Job Interview and Coaching Forum

So, your middle-aged with twenty something years of valuable experience managing projects worth millions of dollars with a team of thirty odd working under you. You have an impressive resume, impeccable references and strongly believe you are the man for the job.

Enter the young HR manager, she's half your age with two years of employment behind her and has little interest in your past achievements. This girl who could be your daughter is going to decide whether your shortlisted, meet the companies profile and be offered a position.

The typical HR manager is generally in their late twenties early thirties, fresh out of Uni with a degree in Human Resources, probably in their first few years of employment and stamping their mark in the company.  They find themselves in a very powerful position from day one as very few recruits, be they senior managers or receptionists get employed without their approval.

So how do you tackle this perceived role reversal?

It is important for you to adjust your style to theirs rather than the opposite. Acknowledge their position and treat them with respect.

One other tactic is to beat them at their own game. Preparation is the key to a successful HR or Behavioural based job interview. Seeking the assistance of a Job Interview Coach who can steer you around the mine field of behavioural based interviews can be invaluable.