Here's an interview showstopper: "You're overqualified." What that really means is, "you're disqualified." This is one of the biggest barriers mid-age job seekers face. How do you answer this comment, or better yet, prevent it from being uttered in the first place? Is it a compliment or a kiss off?

What Overqualified Means

"Overqualified" has more to do with the person than with the position. Often, higher-level executives have a persona that's larger than life. When looking for work, they come on too strong, grasping the interviewer's hand or talking bombastically about their experience.

The interviewer is apt to think that you're going to be expensive or that you're going to be bored. Many believe that someone older might be inflexible or unable to work with Generation X, Y or Z . They might think your skills aren't up to date and that it will take you too long to ramp up to speed. Your challenge is to eradicate these concerns.

Address the Misconception

If a recruiter or interviewer tells you that you're overqualified, disarm them immediately. Take charge of the situation by saying, "I don't believe there is any such thing as 'overqualified.' Each job offers opportunities for professional development." ... or words to that effect.

Lay the issue on the table in a positive way, so that the interviewer sees stumbling blocks as advantages. You could say:

• "At my age, I have the flexibility to travel extensively for the company."
• "After being in management for so many years, I look forward to getting back to the technical side of the business and focusing on projects."
• "I think it's a great advantage for a company to have the credibility provided when someone my age meets new clients."

During the interview, avoid talking about qualifications and experience from the distant past. This only reinforces the clich? that "elderly people" talk about the good old days. Anyway, things that may have been important to jumpstarting your career carry less relevance today. This brings up another point?stay current, take courses, obtain new qualifications.

Accentuate your Positives

Mid-life executives can also disarm concerns about age by researching the company, finding out what its needs are and how those needs match your own. Get a sense of the project at hand, the politics of the place and look within to find the talents and gifts you bring to the table. Are you a mentor? Are you a team builder? What are your special skills? Approach an interview as someone who can meet the needs of the organization.

You might also need to dismantle your own notions about younger people in authority. Some people think, 'Hey, I'm 50 years old, and I'm being interviewed by a 28 year old?what does she know?' If you've been thinking like this, you may want to consider concentrating on how their skills mesh with the needs of the company and get over the age thing.

Everybody is getting back to basics. The advantage of basics is that a record of trust and loyalty carries some weight. Fifty-year-olds can bring great work ethics to the position. They can mentor others, wear more hats than younger people can due to extensive exposure and experience, and they don't have the young family demands that create stresses in balancing work/life. They can also quickly get themselves up to date by honing and repackaging existing skills or acquiring new ones to meet today's business needs.

INTERVIEW TIPS FOR THE OVERQUALIFIED

Toning Down Your Image

In her book, The Age Advantage, coach Jean Walker says that people who act like they should be boss instead of employee can intimidate interviewers. She offers these tips on how to come across more like a colleague and less like an authority figure:

• Shirk the power suit. Tone down your outfit.
• Don't eagerly lean forward in your chair. "At your age, it's just plain scary."
• Watch terminology, such as "girls", "young lady" or "honey" or "dear", especially while talking to the receptionist prior to your meeting.
• Ask questions and don't be afraid if you don't know something.
• Be careful to show you respect the role of the interviewer, even if he or she is significantly younger than you are.

What's on Your Mind?

What career questions are on your mind? I'd like to know. Please e-mail your questions to lfranzoni@execunet.com and I'll try to answer them in the coming weeks.

Until next time, wishing you career success!

Lauryn Franzoni

Happy July 1st and July 4th. Celebrate safely!

With Canada and the United States both gearing up for patriotic celebrations this weekend, remember these sobering statistics: In 2003, there were 9,300 firework injuries reported to emergency departments in the United States. Five out of six of these injuries involved fireworks that federal regulations permit consumers to use. Of those injured, 60% were 19 years old or younger, with children ages 5 to 9 being nine times the all-age risk.

Here's a fireworks safety primer offered by the National Council on Fireworks Safety to keep your family safe this holiday weekend:

• Read and follow the fireworks instructions.
• Don't use items that appear damaged.
• Purchase fireworks only from reputable established dealers.
• Never attempt to build your own fireworks or use illegal explosives.
• Have a responsible adult supervise all fireworks usage.
• Fireworks are meant to be used one at a time. Fuses have different burns rates, so don't combine or mix fireworks.
• Don't point or throw fireworks at anyone.
• Keep people and animals a safe distance away from fireworks being set off.
• Use fireworks only outdoors, away from houses and vehicles.
• Alcohol use and fireworks don't mix.
• Don't try to re-light a dud. Instead, soak it in water and let it sit for 15 minutes before disposal.
• Remember your safety gear. Use protective eye wear and keep a water hose nearby.

Fireworks retailers can download fireworks safety information from www.osha.gov

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