By Marla Tomazin
Whether you want a greater challenge, a better fit, increased financial security, or a new start after surviving the economic turbulence of the past few years, there are many reasons why you might be looking for a new job. But unlike younger job seekers, you may be concerned about the effect your age might have on your chances of being hired. What if employers pass you up because they believe that you'll retire soon, you'll increase their health insurance costs, or your experience is based on outdated industry knowledge and tactics?
If you're in your 60s, 50s, or even 40s, it's tempting to blame your birth date for the fact that you aren't getting called back for second interviews in spite of ample qualifications and what you thought was a good first interview. But your birth date may have less to do with the situation than you think.
You are communicating before you open your mouth to speak, so it's important to make sure that every aspect of your look is saying what you want to be saying. You should put as much thought and consideration into your body language, clothing, and grooming as you do into prepping answers to interview questions.
Because it takes an average of a year for workers 55 and older to find work (longer than any other age group), it's especially important for mature workers to consider in detail the impression they're making on potential employers. Here are four reasons why you might not be getting that second interview.
Your body language and manners aren't saying what you want them to. Our mannerisms—both physical and verbal—are almost as much a part of who we are as our eye and hair color, and our facial reactions and posture are often unconscious reactions to external stimuli. However, in all aspects of life—but especially when it comes to something as important as a job interview—it's smart to evaluate how your body language and manners might look to someone else and to make a conscious effort to speak the physical language of confidence and capability.
- Have good posture when walking in and sitting at the interview. Stand up straight and keep your shoulders back, not hunched. Also, keep your arms at your sides and not crossed in front while standing, and keep your hands in your lap when sitting. Keeping your chest open sends the message that you are open and receptive.
- Show confidence, interest, and alacrity as you engage in the interview. (Being as prepared as possible will help!) Have a pleasant, relaxed look on your face and focus on meeting your interviewer with a firm handshake. During the interview, meet the interviewer's eyes and try to refrain from mannerisms that might connote nervousness or insecurity, such as wringing your hands, picking at the material of your pants or skirt, biting your lip, etc. And don't forget to smile—you want the interviewer to know you're enthusiastic about the job opportunity!
- Be mannerly—but not overly so. Specifically, make sure that the way you treat other people doesn't make you seem disinterested or diffident. You shouldn't dispense with courtesy, but be aware that being too polite, laid-back, soft-spoken, and self-effacing can be misinterpreted as a lack of confidence. Remember, your interviewer will want to hire someone who is self-assured.
You are dressed inappropriately. Job seekers of a certain age know that in many cases, they're competing not only against each other but against candidates young enough to be their children—and may be inclined to present themselves as youthfully as possible. It's also possible that as a mature job seeker, you haven't been on the interview circuit in quite some time.
- Avoid trying to appear too youthful. Try to convey youthfulness with your attitude and ideas, not your wardrobe. Women, stay away from sexy pieces and/or those that show too much skin. Men, avoid overly trendy suits, such as those with matchstick trousers.
- Avoid ill-fitting clothing. Clothing that doesn't fit well (too tight, too short, or too large) not only detracts from your look; it can also make you feel uncomfortable. You don't want to be pulling at the hem of your skirt throughout the interview or be distracted by the fact that your shoes pinch! And you don't want your interviewer to remember you because your pants were too short, for instance, or because they puddled over your shoes.
- Avoid dressing for the wrong time or place. What may have been appropriate interview attire 10 years ago—or when you were based in a different geographical area—may not be relevant in the here and now. Dated suits and shoes can work against you by conveying that you're stuck in the past. Remember that fashions, as well as ideas of what's in good taste, do vary from place to place; an office in New York City might expect different attire from an office in Los Angeles. If you've ever lived abroad, the differences might be even more pronounced.
Your look is distracting. Even a high-quality, well-tailored, and (normally) office-appropriate outfit can be a bad idea to wear to an interview if any of its elements are distracting. At an interview, you always want the person with whom you are interacting to be looking at your face and eyes—not your clothes—and listening to what you are saying. Above all, your look should be congruent. You don't want your interviewer to be looking at your statement tie, your patterned stockings, your jewelry, your elaborate hairstyle, or your cleavage while you're talking. Before your interview, look at yourself in the mirror to make sure that one element of your outfit doesn't stand out compared to the others. You can think about moving closer to the cutting edge of fashion after you've been hired.
You aren't well groomed. Once you've found a conservative, well-fitting, and flattering interview outfit, you may feel that your look is acceptable. However, there might be small details you're missing. When it comes to personal grooming, nothing is too small to overlook. As applicable, make sure that:
- Your hair is in place and that you're not touching it nervously.
- Your facial hair is well groomed.
- Your nose hair is not showing.
- Your body odor is not noticeable and/or you're not sweating through your clothing.
- Your fragrance isn't overly strong—your perfume or cologne shouldn't enter the room before you do!
- Your teeth aren't yellow. Yellow teeth say, “I'm old!” while white teeth convey vitality.
- Your nails and cuticles are groomed.
- Your nail polish isn't chipped or flashy. Play it safe and wear a nude or pale polish.
- Your shoes are polished and your heels aren't worn down.
- Your clothing isn't faded, worn, or pilled.
Above all, remember that the best thing you can add to your interview look is confidence. If you're feeling pessimistic or defeated (which may be the case if you have been unemployed for a while), an impeccable outfit won't be able to mask your attitude. Before going into your interview, do whatever you need to do in order to revive yourself and boost your energy. Listen to an upbeat song, read a motivational quote, or call your spouse or a friend for a pep talk. Even the simple act of hydrating with a glass of water can help!
When you walk into an interview feeling comfortable and confident, you'll be setting yourself up for success, and you'll also be one step closer to getting that coveted job offer.
Marla Tomazin is a certified image consultant, who can be reached through her website at www.marlatomazin.com.