Assess your situation today versus years ago

Below are some questions you might ask yourself in preparation for a job interview.
  • ​Who am I, NOW? 
  • What do I want? 
  • What are my values? 
  • Do I need to make a difference or make big bucks? 
  • What are my core strengths?

Plan your interview and be prepared to present yourself

Below are some questions and exercises that can also help you prepare.
  • Product—What skills and contributions do you offer? 
  • Price—What is your value? 
  • Promotion—What messages convey your skills? 
  • Place—How will you get your message out? 
  • Position—What differentiates you from others?

Present yourself with concrete examples of your role and accomplishments

What was your role, title, team type and position within the team? Examples of how to do so: 
  • "As Director of _____I…." 
  • "I was responsible for…" 
  • "As a member of the product team…" 
  • "When I taught or instructed I…"

What did you do? 

"I created, led, initiated, designed, developed, simplified, organized, facilitated…” 
Examples: 
  • "I developed a plan that …" 
  • "I created a process that…" 
  • "I led the team that…" 

What were the results of my efforts? 

"I increased, improved, reduced, achieved…” Examples: 
  • "I reduced vacancy rates 30%" 
  • "I improved test scores by 20%" 
  • "I achieved highest-ever attendance levels" 
  • "I increased call efficiency by 10% for 3 consecutive quarters."

If you feel this is too much information to remember as far as examples of work 
you've done as they relate to the position, practice explaining them with a friend 
or family member before your next interview.

When you have been out of the workforce for more than 6 months

Northeastern University found that managers would rather hire someone with no relevant experience than someone who has been out of work for over six months. It is unfair that some employers see people who have been long-term unemployed or those that have retired and are looking to re-enter the workforce as out of date.

What do you do or say when an interviewer asks why you have been out of the workforce for so long?
  • If you have been out of the labor market for more than a few months during your interview you must explain how you have kept up to date with events in your industry and how you have kept your skills sharp.
  • If you have had medical issues during your interview you must explain that these problems have been solved and that health issues will not affect your performance.
  • If you worked occasionally as a consultant or on a contract basis you must include this information in your response to interview questions and try to relate, in so far as possible, how what you have done as a consultant would apply to the job your are being interviewed for.
  • If you volunteered and particularly if your responsibilities with the non-profit or charity match in any way the needs of the prospective employer make sure to cover this during your interview 
Don't be concerned that as an "older" professional, manager or executive that employers are not interested in you. Employers have found that older candidates are valuable additions for as a group older employees:
  • have less turnover
  • are more reliable;
  • have less absenteeism;
  • display a higher level of commitment;
  • have more experience;
  • are more productive;
  • have a better understanding of the company culture;
  • are more punctual; and
  • show superior customer service skills.
As a result many companies are focusing recruiting efforts on this demographic, particularly for project assignments.