Job Hunting Tips Over 40: Dressing for Success

The Great Recession is ending and the jobs are slowly trickling back into the economy. Unfortunately, there are now more recent college graduates vying for every job. For the over 40-crowd this means competing for scarce opportunities has just gotten a little harder. The fact is, though age discrimination is illegal, the 20-something hiring person may pass over someone who looks like grandma.

Getting in the door to human resources is just half the battle. Once there, older applicants have to prove they are just as able as the fresh faced, energetic college student who just left. Considering that most decisions about a person are made in the first 60 seconds of meeting, it is imperative to put the best foot forward and that starts with appearance.

Dressing for an Interview

Paying close attention to appearance is the first step toward appearing confident and hireable in the interview. In his article “When Job-Hunting: Dress for Success,” Randall S. Hansen says, “Should you be judged by what you wear? Perhaps not, but the reality is, of course, that you are judged…With the job interview, it’s how you’re dressed that sets the tone of the interview.”

Job seekers who have not had to interview in many years will find that the basics are still the same. Conservative dressing is best, with dark or one color suits, polished shoes, well groomed hair, minimal jewelry for women and attention to basic hygiene. For an older applicant, less is more and simple is better.

When it comes to the clothing, however, mature workers must be careful not to attempt to use the same outfit they used 20 years ago. What was in style in 1990 may be dated today and what fit in 1995 may be, well, snug in the wrong places. An older interviewer may see someone who cannot be trusted to see details, while a younger one may see someone hopelessly stuck in her old life.

For the interview, clothing should be stylish but age appropriate. The idea is not to hide the applicant’s age, but rather to show that she has the energy and style to handle the job regardless of how old she is. Job hunters over 40, who try to dress as someone in their 20s, could appear to be desperate or out of touch with reality.

Women should always wear a jacket and carry a briefcase rather than a purse. Skirts should be knee length or longer, and shirts in a light color. Surprisingly, there is controversy over women wearing suits with pants rather than skirts, according to Katherine Hansen in her article “The Great Pantsuit vs. Skirtsuit Debate: What Should Women Wear to a Job Interview?”

Another controversial suggestion for women is that they dye any grey in their hair and update their makeup. While it may sound insulting, it could make a difference to how she appears to the interviewer. A woman who comes to an interview with gray hair and 1970s make up is going to be at a disadvantage, so a box of hair color and a trip to the makeup counter for a free makeover may be beneficial.

A Confident Appearance

Confidence can be perceived as energy, so in addition to dressing well it is important to appear well rested and healthy. In her article, “Look Younger for Your Job Search” on CareerBuilder.com, Robin Ryan states, “Too many mature workers show up looking weather-worn, tired, defeated, desperate, just plain old and worn out. You must have an enthusiastic attitude that radiates energy to reassure an employer you are ready and able to do the job. “

While it may seem unfair, the harsh reality is that for the older job seeker appearance is more important now than it was in their past. An older, well-groomed man in a classic suit who walks confidently into the interview will have a much better chance than the man in the suit that does not quite cover the potbelly and who looks amazingly like grandpa.

This same scenario applies to women. The stylishly dressed, well groomed woman who appears to be someone the younger hiring manager can look up to will be more competitive than the one who reminds him of the next door neighbor soccer mom he grew up with.

Looking for a job is never easy, and in this day and age it has become even more challenging for the over 40 crowd. Finding all the possible advantages will help make them more competitive, and hopefully, employed.