Then and now

I remember a time when I was about 18 when I had an interview for some job (probably a summer one). On the way to the interview, I stopped in to see my mom, who at that time was a buyer for a department store in Newark. 

As she straightened my tie, she said, "Don't worry. You always make a good impression."

I carried that confidence, along with a great deal of experience, into job interviews that I've had over these many years. And my interviews have resulted in many job offers. 

Now, because of my age, I almost dread job interviews. I can still make a good impression -- from my resume and on telephone interviews -- but when I walk into an interview, my 68 years accompany me.

I wonder what mom would have to say about that.