If they see you as “old,” how do you see them?
What’s the old adage? “First impressions are lasting.” That’s very true and nowhere is it more true than in a job interview.
Of course you’re concerned about how the interviewer will view you when you meet. You’re standing upright; shoulders back; firm handshake. Yeah, but then there’s that gray hair. Absent some hair dye, not much you can do there.
So you have to overwhelm them with your capabilities, your value to the organization, etc., etc. And you can do that. After the interview starts.
But there are two sides to that coin. While the interviewer is getting a first impression of you, you should also be getting one as well. What about their disposition? Are they have a bad day?
You really need to lock in on what makes that interviewer tick. How can you move them? What seems to be most important to them?
The office decor may offer some clues. Are there a lot of family pictures around the office suggesting someone who has a keen interest in family? How can you turn that to your advantage? Are there athletic items suggesting being a fan of a sport or a team? Is the office sprinkled with objets d'art? Is there a theme that can clue you in on something?
Yes. First impressions are lasting – yours and theirs. It’s up to you to make the most of both.