Q: I have an interview coming up and while researching the company, I found out that one of the people I’ll be interviewing with is an older gentleman who would be my direct report. Although I am in my early 40s, I look much younger. Question: Because first impressions are big, how do I nail the interview and not have him write me off for being a young whippersnapper? – Georgia

Dale: Lots of people just read your question and thought, “Ah, come on, let’s hear about some real problems.” But we gladly included your query for a couple of reasons beyond just trying to be helpful. One is to point out that you’ve probably “nailed the interview” before going in. You have done your research and are already thinking about what they will be thinking instead of just thinking about yourself and what you’re going to say. Secondly, we want to applaud you on being concerned about first impressions/appearances. For me, as one of the “Middles” (middle-age, middle-class, raised in the Midwest), there’s a tendency to dismiss “mere appearances,” assuming that “real content” is all that really matters.

Kate: As for your interview, you merely need to mention your age or something that happened early in your career.

Q: I have had a day care business for 12 years and did well until recently. I’m wanting to get out of business and get back into the work force. I was an executive secretary for many years and have been submitting my resume for such positions, with no luck. Maybe it’s my age (55). – Donna

Kate: We often hear veteran employees say: “My record should speak for itself. I worked hard and people ought to appreciate all the work I’ve done.” What appears to be age discrimination can actually be a lack of tolerance for the stress and exhaustion of job searching.

Dale: As for that job search, sending resumes works when you’re making a simple, obvious career step. Going from self-employed to employee is not a simple step. Neither is trying to turn back the clock.

Kate: True. The administrative assistant position has changed dramatically, especially the computer work. If you have been working with Excel, Word, PowerPoint and other software, you should mention that in your resume.