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When The Interviewer Is 20 Years Younger


  1. skatss
    Member

    Many people in their 50s are looking for jobs. Things are not good and older people are being let go for many reasons.

    So let's say you are in your 50s and the person you're interviewing with is a good 20 to 25 years younger than you are. How do you handle the situation?

    Many times the interviewers are young enough to be my son or daughter and I know that they don't have anywhere near the skills that I have. I'd been doing the job for more years than they have been alive and yet now I have to try to interview with a possible supervisor who knows less than I do.

    It bothers me a lot especially when they ask questions like what was my favorite subject high school. Who remembers high school?

    I've never been disrespectful and I don't roll my eyes but this situation annoys me.

    Any advice?

    Posted 2 months ago #

  2. LaceyAnne
    Member

    Well, just because you've been doing it longer doesn't mean you know more. You can learn from anyone. Just have a good attitude and know the situation is what it is.

    Posted 2 months ago #

  3. skatss
    Member

    I do think I know more especially when the an interview question is "what was your favorite subject in high school?" If I were asked a question about the job I was applying for I would have felt better no matter what the age of the interviewer. Ask me about the job not high school. It's obvious I haven't seen the inside of a school room for over 25 years.

    They should be professional and ask the right questions. It's when I see something like this I know that I do know more about the job then the person asking the questions.

    Posted 2 months ago #

  4. DianaR
    Member

    I like to use my age to my advantage. I have more skills in redirecting the attention of those under 30, so I use that skill with them during interviews or even just day to day interactions.

    Posted 1 month ago #

  5. ozzie
    Member

    My husband is retired now but for the last few years he worked, his boss was about the same age as our son. It was difficult for him for a while to adjust to taking "orders" from someone so young. However, they became quite friendly after a bit and now this man no longer works there either but the two of them stay in touch with each other. I guess younger can be great in some cases.

    Posted 1 month ago #

  6. DianaR
    Member

    The way one thinks about the younger supervisor makes a huge difference. I tend to think of them as "youngsters" who need my help and not as people giving me orders.

    Posted 1 month ago #

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