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Let that auctioneer bang that gavel and shout it proud “Sold to the highest bidder!”

For now.

Do 71: Lowering Your Interview Age Instantly

Let’s show offerors age is just a number—one!

I wrote Finding the Right Job at Midlife in 1985 and have been working with seniors since that time. When you appear like a genie (Do 1), there’s no time for you to be screened out. You’re there, granting a wish. It will be done! Age isn’t even a thought, let alone a number.

But let’s lower your age just to boost your confidence. Your “ hire” self will do it.

Your Looks

Find someone in your family who’s one or two generations down from you (daughter or granddaughter, for example). Someone in her thirties, the same sex as you, and professional.

Hip too. If you’re gonna boogie down, you gotta know what is hip (title of a Tower of Power song). I play drums, so this is serious.

Clothes

You probably won’t have to buy that much, but front and back pockets are essential (Do 1). You can get the clothes you need from outlets anywhere. It’s business casual (not like when you were younger) and the variety you can wear is endless. Just show some class.

Men should lose the suit, white shirt, and tie on the basic genie appearance. Women can leave the suit and fancy jewelry home. Pick comfortable shoes with good support. You can buy one of a dozen orthotics for them at any drugstore if you want to cushion or support your feet more.

Check for frayed clothes, scuffed shoes, gaudy jewelry or old glasses, and other midlife memorabilia.

Then have that thirtysomething double-check your work. You’ll tend to be too practical.

Face

No facial hair where it doesn’t belong (including nose, lips, and ears). You don’t need cosmetic (or dental) surgery to have more interviews in a week than you had in your long lifetime.

Hair

In spite of all the hype about hair, too few older folks care for theirs well.

Most older jobseekers treat and comb their (less) hair the way they did when they were young. Wrong.

Tell your stylist that you’re reentering the job market. Let her be the judge of what looks good. It’s called reinventing yourself!

Dyed hair must look natural. If you’re using a black dye and you have a very white face, use the magic potion instead (Do 2). It’s not a shampoo, but anything’s better than that dye.

No hairpieces, unless they’re very small and really match.

Hands

Hands are really important and frequently show the signs of cooking, gardening, and hammering (ouch!).

Your nails should be trim and clean. Women should wear nail polish.

Perfume or Cologne

None.

You’re out there on the route, so are already glowing from the inside.

These tips will enhance your success.

So on the subject of your looks, be spiffy. You’ll be doing a lot of moving, and I want you to be comfortable. Instant interviewing is great fun, and you deserve to enjoy every minute.

Your Speech

Your interview delivery is the same as for any other I.I. Avoid these phrases. Only old folks use them.

At my age . . .

Back in the days when . . .

It used to be that . . .

I remember when . . .

When I was younger . . .

When I was your age . . .

Years ago . . .

Nowadays . . .

Ask your kids and grandkids to nail you whenever you start saying something freaky like that. It’ll get you their support, and therefore increased instants.

I love working with seniors because they are such great people to be around. Offerors feel the same way instantly.

You have one thing that younger I.I.’s don’t.

Your number—one!

Interview Insight

Here are some excerpts of an article that a magazine wrote about my exploits with our grandson Jonathan when he was three. I share it with you because this is the kind of thing that will make you young (and very happy).

SUPERGRANDPA JEFF ALLEN SHOWS WHAT CAN BE DONE

Supergrandpa Jeff Allen spends every Thursday morning volunteering at his grandson’s preschool.

Jeff commented, “The teachers want to know why I don’t get