you must make the most of the situation to receive further consideration for the job.
CMI Career Management International
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