The Workplace Geezer Factor

What part does the geezer factor play in the workplace hiring process? Are companies truly looking for someone with our vast experience or are they afraid we'll either take --- or keel ---over?

Since, at 61, I am back on the job market I decided to make myself the subject of this self-imposed sociological experiment.

Thanks to an impressive resume --- and selective distribution --- I had three interviews in a week. One of the tricks of resume writing is to leave off certain dates that, well , date you. My resume shows that I graduated from the University of Wisconsin but it doesn't say it was before the first moon landing. And, since the latest in resume writing says to only include ten years of experience, I just might be one of those career women eager to climb the corporate ladder and give up a life outside the office to succeed -- you know, like we did in our 30's.

Of course, no company can say outright they prefer younger workers, but there are signs. The suppressed look of surprise on the youthful face of the HR director when he first meets you is a dead giveaway. He feels like he's interviewing his nana. I want to tell him to sit up straight and stop gnawing on his pen .

It's been more than a decade since I've been on a job interview and, surprisingly, the questions haven't changed. Do I prefer to work alone or with a team. Please tell us about a time you had to think on your feet. What would you do if (include relevant scenario here).

I answered the questions enthusiastically and wisely, but from the arched eyebrow, minor eye roll and copious note taking by the interviewer, I assume my words were interpreted as the rantings of an old lady rather than the wisdom of age.

Final question -- "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" I babbled something appropriate like if I'm happy in a job I tend to stay, blah, blah, blah. But my mental image pictures told a different story --- retirement, baby, retirement.

If the HR child thought my wide grin was brought on by dreams of having him for a boss, I didn't disabuse him.