Fifty Points for Older Job Seekers to make a point at a Job Interview (Yeah. Like You Can Even Get One).”
1. I’m a Boomer. We have that famous work ethic.
2. Boomers are the best team play- ers in the workforce; we work well with others. That’s not opinion; it’s fact.
3. We’re also punctual.
4. I can be flexible when it comes work schedules.
5. At my age, I have an extensive network. I bring that with me.
6. You want stability and continuity? Hire me and I’m likely to stay with you until I retire. Could be ten years or more. Try getting that from the Gen X-ers you’re interviewing.
7. You want responsibility? I know how to hold down a job – done it for years. I pay taxes, feed a family, read newspapers, vote regularly, and have put kids through college.
8. While we’re talking about being a parent, let me remind you: I have great mediation skills.
9. And negotiation skills.
10. And organizational skills.
11. And budgeting and planning skills
12. Time management, too.
13. Not to mention patience!
14 Studies prove that honesty is a common Boomer value. That includes me.
15. 1 can communicate. I went to school when they taught us how to write a complete sentence, for God sake. You know… nouns and verbs and capital letters and all that. Remember those things? They’re rare today, aren’t they?
16. And I don’t cheat when I communicate – thx… c u l8tr.
17. Good communication means good listening skills. Boomers are known for that, too.
18. I’ve survived four recessions. I’ll help you make tough decisions.
19. “Good judgment comes from experience and a lot of that comes from bad judgment (Will Rogers).” I’ve been there and done that, or would you rather hire someone who’ll do that on your dime?
20. Energy? Yeah, I still have plenty
21. My eyesight may be going, but I have pretty clear long-range vision.
22. I may miss a day or two of work from time to time but not because… like… dude… I’m so NOT in the mood.
23. Older workers have lower absenteeism than younger workers.
24. Fewer injuries, too.
25. I’ve developed expertise that takes this long to develop. There are no shortcuts.
26. I’ve had my resume redone. Please read all of it. It’s really impressive
27. My work experience is varied, which means I bring perspective and dimension.
28. And resourcefulness.
29. Because of all my experience, I’ll hit the ground running. My learning curve will be short.
30. One out of three workers in the civilian labor force is 50 or older. You don’t have much choice anymore.
31. In five years, nearly 40 percent of your candidates will be over 50. You’ll have even less choice, so why not get with the program starting with me?
32. And while we’re on that subject, think about what it will be like when you get to 50. One day, you will. No getting around it.
33. I won’t be on my smart phone during meetings.
34. No, I don’t multitask. I pay attention instead. I can multitask as well as anyone, but won’t.
35. However, I am multi-talented. At my age, there are a lot of different things I’ve learned to do.
36. I won’t be on Facebook on your computer at work. I’m here to work.
37. If I tell you that even though I’ve had higher-level positions in my career but my career goals have changed and I really do want this job you think I’m “overqualified” for… I’m telling the truth.
38. I’m not after your job.
39. I’m a natural mentor for your younger workers.
40. It’s not important or cool or necessary for me to come to work in a T-shirt. I could care less.
41. My age group has proven to be dedicated. Dedicated workers are more productive and efficient, and that leads to cost savings for you.
42. And talking about cost savings, many of us 50-somethings have health benefits from our spouses. I won’t need it from you.
43. I’m a lifelong learner, happy to take all the professional development courses you want me to.
44. Older workers are loyal. We appreciate our jobs and will prove it by the way we work.
45. Older workers are far less political. Our agenda is taking pride in our work.
46. I’m detail-oriented, like many boomers. It’s how we were brought up.
47. I’ll set a good example for all your employees, young and old(er).
48. I know what customer service is. I did it when it was more than just 800-numbers and www.dontbotherme.com. (Read that one slowly.)
49. I think on my feet. How do yo think I got to be this age anyway?
50. Grey hair is actually beautiful.