Older workers today are seeking more new employment, changing jobs or taking on second income jobs than ever before. Many want to offset higher costs of living, while some just want to find a way of increasing social interaction. For some workers, it’s been a long time since they did a job interview, so they naturally are seeking job interview advice and want to learn about salary negotiations techniques.

Job Interview Advice

The old standards of job interview advice still are sound, but there have been a few additions for those who need to compete against younger persons. Obviously, mature workers have an outstanding advantage over new graduates because they already (in most cases) have experience in the world of work. Experience trumps newness for many. Although many employers prefer inexperience so they can “train” a worker to their standards, you still can get an important foot past the interview door if your approach is interesting to them.

5 Questions for Older Job Applicants to Ask

When you approach a potential employer and your job interview, have some meaty questions ready to ask during that interview, to show you are on the ball and informed about that company. Naturally, you want to find out some inside information about the company and the job:

1. Ask the interviewer what they like about working for this company
2. Ask why the previous job holder left, or if this is a new position
3. What are the prospects for this company over the next 5 years
4. What are the most important expectations you will face on this job
5. What is the next step in this hiring process

What’s New?

Of course, you want to have handy all the pertinent information about your skills and how they would benefit the company with which you are doing a job interview. This means doing some pre-research about the company and figuring out how you could best be of benefit to them if you are hired. However, there are some new tips to consider:

1. Push your skills and be specific
2. Don’t use generalizations, like “team player” — tell why you are great and at what
3. Be professional in your appearance; you are not a teenager
4. Know what your non-verbal appearance says; learn about color and body language
5. Use active words and power words
6. Watch for subtle but illegal references to your age and physical abilities

Salary Negotiations Techniques

This can be touchy, but important to manage. You want the most pay for your time and experience. Tell them why your time is worth more because of your experience. You can be immediately effective in many ways due to your knowledge. Sell knowledge and assurance that you are not just looking for a fun or temporary position. If they want you, they will not want to lose you shortly.

1. Do not be afraid to talk about money
2. Try to anticipate possible objections they might pose to you and have solid responses
3. Don’t give ultimatums but have sound reasons for your salary request
4. Prepare alternatives if your initial requests are denied
5. Research that company’s salary, perks and benefits options, if possible, so your request is realistic and within possibilities of being granted.

If your request is granted, wonderful, but if not, you must decide whether to continue application to that company or seek what you want elsewhere. If hired, continue to perform to your best abilities, and in a few months, repeat your salary request.

Content Provided by Spot55.com