Blog Post: WHAT ACTORS CAN TEACH GEEZERS ABOUT JOB INTERVIEWING

Actors prepare for their auditions. They don’t take any chances on factors within their control such as how they look and sound. Before their auditions they take time to prepare what they will look like, what they will wear, what they will say, what talents they will spotlight, etc. Preparations boost their confidence. Older job seekers who need more confidence can learn a few lessons from actors.

�� Be strategic about the timing of your interviews. Arrange your job interviews so the memory of your presentation will be clear in interviewers’ minds. If you are lost in the middle of a group it isn’t likely you will be memorable. You want to have your interview at a time near the end of the interviewing schedule. Then, the people who came before you will be forgotten and you will be the new shining star.

�� Be strategic about what you wear to your interview. Do your research and learn what people wear to work at the place where you want a job. For example, search the website for pictures, ask someone who works there now, go watch people who leave the workplace at the end of a day. Decide what to wear that closely matches what workers wear, then dress just a notch above. Put on your outfit, then stand and sit in a chair in front of a mirror. Do you look like a relaxed and confident person? The idea is to look the part. You don’t want to be over- or under-dressed. Today, in many workplaces you will not look the part in your 1980s blue suit.

�� Be strategic about what you will say. It’s no big mystery what employers will ask during job interviews. That means you can prepare. Employers will ask you about you—fortunately, it’s a subject about which you are the expert. They will ask you about the job which they will describe for you. They will want to learn about your accomplishments and qualifications that match their requirements. Of course, if they ask you surprising questions, you can improvise effectively because you are relaxed and confident. Also, it’s important not to memorize your answers—non-actors usually appear phony when reciting something memorized. Worse, some people forget what they memorized and then freeze up.

�� Attend lessons and rehearsals. Everyone can learn new tips and techniques in classes and books and coaching sessions. Then, for every interview you schedule, also schedule two practice interviews with friends. (Note: Do not do this with your Honey. It leads to arguments about who says stupid things and it doesn’t do much for confidence-building.) Give your friends a list of questions. Include a few questions that you hope your interviewer will not ask. The dreaded questions are the most important ones to prepare. Ask your practice interviewers to give you a good workout. Expect to be your own worst critic. That's a good thing. Most people find their practice interviews are more challenging than their real interviews.

These ideas may seem silly to job seekers over fifty. But, what’s silly about wanting something and preparing to get it?