I am an older employer that has an interview for a new position with a non-profit.

24 Comments

1. Mara Jevera FulmerDecember 11,2023 at 5:42PM UTC

   Hold your head up, share what you have done to keep up in your field, trends you see, and what you bring to the table. Your age shouldn’t be a factor. But even so, you bring wisdom from a variety of experiences that are transferable to this new position. You’ve got this!

2. AnonymousDecember 11,2023 at 5:49PM UTC

   Hi! I'm curious what being older has to do with your concern.

   From what you wrote it seems it's the lack of recent experience that was emphasized until the last sentence (and the title). Is there more that would shed light on the age aspect?

3. julianne WILLIAMSONDecember 11,2023 at 6:28PM UTC

   I have applied to a few other positions that I thought I would be a good fit considering my experience and education but I have always been past by with younger people being hired. I am in my 50's so I do feel like that is a contributing factor, maybe it isn't.

4. AnonymousDecember 11,2023 at 10:19PM UTC

   I am not in any way negating that it may feel like age is playing a role in hiring decisions.

   I will say, as a hiring manager, I look for the following when reviewing a resume:

   --That it's got proper spelling and grammar and formatting...for me that says a lot about attention to detail

   --What sort of experience they have had--applicable or otherwise. Can what they have be adapted in a like for like context?

   --I actually like to consider "older" applicants as they possibly have a work ethic different from younger generations...having said that, and to be transparent, I'm 57 so I might be biased

   What this means for you? Can you organize your resume to be skill based rather than experienced based (if you haven't already)? I think it might help push you further along...I want the skills, I want the adaptability, I want the idea that the person is able to bring me something that is of value in the role even if it isn't an exact match...

   I hope this helps and good luck to you!

5. AnonymousDecember 12,2023 at 1:04PM UTC

   I wouldn’t consider you biased, but open minded.

6. julianne WILLIAMSONDecember 12,2023 at 7:36PM UTC

   Thank you

7. AnonymousDecember 12,2023 at 1:04PM UTC

   Because ageism is pervasive and real.

8. AnonymousDecember 12,2023 at 2:19PM UTC

   The OP hasn't even had her first interview and we're already declaring that she'll be the victim of ageism? Please, FGB, we need to do better instead of handicapping ourselves before we even set foot into the interview room. As someone else very astutely pointed out: the larger issue is the OP has never used her master's degree and she lacks recent work experience in her desired field.

   Let's help this woman shift to mastering her interview skills, demonstrating transferable skills from her current role, and illustrating her passion for the field.

9. AnonymousDecember 12,2023 at 10:56PM UTC

   Handicapping herself????!!! I think going in knowing that it is a distinct possibility and finding ways to intercept it is just the world we live in.

10. AnonymousDecember 12,2023 at 1:49PM UTC

    Most relevant comment on this entire thread!

11. Lora BouchardDecember 11,2023 at 6:46PM UTC

    Because you are so nervous, if you can find a way to practice first so that you don't nervously start gushing your history - which I did on my first interview . Then, once you have a feel for how you can succinctly express yourself, you can just focus on the passion side of wanting to learn more about the job, etc..

12. Lilye Stallworth ChaffinDecember 11,2023 at 6:52PM UTC

    I got my current job at 59.

    Be yourself, focus on duties and let them see the value of experience. I’m still working, approaching my 10th anniversary.

13. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistDecember 12,2023 at 12:45AM UTC

    One thing I recommend to candidates is that they tape themselves asking and answering questions. I promise you, that answer will sound a lot better the 20th time you say it than the first.

    It also allows you to make sure you're getting across the information you want to in your answers. It can help you edit your answers if you tend to ramble when you get nervous and being prepared can help with the nervousness.

    Since you're looking to transition, make sure you're getting across your transferrable skills.

    GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!

14. AnonymousDecember 12,2023 at 1:54AM UTC

    Something I've leveraged is using some of the AI out there and pull your skills out of your resume. Input them into the AI with an ask. Something like please show how these skills are transferable to XXX position. Perhaps that could give you a boost in confidence.

15. Jonna Ferguson, ACCDecember 12,2023 at 4:36PM UTC

    I agree with the suggestions to focus on your transferrable skills. Make a list of the strengths and the skills you exhibit (use your current role as a starting point), then tailor them to the role you're interviewing for. Once you've done this, write your "Career Story" so it's easy to share where your passion for education stemmed from and why you're a qualified fit for the role. This is a good way to perfect the answer to the question "Why do you want this job?"

    Based on the role you're interviewing for and the job description, make a list of the questions you might ask if you were the interviewer, such as:

    • Tell me about a time when you advocated for others?
    • What methods do you use for influencing those around you when they don't agree?
    • How do you encourage communication about new ideas when people aren't sure where to start?
    • Why are you interested in this role?

    Craft your own answers to these questions working in your strengths, transferrable skills and include the results you've accomplished in the past in similar situations, then practice responding on video. Remember to build out responses so they answer the underlying question, "why are you qualified?" and you'll feel more prepared and confident. Go get 'em!

16. julianne WILLIAMSONDecember 12,2023 at 7:33PM UTC

    Love this, thank you

17. AnonymousDecember 12,2023 at 5:44PM UTC

    Forget about your age. Let them know about the transferable skills that you have and how organized you are and deeply invested in education as a reason for your career. If you are asked why now and not before have an answer ready like, the options were limited and I wanted to find a school where the parents were very involved in what I do or something like that. Go for it! and tell them you want the job, say it openly and out loud.

18. AnonymousDecember 12,2023 at 11:18PM UTC

    I'm pushing 70 and continue to receive offers. It depends on the value you bring.

19. AnonymousDecember 13,2023 at 1:24AM UTC

    Best of luck to you! Tell yourself they'd be lucky to have you, because they are. I am older, too, and still working. Please let us know how it works out!

20. Prime ElectricDecember 13,2023 at 4:17AM UTC

    Wishing you the very best! Remind yourself that they would be fortunate to have someone like you, because you truly bring value. I'm also older and still working, so I can relate. Keep us posted on how everything unfolds!

21. AnonymousDecember 13,2023 at 1:39PM UTC

    All the best! I agree with previous commenters that good preparation will give you more confidence, AND make them think “we must hire this person!”. Think of 4-6 “stories” you want to tell about how your previous experience transfers, write out bullet points in STAR format prepared to answer their common questions, prepare a few questions to ask yourself and then PRACTICE out loud. All this preparation lends confidence. Then, have fun at the interview - after all - you want to find out as much about them as they do you! Best of luck!!

22. BethBDecember 13,2023 at 4:20PM UTC

    Two things to consider about working for a non profit. In some states they maybe exempt from paying into unemployment. Another is to check out the benefits package. Non profits can offer 401ks, but here are other plans they offer such as a 403b.

23. AnonymousDecember 13,2023 at 6:26PM UTC

    The employer wants to know if you are a good fit for the job. You must convince them you are. What skills are required? Do you have them? Soft skills are important too!! Read the job description carefully and then read it again. Have you used those skills before at your previous job or in a different setting? What was the outcome? If possible quantify the positive outcome. The experience can come from volunteer work or other areas of your life. Employers hire people they like, people with whom they connect. Be genuine, be yourself. Find common ground with the employer if possible. Why do you want this position? This might be one of the questions. Incorporate your desire in a sentence or two even in the "Tell me about Yourself" opening. Prepare yourself with "real life examples" that demonstrate the skills they are seeking. Example: Tell me a time you you've improved a program. How did you do it and what were the results? Be prepared. Consider yourself "Me incorporated." You are selling your skills and passion to the employer. Watch your body language. It speaks loudly. Ask at least two question that do not pertain to benefits or pay. Lastly, upon exit, handshake and ask for the job. Example: "Thank you for your time. I'd love to join your team and work in this environment with students and families." Your own words, of course. I haven't addressed the older applicant question because I'm not sure it's as relevant as the other things I've mentioned. But you can use age to your advantage by citing your experience with people and circumstances. How have you learned to cope with problems, people and programs over the years? How does that make you a stronger candidate? You can do it! Hope these are helpful suggestions. Good luck!!

24. AnonymousDecember 18,2023 at 5:11PM UTC

    Don’t in any way refer to your age in the interview. I haven’t seen your resume, obviously, but they can probably tell you are “older,” but they don’t care or else they wouldn’t have contacted you for an interview. I bet your age is actually seen as a benefit to this prospective employer as this position deals with parents. Life experience and more time spent on the planet dealing with people matters. You’ve got this. Be confident Good luck.