Over 50s - 7 Steps to Get Through The Job Interview

OK, you've done all the hard work like kicking your CV/Resume into shape and guess what it worked! The letter has dropped through your mailbox inviting you for a job interview and now you're feeling nervous about how you are going to perform.
First of all you have to congratulate yourself! Yes, you've made it to the job interview... a small miracle when you're over 50 and all the young college students and hundreds of university graduates are pouring into the job market.
You should be feeling proud of yourself that you have been successful and invited for a job interview at over 50, but there's still a few things worrying you. For example, what you should wear, what type of questions will they ask you, how can you convince them you are the perfect candidate for the job?
OK, at this point it's best to put your mind at rest, you're not the only one who is having those pre-interview nerves! But follow these simple instructions on your big day and you should feel a lot more confident:
1. It goes without saying you have to be punctual, do a demo run at the same time you are expected to arrive for your interview so you can judge the traffic.
2. First impressions DO count (not matter what anyone else tells you!) so make sure you have a smile on your face and look happy to be there.
3. Dress accordingly. This may mean hanging out near the entrance of the place you want to work around lunchtime and taking a sneak peek at what the staff are wearing. Do they seem very formal like the legal and finance professions with dark suits? Or are they more casual like the media or creative arts sectors? Whatever they are wearing you need to make sure you fit in... but remember, you have to get the job first so dress up for your big day, not down.
4. Make eye contact, but don't get into a staring match. They want to give you a job remember, they are on your side.
5. Listen very carefully to the interviewers questions. Most of them will be geared towards them discovering:
- Can you DO this job?
- How WELL can you do the job?
- Will you FIT IN here?
6. When you reply make sure you are telling a story with a beginning, middle and an end. For example, use the STAR format which mean you follow a tested format for giving an example:
S = Situation (where did this example happen?)
T = Task (what were you doing?)
A = Actions (what actions did you take?)
R = Result (what happened in the end?)
7. At the end of the session make sure you thank the interviewers and mention again how keen you are to work for their company.