Interviewing and negotiating

• Soft skills are one of the assets experienced workers often bring to a job. Emphasize soft skills like these or others you have: work ethic, loyalty, dependability, self-motivation, ability to communicate with customers and co-workers of all ages, etc.
• If interviewing with someone significantly younger than you, it might feel natural to assume you know far more, or to take charge. It’s important to respect the role of a younger supervisor, to listen, and express openness to their preferred communication style.
• Approach questions like “Where would you like to be in 3-5 years?” with a response such as “I hope to be working here, and potentially have earned a promotion” rather than talking about retirement plans. Employers hope that new hires of any age will stay in the job for some time.
• Be mindful of the “story” you bring about yourself to interviews, whether it reflects openness to new learning and approaches. Be sure to really listen at your job interview, emphasize that you like to learn, and will adapt to their methods of doing the job.

• Aim to articulate your accomplishments of the previous several years clearly and without jargon. Prepare one or two stories about how you mastered a new skill or task to solve an employer’s problem. Interviewers remember stories better than a list of facts.
• Maintain respectful formality. Even if interviewing with colleagues, avoid sharing personal life details and avoid making negative comments about past employers or people in your industry.
• Focus on how your skills and experience can add value in the position. However, it's important to avoid an attitude of “been there, done that” or “this is how we used to do that...” Express curiosity about a new team, and new opportunities.
• It is illegal for an interviewer to ask your age, except for jobs that require disclosure, such as an airline pilot. If you are asked your age, it’s appropriate to ask about how your age would affect your ability to do the job.
• Practice interviewing at a mock job interview. Many local American Job Centers offer this service, with feedback on how to improve your style or responses. Or ask a friend or former colleague to act as an interviewer.

Many interviews are conducted virtually, often using a video software platform such as Zoom. Follow these tips to be prepared for your interview:

• How it will work. The employer will e-mail a video conference link, text a phone number to call, or simply schedule a time when they will contact you using a video or audio conference system. Typically, you and the interviewer will be able to see each other.
• Pre-recorded video interviews. For a pre-recorded interview, you'll be instructed to record your voice or video answers to interview questions provided by the employer. Recordings are later reviewed by a human resources staff member, so while it may feel awkward at the time, aim to convey energy and enthusiasm as with a live person.
• Equipment and space needs. You will need a laptop or desktop computer with audio and video capability, stable Internet service, and a quiet space. A phone or tablet may work. Your local American Job Center or public library may offer free space and equipment for interviews; check with them to reserve it.
• Do several practice runs. Practice in a video or phone meeting with a friend. Speak clearly, use natural hand gestures, and keep your answers concise and meaningful. Communicate enthusiasm and energy with upright posture, eye contact, head nods, and smiles. Record yourself to review your performance.
• Prepare your environment. Eliminate background distractions such as open closet doors, piles of clothing or papers, or cluttered shelves. In the video app, you can select a simple virtual background or blur your background. Make sure the lighting allows the interviewer to see you clearly. Close other applications and browser tabs on your computer, and mute notifications on your devices. Ask your household for quiet to interview.
• Dress for success. It’s just as important to appear professional in a virtual video as it is in person. Avoid patterned shirts as they can distract more readily on video. Consider wearing a plain-colored top, and “interview” pants or skirt.
• Prevent technical glitches. Make sure your phone and/or computer are fully charged. Keep any passwords in an easy-to-reach spot. Sign into the video conferencing system as early as you can. Check that your Internet connection, computer audio and video are fully operational. Unmute audio and video on your screen when the meeting starts.
• Maintain eye contact. It’s fine to keep a resume or notes handy but remember to look at and engage with your interviewer. To make eye contact, look at your video camera rather than where their face appears on screen. This can feel strange, but otherwise you may appear to be looking away. Avoid looking at other devices during the interview.
• Troubleshooting. Ask for their phone number so you can continue the interview by phone if technical issues occur. All is not lost if you have interruptions or equipment failures! If needed, ask for a moment to resolve the issue, mute your audio and video to address it, then resume the conversation with a brief apology and a positive attitude.

While extensive work experience doesn’t necessarily equate to a higher salary, the employer may be willing to pay more for expertise, and it is always of value to explore options.

• Review all aspects of any offer, including employment status (contract or regular employee), pay, health benefits, disability and/or life insurance, paid time off, retirement savings plans, work schedule and flexibility, and potential for growth. Ask for this information in writing.
• If you like the job, take it. If you have concerns, talk with the employer or recruiter. If the salary appears too low, ask if the employer will consider a counterproposal. If so, request a minimum of a 10% bump due to your expertise. 
• Negotiating for higher hourly wages is possible in the skilled trades, personal services, administrative and clerical areas, but basic benefits are unlikely to be changed. You can also ask for schedule flexibility, more time off, or more training.
• Professional, salaried positions in the private sector often offer a higher salary, deferred compensation, incentive pay, stock options, and other benefits. Senior professional and upper management jobs have the most negotiating opportunity.
• If an employer does not provide health benefits, Medicare is available to people aged 65 or older and to some people with disabilities younger than 65. Medicare's eligibility tool can tell you whether you qualify. Medicaid also provides health coverage for low-income individuals. If you are laid off, COBRA allows workers and their families to continue their health coverage by paying the premium themselves. Healthcare.gov offers more information.