Job intimidation when new "more experienced" employees interview

[Descartes]

I'm just curious, as I'm really young in an environment where not a single person my age has interviewed w/ us. My official position is "senior application developer", and I have some, probably unfounded, concerns about older (technically more experienced, but this isn't always the case w/ age) who are interviewing for a position under me. My superiors are elated w/ my work thus far, and I don't think that will change. Anyone else been in a similar situation? When a guy almost old enough to be my father walks in to interview, with more work history than years I've been away from watching Saturday cartoons, it makes me wonder.

Opinions appreciated

 

[Double Trouble]

I've been in a position of managing a group of workers that were all older and more experienced than I was. I haven't found there to be any problems so long as you treat everyone with due respect regardless of their age. It should not be an issue, but that depends on how professional the individuals are.

What you'll find now is that your technical skills will have to drop to the background and your managerial and interpersonal skills will have to come first. That's not always easy to do. Avoid the temptation to micromanage.....

That's my take.

 

[BoberFett]

You're in your position for a reason. There's no reason for you to be intimidated. When you interview these people, don't think of yourself like a young person interviewing an older, more experienced person. Think of it as two professionals discussing the possibility of collaborating on future efforts.

Besides, if the person coming in actually tries to intimidate you, you don't want to work with him anyway. That kind of person is going to challenge your authority at every opportunity if he's hired.


Edited for speeling

 

[Windogg]

The position I'm in right now is like your situation. I interviewed along with people 5 - 10 years my senior and I ended up snagging the job. A lot of people had doubts but I managed to prove I can talk the talk and walk the walk. As long as you do your job it shouldn't matter how old you are. You should be proud of yourself.

Windogg

 

[Descartes]

Thanks for the replies guys.

The last developer we had was twice my age and didn't have any problems asking questions, and the synergy between us was excellent. I'm just hoping that our next developer will be equally open and not judge based on ones chronological status.