When you're over 50 the right interview approach is essential, and to show how it's done a job coach talks the long-term unemployed through the process.

The retirement age is going up, but the age when many workers are being thrown to the scrap heap is going down. Five million Australians are over the age of 50, and many of them are finding they are unemployable.

It's been years since 50-something-year-old Ian has had meaningful employment.

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“I refuse to go on the dole,” Ian said.

On the verge of giving up, all he wants is a full time job, just like thousands of older Australians.

However, according to employment guru Jane Anderson, who calls herself ‘the job whisperer’, age doesn’t have to be a barrier.

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Michael O'Neill from National Seniors Australia says Ian represents thousands of Australians who are being overlooked for jobs purely because of their age. What's more, older Australians are being forced back into a job as their superannuation evaporates.

According to O’Neill there is “active discrimination of people based simply on their age.”

“If you have a loss of employment in your fifties, the reality is you'll be out on average about 63 weeks. That robs you of that chance to put superannuation away and build it up,” he explained.

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While Andersen wishes she could be there with each of her clients during their interviews, this is simply not possible.

However she does say that her tips will work for any job seeker, regardless of their age.

Interview tips:

• Polish your shoes.
• Your shirt shouldn’t be too crisp.
• Have a haircut to look neat.
• Make your answers positive.
• Be enthusiastic.
• Ask the interviewer for a business card.
• Smile and be full of confidence.
• Tell them you won’t let them down.
• Remember – rapport is the number one thing every time.

After Andersen’s training, Ian was offered positions at Drakes Supermarket and Brisbane White Goods -the dilemma now is choosing which job he wants. It’s a choice he's never experienced in his working life.

Having been offered two jobs, Ian says “do not allow yourselves to take knockbacks. Just find a solution, like I did and go for it.”

Contact details

• Inside Out Training - www.insideoutcoach.com.au
• Katie Roberts Career Consulting - www.katieroberts.com.au