Looking back 20 years or so, who would have thought that this post will become a necessary read for seniors seeking employment? The common perception way back then is that when we reach a certain age, probably around 50-60 years of age, we MUST retire and enjoy the fruits of our labor. This should be the time to sit back, relax and sip a Mojito somewhere along the shores of Miami Beach before health, diseases and illnesses take over your body. Apparently, seniors today don’t see the need to slow down and retire altogether anytime soon.

Today, job interviews are not for kids alone. They are equally shared by all people capable of working, both young and old. And, although seniors are now clogging up the employment lines, it doesn’t mean they are broke and penniless; some of them have bonds and investments tuck safely away, ready to be dipped into in case of emergency.

Then why, you may ask, are they doing this? Like I said, this new generation of seniors—the lasts of baby boomers, learned to live well so they come healthy and prepared. While it’s tempting to spend days doing nothing but await death to come, most of these seniors would rather go on working and making money. But, taking on a new job means job interviews and they can be nerve-wracking. Here are some useful tips on how to ace that job interview and ultimately land the job!

1.    Proper mindset. Do not look at job interviews as hurdles. All you need is to loosen up and be yourself but be decent enough for the interviewer to realize you are the exact guy/girl they are looking for to do this job. If they have decided this job is not for you, then you move on to the next, nothing personal to that.
2.    Be confident. You should know exactly your strength and limitations. In order for you to do that, you should be 100% certain that you know how to do the offered job. This job you are applying to should be somewhat related, if not exactly as your previous jobs. Experience gives seniors edge over their competing buddies.
3.    Confident but not offensive. This means you should not talk too much but maintain a civil, friendly atmosphere. Plus, you should not talk bad about your previous jobs. You answer when questions are asked and you wait while they go over your resume.
4.    Come in full battle gear. Appear for a job interview in proper attire perfectly suited for the work place atmosphere. If you have no idea of the office’s atmosphere then come in decent, semi-formal attire that will meet halfway with whatever state your office is in. Do not forget to bring documents to support any claim you are making during the interview and of course, that includes your resume.
5.    Give precise answers. Vague answers simply won’t work. You are here to discuss what you can do for the company and keep in mind that you are here for a job not for a training course.
6.    Be punctual. Do not show up late, unprepared, crumpled and most of all, fail to show up at all. If a schedule is set, you should be there because you are a mature, responsible person.
7.    Avoid awkward issues. Personal issues are no-no, same goes for foul language and money talk. If somehow you need to discuss it with your potential employer, then be very careful with the words you will use to open the discussion.

It will also be great if you can continually enhance and expand your knowledge and skills by attending seminars and short courses. This will not only update you with the latest trends in the field but will also look great in your resume.