Director of Supply Chain
A question for the group. I am presently in search mode for my next career opportunity. I am in my 50's and still have a great deal to offer. Recently I have been encouraged by the number of phone interviews expressing interest in my skills and experience. However when visiting face to face with the hiring manager I can almost tell my age becomes a factor. I have home on several interviews where the agenda is to meet with the hiring manager, HR, and several other department heads. In a lot of cases however, after the initial meeting with the hiring manager, at some point the interviews get cut short, and I am released with the promise " we will be in touch". Which never happens
So my question is this. Should I address the elephant in the room when it comes to the perception I may look too old for the job? Interviewers have been carefully trained to stay away for the how old are you question. But should I initate a discussion so insure I am given a chance to address their concerns?
Thanks for some help with this
Great question, Kenneth. I definitely have come across the same hesitation in my career search. But I think it might come down to the keywords you're using in the interview. If you think your age is a problem, you should definitely underscore the fact that you're not just experienced, but you're also adaptable and flexible with changes. I think that's the greatest fear that employers have about older people like us - that we're too stuck in our ways to learn.