“How do I deal with the fact that I’m smarter and more capable than the person hiring me? This kid with a name tag that says, “Manager” probably has a fraction of my life experience, little to no work experience, looks like a nerd, dresses like a bum, and has the audacity to tell me that I’m not qualified!”
With that attitude, don’t worry. You won’t have to deal with that person again and if that’s the outcome you want, it’s working. If it’s not, then think again before you smart-act your way out of a job possibility.
Start here: You may have life experience, work experience, looks to kill and a closet full of designer duds, but if you haven’t worked at this ‘’kid’s” company, in his culture, with his employees, suppliers, vendors, lenders, dealing with problems unique to his business in this economy … you aren’t overqualified. You’re as green as grass.
I’m not asking you to dumb-down, I’m asking you to own-up. Own that you have deep experience in a business that has ceded its relevance or viability to the companies where you are interviewing. Own that you have worked with a variety of people in a variety of circumstances, enabling you to know how to manage through challenge and change, and you’re ready to expand your learning curve to what they can and are willing to teach you so you can get up to speed.
Own that you are a quick teach. That changing processes and evolving technologies are among a number of challenges that you have successfully transitioned and you’re looking forward to overcoming new and unexpected hurdles that are bound to come your way.
Own that you don’t have all the answers but you know how to ask questions to fix what’s broken, challenge what could work better and drive for winning strategies.
“How do I deal with age bias? I take one look at the interviewer, who could be my child, and I can tell that she thinks I’m over the hill. How can I get a job when these youngsters are in charge?”
Seems like you and the interviewer are spending too much time eyeballing each other and not enough time asking and answering questions. Since you really don’t know what she thinks when she greets you, assume positive thoughts. Assume that she thinks you have experience, wisdom, and perspective that come from working with a wide variety of people over a broad span of time. Assume that she thinks you have more than maturity to offer, like stability, serenity, and centeredness. Assume that she’s relieved to be interviewing someone who wants to add value to the company, and, instead of demanding time off for vacations and family obligations, is willing to work those times that others must have, to deal with what is real and pressing in their young lives.
Assume the best, live up to it, and you’ll get something good in return. Assume the worst and you won’t be disappointed. You’ll stay stuck, but you surely won’t be disappointed.
