• Older workers need to overcome the suspicion that their skills are outdated.Ryouchin/Digital Vision/Getty Images
  
  Economic conditions may put you back on the job interview circuit after many successful years in a career. Or maybe retiring isn't what you imagined and you prefer to work. It's a great way to make extra money while keeping busy. Whether you have years of experience or not much at all, prepare yourself to enter the job market with a few interview tips.
  
  

Be Professional

• Your appearance should be neat and simple. For women, dress slacks are considered appropriate business attire and can be worn to an interview with a Fortune 500 company or a Mom and Pop-type shop. If you're unsure, play it safe with darker pants and a crisp blouse along with a simple strand of pearls. Keep hair, earrings and jewelry toned down and keep perfumes to a minimum.
  
  

Stress Your Willingness to Learn

• If you've been out of work for a while or have never held a job, a company may feel that your skills are outdated. Stress the fact that you are a hard worker and willing to learn. During the interview, cite examples of times when you began a position and had to learn the job within a week, or how hard you've worked to master skills and become a supervisor. If you've taken courses or attended workshops or seminars, share that information. The fact that you sought out and paid for training courses is impressive to a prospective employer.
  
  

Emphasize Your Maturity

• Show your age as a positive. Let the hiring manager know, for example, that you were with your last company for over 20 years. This demonstrates loyalty and hard work. Convince the employer that your years make you wise in problem-solving. You've seen and experienced more than your younger counterparts. This allows you to make better judgments when dealing with unforeseen circumstances in the workplace.