Job Interview Tips for the Midlife Mumma Who’s Got More Experience Than a Recruiter’s Spreadsheet.

let's face it, interviewing for roles later on in life becomes more challenging. It is like children these days are learning how to use AI in the womb, while we are struggling to remember where we put our car keys.

Whether it is career change, or return to work after years of parenting, we can often be completing out of touch with the whole job hunt, job find, recruiting and interview process.

Gone are the days when you could walk into a business with your resume in hand and get offered a job on the spot. First, your resume is filtered through a bot looking for keywords. If you are lucky enough to make it through that, you may receive a call from a recruiter to participate in a screening call or be sent a link to do a video interview. After that, there are first-round, second-round, and final interviews, with some companies asking you to participate in personality tests, deductive and inductive reasoning assessments.

Have I scared you off yet????

Never fear!!! You can teach an old dog new tricks. You just need to know the right ones to learn.

💥 1. Own Your Age—It’s a Superpower, Not a Secret

You’re not 'past it' or 'overqualified.' You’re experienced and seasoned. You’ve got decades of life and work behind you. Don't hide it.

🧠 Say this in the interview:

“I bring real-world experience, emotional intelligence, maturity and resilience."

💥 2. Be digitally fluent

Brush up on the tech basics, even if you would rather throw your laptop out the window.

Basics to know are teams, Zoom, Canva and chat GPT, or anything else listed in the job ad.

If they ask, say:

"I'm a fast learner and actively upskilling, tech does not intimidate me." (even if the thought of it has you rocking in foetal position)

💥 3. Update Your Language—Not Just Your Resume

learning how to rephrase your responses will be a game changer. Instead of 'I Just' or hopefully' say:

"I led," "I delivered," "I implemented," I negotiated"

Own your impact, speak like the boss you are. Confident language, and key words will give you a competitive advantage.

🎯 Pro tip: Frame career gaps with confidence, not apology. Use terms like “transitional period,” “passion-led pivot,” or “intentional break for family leadership.”

You can frame short term roles as "contract roles"

💥 3. Prep Like You’re Dating Again

Research the company. Know their vibe. Practice answers, but don’t script your soul out.

Try pasting the job criteria into chat GPT and ask it to run some simple interview questions. It will get you thinking, give you some language recruiters are looking for and help you frame your answers in a language that really highlights your skillset.

🔥 Top Questions You’ll Get:

• “Tell me about yourself.” → Practice a 60-sec power story/ elevator pitch

• “Why are you applying?” → Tie it to your values and skills, think about what you can bring to the role,

• “How do you handle conflict?” (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame. your answers.

• "Can you tell me about a time when you have had to deal with a difficult customer/client? How did you handle it? What was the outcome?"

💥 4. Prepare your story, not just your resume.

You’re not bragging—you’re validating your hireability. Highlight:

• Times you led people

• When you fixed a mess no one else could

• Skills you’ve mastered in and out of paid work.

💬 "They'll remember your story, nit your bullet points"

Structure your story:

Challenge - Action - Result

Have 2-3 powerful examples of how you resolved a problem, handled a difficult customer or client, led a project or delivered an impact (or anything else relevant to your previous roles or experience)

💥 5. Style and personal presentation matters

Yes, wear something you feel like a boss in. But what matters more?

• Eye contact.

• Good energy.

• Confidence.

• Body language.

• Clean, professional appearance.

• Smile.

💋 Dress for the role—and for the self-respect. Simple outfits, with minimal accessories works best.

💥 6. Flip the Power Dynamic - Remember, interviews go both ways. It has to be a mutual fit.

Ask them questions. Show you’re interviewing them too.

💬 Try:

"What is your leadership style?"

“How does your company support work-life balance for people with caregiving responsibilities?”

“What does success in this role look like in the first 3-6 months?”

You’re not desperate—you’re discerning.

💥 7. Know Your Non-Negotiables

You’re not 23—you know what drains you and what lights you up. Go in clear on:

• Hours that work for your life

• Salary and benefits

• Is it a hybrid role (office days and work from home days)

• The culture you’re saying yes to

• What kind of leadership brings out your best

💥 8. What are your salary expectations?

They like to drop this bomb on you often. It is like they are trying to hide the salary or get you for a cheaper price.

DOnt be afraid to research the role and set your slary expectations. Know your worth and be confident in what you bring to the table.

I like to answer the question of "what are your salary expectations" with "what is the budget for this role," that way you take back control and give you the salary range and that way you are not selling yourself short and know whether or not it is worth proceeding with the application.

👑 Final Truth Bomb:

You’re not “starting over.” You’re leveling up—with battle-tested wisdom, multitasking muscle, and a no-BS attitude.

They’d be lucky to have you. Now go get that dream job.

With Love, Mumma💋

XOXO

Disclaimer:

I am not a licensed therapist, psychologist, or mental health professional. The information shared in this blog is based on personal experience, research, and general knowledge, and is intended for informational and supportive purposes only.

It should not be taken as professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.