Finding a job is tough right now, but it might be the TOUGHEST for twenty-somethings. According to a recent survey of over 500 hiring managers, companies are three times more likely to hire someone over 50 than someone under the age of 30.
They’re most concerned about young people not being reliable or professional enough, and older workers are more likely to stay with the company long-term.
The other problem? These companies also said young people pretty much SUCK at interviewing. So, according to Forbes Magazine, here are the top five interview mistakes young people make, and how to avoid them.
#1.) They Show Up Underdressed. 75% of hiring managers said young people don’t dress up enough for their interviews. But most older workers know that being OVERDRESSED is the way to go.
#2.) They Post Questionable Things on Facebook and Twitter. 70% of hiring managers said they routinely come across unprofessional content when they look at the Facebook pages of young people they’re thinking of hiring. (Hide those photos of you in a bikini or of you and your friends hammered at a bar.) Also – be careful with SPELLING AND GRAMMAR mistakes in your Facebook posts. 46% of hiring managers said young workers need to improve on their writing skills.
#3.) They Haven’t Done Their Research. Older workers are much more likely to research the company, the job, and the hiring manager before they go in for an interview.
#4.) They Don’t Ask Enough Questions. Three out of five interviewers said that younger workers show a lack of interest by not asking questions. According to Forbes, two good questions to ask are: “How would you describe the ideal candidate?” and “How does this position fit into the company’s long-term plans?”
#5.) They’re Overconfident. 57% of hiring managers said candidates under the age of 30 tend to be overconfident in their abilities and their experience …even if they don’t have much experience. One thing that helps is to focus on your SPECIFIC accomplishments, and on how the skills you’ve acquired could help the company.
Source: Forbes
