Let's review small stuff that blew it or sealed the deal for some older workers. Here's what doesn't work, based on feedback from hiring managers.

• My way or the highway

This Detroit hiring manager says many older candidates he interviewed for an accounts payable manager job had a "my way" approach to managing. When asked how they'd deal with a difficult employee, many said they would, "'Give 'em a warning and if they screw up again, fire 'em.'"

• Resistant to new approaches

The same manager says many of the "newly minted middle-aged MBAs seemed more eager to debunk what they learned rather than apply it"...being "incredibly dismissive" of new approaches, saying, "Don't fix it if it ain't broke."

• Preoccupied with benefits

This manager receives "excessive questions about benefits and compensation package, down to whether or not we could accommodate a specific health plan."

• Frumpy and dumpy

Some older applicants wear suits "that looked slightly worn, but worse, were obviously several sizes too small" and looked "stuffed into. These are generally not the hallmarks of a detail-oriented person," says the manager.

• Know-it-alls

Alabama employer Sherrie Graham says she leans toward hiring older workers because they demonstrate an understanding of work, but some "older candidates want to tell me what I should do with my company."

What does work includes:

• Keen interest and focus

Mary Schneider, a former human resource manager at a Fortune 500 company, says she was impressed when someone took notes, looked her in the eye and let her know they wanted the job. One "older gentleman used phrases that let me know he wanted not just any job but this one." When she asked if he had questions he asked, "What do you like most about working here?" and "What would you change if you could?"

• Coming prepared

When she asked him what he knew about the company, "He had done his homework. He shared data points found in online research." He also was ready to explain why he was the right person for the job.

• Mature and realistic outlook and sense of humor

When she asked him to describe a recent mistake he made he grinned, saying, "'Do you want one from this week or last week?' then gave a good example which included what he had learned from the error."

If you're an older worker not getting offers, what seemingly small but significant comments could be doing you in? What do you convey by clothes, questions and attitude about current theories and practices?

© by Andrea Kay

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