Let’s be real. We’ve all been there—sitting in the lobby before an interview, pretending to be engrossed in a magazine, but really, you’re just trying to keep it together while your nerves have a field day. All those thoughts start swirling: “Who’s interviewing me? Are they tough? Will we click?” You know, the usual pre-interview jitters.
But then, imagine walking into the room and—surprise—your interviewer is young enough to be your child. You feel that awkward pit in your stomach, and suddenly, the interview feels a whole lot more daunting. Sound familiar?
If so, you’re not alone. In this post, let’s have a friendly chat about how to handle interviewing with someone much younger and how you can actually turn it into a great opportunity.
When You’re Surprised by a Younger Hiring Manager
Picture this: You’ve been waiting, a little nervous but hopeful. Then a young man steps out to greet you. At first, you think, “Oh, maybe he’s the intern,” only to realize, nope—this young man is your hiring manager. That sinking feeling in your stomach? Totally normal. You’re immediately aware of the age gap, and it threatens to overshadow the whole interview.
But here’s the thing—this is just part of the career journey as we get older. Younger folks naturally step into higher roles, and if we want to stay competitive, we’ve got to learn to handle it.
Take my friend Brian, for example. He told me about an interview he had recently: "Two weeks ago, I was sitting in the reception area, and a young man called my name. He looked like someone my son might hang out with. When I asked for his card at the end of the meeting, I was shocked to see the title ‘President’ under his name." Brian felt totally out of place, and unfortunately, the interview didn’t go well.
If you’ve had a similar experience, don’t worry—you’re not the only one. And more importantly, it’s something you can tackle.
Why Does This Happen? Let’s Talk Ageism
Before we dive into strategies, let’s quickly break down two kinds of ageism you might face in an interview:
- Explicit Ageism: This is the more obvious kind, where a hiring manager is clearly biased against older candidates. While it’s not super common, it does happen. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about someone’s personal prejudice.
- Implicit Ageism: Now, this is the one we can work with. Implicit ageism is based on assumptions—like the idea that older candidates are out of touch with tech or won’t mesh well with a younger team. These biases are usually not intentional, and they’re something you can gently address and overcome.
So, how do we flip this script? Let’s get into it.
Take Control: Acknowledge the Age Difference
First thing’s first—don’t ignore the age gap. Acting like it doesn’t exist can create unnecessary tension. Instead, call it out confidently, in a way that puts everyone at ease.
My friend Emily nailed this approach. She said, “I had an interview with a young man, and instead of pretending there wasn’t an age gap, I pointed it out. I told him he was very young to be in his position, and I respected that.” This small acknowledgment set the tone for a comfortable conversation, and it allowed her to focus on the important stuff—like her qualifications.
By addressing the elephant in the room, Emily didn’t just show respect for her interviewer; she showed emotional intelligence and maturity. And that’s gold in an interview.
Show Your Value Without Flexing Too Hard
Once you’ve eased the tension, it’s time to show why you’re the perfect candidate for the role. Here’s how to keep the focus on what you bring to the table:
- Ask About Their Journey
Start by showing genuine interest in the interviewer’s path to their current role. This helps to break the ice and subtly reminds them that you’ve got plenty of experience under your belt without making it awkward. - Highlight Relevant Experience
Instead of saying, “I’ve got 20 years of experience,” try sharing specific stories that show how your expertise can help solve their problems. For instance, if you’ve led teams through significant changes, talk about how those experiences have prepared you to navigate similar challenges at their company. - Turn the Interview into a Dialogue
Interviews with younger managers can sometimes feel stiff, especially if they don’t have much interviewing experience. Make it more conversational by sharing insights and asking their opinions. This helps the interviewer see you as a peer who brings value, rather than someone just answering questions.
Bust the Myths About Older Candidates
Part of tackling implicit ageism is addressing any myths that might be floating around. Here are a couple you’ll want to bust during your conversation:
- Outdated Skills: Some younger interviewers might assume you’re behind the times when it comes to technology. Make sure to highlight any recent certifications or training you’ve completed that show you’re keeping up with the latest trends.
- Difficulty Working with Younger Bosses: A common worry is that older candidates won’t take direction well from someone younger. You can squash this concern by expressing how much you value working with and learning from people of all ages.
What If It Doesn’t Go Well?
Let’s be honest—not every interview will go smoothly. Sometimes, you’ll run into people like my friend Leona, who had an interviewer barely look at her before ending the interview abruptly. If that happens, remember: not every interview will turn into a job offer, and that’s okay. It’s a numbers game, and you just need to keep moving forward.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
Younger interviewers aren’t as intimidating as they might seem at first glance. Yes, the age gap can feel awkward, but with the right approach, it can actually work in your favor.
By addressing the age difference head-on, sharing your relevant experience, and tackling any misconceptions, you’ll show them why you’re the perfect fit. So, next time you’re walking into an interview with a younger hiring manager, hold your head high and own it. You’ve got the experience and wisdom to bring real value, and that’s something no age difference can overshadow.
Now go get that job!
