Here are the best answers to ageist job interview questions

Here are the best answers to ageist job interview questionsHere are the best answers to ageist job interview questionsEven in a booming job market, older workers can face difficulties getting hired, or even getting a foot in the door.In asurvey by the career counseling site CAREEREALISM, of the 55% of professionals that identified as seasoned workers or mid-life career changers, 87% responded that they think age discrimination is hurting their job search.Certain industries are especially tough for seasoned workers. In the technology sector, for instance, baby boomers and richtung X-ers are both at higher risk for age discrimination. A newsurvey by Dice Insightsfound that 68% of boomers in tech say theyve been discouraged from applying for a position because of their age.Simply landing a job interview in the first place can be tougher too. In a2017 study from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, researchers looked at how often fictitious resumes of men and women ages 29 to 31, 4 9 to 51, and 64 to 66 led to interview requests.The findings The callback rate was uniformly lower for older applicants, especially for women. For example, 64- to 66-year-old women applying for administrative jobs were contacted for interviews 47% less often than their 29- to 31-year-old counterparts were.Even if you do land an interview, age discrimination may crop up in the kinds of questions you face. Knowing how to respond to a query that reveals bias could help you stay in the running for that job.How old are you?This question is in violation of the Title VII Civil Rights Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and it can expose an employer to a lawsuit, says Deborah Burkholder, executive director at the Institute for Career Transitions.That said, a lot of hiring managers arent well versed in ADEA restrictions and still ask candidates their age.There are a couple of ways you can respond. Try to steer the conversation toward your experience, with an emphasis on what youve done most recently, rather than a detailed overview of a 20- or 30-year career, recommends Marci Alboher, author ofThe Encore Career Handbook How to Make a Living and a Difference in the Second Half of Life.For example, you could pivot by saying, I dont think age is important, so let me explain how my experience makes me a great candidate.Susan P. Joyce, an online job search specialist and editor ofJob-Hunt.org, says shed respond with another question Can you help me understand how my age is relevant to the job requirements? Maybe theres a plausible answer, like the job requires heavy lifting, in which case you could discuss how youd be able to handle that.If the interviewer persists, you could be direct about the law. Burkholder suggests something like As a person with lengthy work experience, I know many organizations have concerns about older employees, but asking about age exposes your organization to a lawsuit. Is there something more relevant to the job that you are interested in knowing?But keep in mind that any kind of confrontational response might bring your chances of being hired to a halt.What year did you graduate from college?Some hiring managers try to ascertain your age indirectly by asking about educational milestones. Although that question isnt illegal under the ADEA, you may want to answer it without revealing any details.Try to focus the discussiononyour education, not your era. As you can landsee on my resume, I graduated with a bachelors degree with academic honors. Would you like to hear more about my studies?How have you kept your skills fresh?Dont take this question as a personal attack- use it as an opportunity to showcase your skills. You have to launch into marketing mode and really sell yourself, says Joyce.Point to specific things youve done to keep your skills current, says Marc Miller, co-author ofRepurpose Your Career A Practical Guide for Baby Boomers.This might include taking online courses, obtaining certificatio ns, subscribing to e-newsletters, following industry leaders on social media, attending conferences and networking events, or volunteering.We have state-of-the-art technology. Do you know how to use it?While this is similar to the previous question, it requires a different tact. Your best approach, Joyce says, is to ask this follow-up question Im very comfortable using new technology. What specific technology are you asking about? Then offer an anecdote that shows how youve applied the technology to a job in the past.Do you know how to use one of these things?Dont know that particular tool or program? Be honest about it, but also make the case to the interviewer that you can learn it on the job quickly. (Im not familiar with that software, but Im a rapid learner. Im confident I can pick up whatever it takes to perform the job.)Will this position be challenging enough for you?This is a classic way of asking an experienced candidate if she is overqualified, says Alboher. To allay the interviewers concern, Alboher recommends this responseFirst, I get a lot of satisfaction in doing something well, whatever the job. Second, I see many challenges in this role. Finally, Im at a point in my career where mentoring and learning from others is really important to me, and I see many ways to do both of those things in this role and environment.A lot of our employees are fresh out of school. Does that bother you?Interviewing for a job at a startup largely comprised of millennials, or simply at a company with a lot of young professionals? Be ready to explain why you look forward to being a senior member of the staff.One response, says Alboher Quite the opposite that thrills me. I welcome the chance to work alongside and learn from younger people, and I have a feeling theyll learn from me as well. I know that requires some humility, and Im comfortable with that.Another approach? Burkholder recommends this answerI know that diverse teams with respect to age, culture, and gende r perform better, and I enjoy being part of a high-performing team.This article was originally published on Considerable.

This is why its time to ditch dress codes at work

This is why its time to ditch dress codes at workThis is why its time to ditch dress codes at workIn the professional world, dress codes are used to impose social standards, order and uniformity in the workplace. But somewhere in the midst of these ties and buttoned-up blouses, a new report has found that something gets lost - our will to keep working at these companies.Fashion website Style Comparesurveyed 2,000 adults in the U.K. about office dress codes. Their finding across ages and genders, the majority of participants agreed that dress codes have no upside. In fact, a whopping 61% of those surveyed said that there was no positive impact to having a dress code. Although the majority of everyone interviewed said there was nothing positive about dress codes, some young people took that stellungnahme further and said they would even consider quitting if a company forced them to dress a certain way.Millennials would consider quitting over a strict dress codeThe unhappiness with dres s codes was strongest with millennials, the demographic group most likely to consider leaving a job over an office dress code. Around 18% of people ages 18 to 24 said that a strict dress code would make them consider quitting their jobs.About one in every five millennial employees said a strict dress code would even be a factor in choosing their careers.Professor Sir Cary Cooper, an occupational health expert, said that the generational differences could be due to outdated attitudes on what is appropriate to wear at work.Strict policies have only persisted so far due to the attitudes of senior leadership, who grew up with the idea that wearing a suit and tie to work was the only way, Cooper said. Theres scant evidence that dress codes have a positive impact on well-being, productivity or perceptions of an organization.So what were the areas of uniform that really irked participants? Style Compare didnt get hard numbers on this, but recent cases have shown that for U.K. women, the pr essure point is around shoes.U.K. dress codes gained national attention this year when Nicola Thorp was sent home from her job atPriceWaterhouseCoopersfor refusing to comply with the 2-4 inch heeled shoe mandate for women. She got over 150,000 people to sign a Parliament petition making it illegal to be forced to wear high heels by your employer, but the government ultimately decided not to change legislation.When employers are allowed the freedom to decide what is fair and unfair it tends to be women that lose out, Thorp said about the governments decision.

Metal That Remembers Its Shape

Metal That Remembers Its Shape Metal That Remembers Its Shape Metal That Remembers Its ShapeMost mechanical engineers dont know much about nitinol, even though this intriguing nickel-titanium alloy was discovered in 1959 at the Naval Ordnance Laboratory in White Oak, MD. The research team made the discovery while searching for materials that could be used in tools for dismantling explosive mines.Now, more than 50 years later, nitinol is the material of choice for select applications in the medical device and aerospace industries.Nitinol is best known for two unique properties that broaden its appeal as a manufacturing material shape memory and superelasticity. Shape memory is the ability of a part made from nitinol to undergo verbiegung at one temperature and then return to its original shape, undamaged, when heated above its transformation temperature. Superelasticity occurs within a few degrees just above the transformation temperature, at which point nitinol exhibits extreme elast icity, up to 30 times that of ordinary metal.These incredible qualities are caused by the material changing from its low-temperature monoclinic martensitic structure to a high-temperature cubic austenitic structure.When nitinol is its martensitic state, it can be easily deformed into a new shape that it holds. When heated to its transition temperature, the deformed object transforms to an austenitic structure and reverts to its original shape. The transition temperature can be adjusted by making slight changes to the alloy composition and through heat treatment.A schematic illustrating the shape memory effect of NiTi alloys. Image Wikimedia CommonsAbove the transformation temperature, nitinol becomes superelastic. This is caused by martensite that forms in areas of high stress, even though the temperature is in the austenite range. When the stress is released, these martensite zones return to an austenite structure.Nitinol has a high fatigue strength. Above its transformation temper ature, it can handle up to an eight percent strain and still return to its original shape. Other attractive physical properties are thermal and electrical conductivity, biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and kink resistance.Working with NitinolIn order to have the shape-memory function, the part must be shape set. The part is held in a mold under pressure while it is heat-treated at 500 degrees Celsius and then fast-cooled. Then, if the piece is later twisted or deformed below its transformation temperature, it will return to its remembered shape after it reaches the transformation temperature during reheating.Nitinol also has excellent corrosion resistance, the result of a passive titanium oxide layer that protects the base material from corrosion and nickel release. In fact, writes Confluent Medical Technologies, a medical device manufacturer in Fremont, CA, many researchers report that nitinol is more corrosion-resistant than stainless steel. Surface preparation is also crit ical for good biocompatibility and corrosion performance.A very abrasive material because of its hard titanium-oxide surface, nitinol generates considerable tool wear on milling, turning, and grinding equipment.Carbide tooling is highly recommended, states Confluent. During centerless grinding, ensure adequate cooling lubricant is present. Nitinol can also be electrical discharge machined (EDM), water-jet cut, and laser machined with excellent results.Bear in mind that nitinol is expensive to make, buy, and engineer, so to be commercially successful, these costs must be small relative to the price of the final product, points out Craig Bonsignore, vice president of applied technology for Confluent. This is true for many medical products, where nitinol enables minimally invasive procedures that would otherwise require more costly and/or risky surgery.Applications AboundThe unique combination of shape memory, superelasticity, and biocompatibility makes nitinol an ideal material for me dical and dental applications. Products include orthodontic arch wire, filters, and bone anchors. The superelastic qualities of nitinol especially benefit stents, mesh-like devices that structurally reinforce blood vessels. Nitinol stents (or heart valves) can be compressed into shapes that fit inside a catheter. When the catheter is positioned at the correct location within a blood vessel, the stent is released and returns to its predetermined shape, holding open the wall of the blood vessel.The aerospace industry is quite invested in shape memory applications, most notably in newer commercial jet engines that can morph in shape to optimize for noise and fuel efficiency at different stages of flight, says Bonsignore. Nitinol is also a key component in robotically controlled instruments, flight control panels, aircraftlanding gear, and thermal actuated controls.Researchers have also developed nitinol nanoparticles for electrical and thermal sensors in devices for aerospace, electron ics, optical, biomedical, and petrochemical industries. These particles enable transmission of electrical energy without overheating. Nitinol is also used for manufacturing eyeglass frames, robotics, household appliances, and fire sprinkler systems. In a less serious application, Nitinol enables spoons from the magic shop to bend when placed in hot water.Bonsignore cautions that, although nitinol has some very attractive characteristics, using it comes with significant costs. Dont use nitinol if you dont have to, or if the application cant afford it, he advises. We spend a surprising amount of time trying to talk customers out of using the material.Although industrious engineers can make good progress with some material samples purchased online, simple forming tools, and an air furnace, Bonsignore recommends engaging a manufacturer experienced with the material to avoid common pitfalls and make progress quickly. Many engineers do not appreciate the importance of thermal processing a nd surface processing to the mechanical and fatigue characteristics of the material, so working with an experienced manufacturer can have a significant influence on performance outcomes.Mark Crawford is an independent writer. For Further Discussion

How to Address Being Fired or Laid Off in Your Next Interview

How to Address Being Fired or Laid Off in Your Next InterviewHow to Address Being Fired or Laid Off in Your Next Interview Most of us seek out to build longevity when accepting a new position, with the hopes of sustaining long-term employment within the same organization. However, behauptung aspirations can often conflict with the realities of the current job market . When its our choice to leave an organization, discussing the terms of our departure can be tricky, but less of an emotional burden. However, when a company makes the decision to part ways with you, talking about being fired or laid off can raise feelings of insecurity and stigmatization with new employers. Rather than getting down in the dumps, lets talk about some ways to successfully handle conversations regarding being let go or laid off in your next interviewBeing laid off is often circumstantial, as business cycles and trends will dictate the workforce. Whether youve been laid off after 3 months, o r 30 years, the same principles still applyBe factual If the facts are credible, you should be able to easily articulate. Dont get too emotional, show frustration, or villainize anyone Says Alan Zel, of Zel Human Capital . Rather, focus on what youve learned from your past, and how you can apply that successfully to your future. Say something along these lines as a jumping points for your conversation Layoffs are an unfortunate reality beyond our control, and fruchtwein hiring managers will be understanding of that.Remember your own value Dont ruminate too hard about the past and the negatives. Go into your next interview with the mindset that you still have something great to offer the company. Treat this as a new opportunity and a fresh start, rather than an event thats dragging you down. Stay succinct When the hiring manager asks why you left your job or why you were let go, keep this answer short, sweet and to the point. If you dont say anything too glaring, they likely wont press too much on the topic. When you start going into too many details, thats when a lot of the negativity and justification comes out, and negativity taints an interview says Marina Byezhanova of Pronexia .Practice self-awareness If you were in sales and not hitting your numbers, youll have to communicate some self-awareness of why and how things would be different in your new role, says Byezhanova. Consider saying something like the following in an interviewWhatever the issue, you must be able to explain the problem, highlight what youve learned, and assure the hiring manager that it wont happen again.In either situation, It doesnt benefit you at all to speak ill of your past employer. You still need come off as grateful for your opportunities and show that you left with strong relationships and a good attitude. Be careful with your language, as words can be a delicate yet powerful toolI am not what has happened to me, I am what I choose to become - Carl JungOne should defin itely be as truthful as possible in an interview. If an employer catches you lying about this, they may assume the worst and wonder what else youre lying about. That being said, if the question of why youre leaving your organization does not come up, you certainly dont need to draw attention it. Some recruiters may simply ask why youre interested in the role, rather than ask you why youve left your organization. If the question does not come up, dont make a big deal of it. As a candidate, youre likely thinking way more about how you got laid off or let go than the employer, so only share whats asked of you. Some of the wealthiest, and most influential people in history ( think Walt Disney, Steve Jobs, J.K Rowling) have used their experiences of being fired to help shape their success and accomplishments. To move past any negative associated feelings and kick off your next job search, its most important to remember that your professional value is never determined by this one single e xperience. Dont let this set back hold the power over you Stacy Pollack is a Learning Specialist with an MA in Educational Technology. She is passionate about building leadership programs that engage and contribute to the success of her organization. She loves to share her perspective on job hunting, career building, and networking for success. Connect with her on LinkedIn or Twitter .

Why People Arent Talking About Resume Waitress

Why People Arent Talking About Resume Waitress The Battle Over Resume Waitress and How to Win It A hiring manager searching for a Server is searching for a hardworking individual with some experience in the food market. Although professional experience is often preferred, there are different varieties of experience that managers may think about when searching for servers. As soon as its very probable that you comprehend the fundamental duties of a restaurant server, you might not know precisely how much work and skill enters the job. An excellent waiter should have the ability to satisfy the requirements of the customer, even if theyre not being entirely affordable. The Essentials of Resume Waitress That You Can Learn From Beginning Immediately Compensation will be determined by experience. Otherwise, its not a tip under IRS guidelines. The very first significant section of your resume is known as the Career Objective. 1 A resume summary is a brief, snappy introduction par agraph that delivers a summary of your very best work. A good titelseite letter is in a position to create the application stick out from the audience. Since theres a rumor floating around out there you dont really require a cover letter. Resume Waitress No Longer a Mystery You should show employers that what you bring to the table is precisely what theyre searching for. You will be able to compose a great resume cover letter getting in the next. For more detailed suggestions on how to turn into a waiter or waitress the great folks at Gradspot provide a great resource about it. If want to get the job, youre likely to need to deliver. Enormous employers frequently have a good deal of job openings in any particular moment. Most job seekers dont have any idea about ways to make themselves stand besides the crowd. Furthermore, you can look for waitress jobs on Monster. The HR rep knows the fundamental duties of your work. Simply Google Search your State and Food Service Cert ification and youll have the ability to get what you demand. The job of a server is among the entry points in the restaurant business but its the most challenging one. Servers play a critical part in the dining experience of a customer. In a fast-paced restaurant, the server may be alternately switching many hats during her or his shift. 421 Maximum anmeldevorgang limit was reached. Your capacity to keep yourself focused and on task is vital to your success for a food server. In some instances, you can consist of things besides direct work experience on a server resume. Everyone knows the food service sector is just one of the more tightly regulated industries on earth. Many amateur marketers make the error of focusing on features rather than benefits when selling an item. Next up is Kenny, that has been working in restaurants for over 12 decades, and would like to revise his resume to take advantage of chances to step up. The food retail company is consistently growing. Even when youre a really great employee, but youre not able to present the little print in your resume correctly, its possible youll miss the opportunity. When working on a resume, make certain to steer clear of clerical errors which can cause a possible employer to weed yours out speedily. The very first ingredient to a large waitress resume is your contact info. Ensure your notice is neat. What You Can Do About Resume Waitress Beginning in the Next Five Minutes Needless to say, each job will call for various abilities and experiences, so make certain you read the job description with care and concentrate on the skills listed by the employer. Despite no experience, you still ought to show experience. You dont require experience to get achievements. Last, dont give up on a prospective career path if youve had no appropriate experience.

Why HR Should Share Internal Company Stories

Why HR Should Share Internal Company StoriesNothing makes HR groan more than discovering theres a company crisis afoot. Three hamburger King employees are the most recent bad apples to join the ranks of HR headache-inflicting employees everywhere.In case you missed it, a photo supposedly snapped at an independently owned Mayfield Heights, Ohio, Burger King is making the rounds online, grossing out whopper-loving patrons everywhere. The photo, which shows an employee standing in lettuce bins, came captioned with, This is the lettuce you eat at Burger King. The three employees deemed responsible for playing with Burger Kings product have since been fired, but their disgusting viral behavior will continue to intimidate HR from sharing internal company stories.Despite disgusting viral behavior like Burger Kings latest incident and the dirty Dominos employees from 2009, sharing internal company stories publicly is a brilliant company strategy HR professionals should embrace. Heres whyCust omers Like ItEngaging customers is becoming an increasingly difficult task for companies. More and more customers ignore marketing campaigns and instead search for the companies offering the best coupon. Whats worse is that customers minimally engage with companies that spend time and money on social tools, causing brand influence and profits to decline.Sharing internal company stories is a great way HR can humanize its company and employees to customers. Much like spokesperson advertising, internal company stories tie a product or service to a face, giving customers an overall positive feeling about the people who are responsible for creating and distributing the companys products or services. Creating video clips of charismatic internal employees is one great way to engage customers.It Attracts TalentHR professionals know that not every employee at their company is 100 percent satisfied with his job. But, for every unhappy employee a company has, there are plenty of respectable, e xcited employees with great stories to tell.Take Groupons Sam and Amy for example. Back in March, the couple shared their love and engagement story to deal-loving customers everywhere. The simple blog post shows potential talent that Groupon is a fun, easy-going place to work where you may even find love.Find outgoing employees with great stories to tell at your company and encourage them to share externally. The feel-good approach may make your company more attractive to potential talent.Itll Get You PressSure, releasing great finances and stock increases will certainly get a company press, but pure financial reporting has grown increasingly complex and even downright boring for the average media consumer to read. Journalists, after all, are storytellers, so embracing sharing internal company stories will likely get you some press attention.Additionally, if an unsatisfied employees antics go viral, like in the case of Burger King, you better believe itll be all over media outlets w ithin days. While these internal company stories are the kind HR dreads, its a common strategy to combat the negative with positive employee testimonials. HR should embrace communicating positive internal company stories because, in times of crisis, they can salvage a companys reputation.Does your company share internal company stories publicly? Why or why not?Image courtesy of Flickr.