Interviews are tough for everyone, but perhaps they are the most difficult for those who are midcareer or older.

Chances are if you're 45 or older, you're likely to encounter someone in the interviewing process who is younger than you. And, there's no hiding the passage of time on a person's face and body - it's going to be clear to anyone looking at you that age 30 is a distant memory.

Get those factors out of the way, and you've still got some hills to climb if you're an older job candidate - such as why you're looking for a new job at this point in your life and the fact that you may be interviewing for a job you're considered to be overqualified for.

So here's the scenario: You look older, your resume shows you've got perhaps too much experience and the interviewer looks young enough to have no idea who Ringo Starr is. Now what?

First, don't panic. The ever-fluctuating job market of the last decade has proven that no one is immune to layoffs, and even the best, brightest and most valued employees may find themselves looking for new jobs. So, you can forget the stigma of employers looking askance at finding older workers looking for new positions.

But that still leaves the other obstacles, such as getting a younger interviewer or manager to see you as part of the team and capable of taking direction from a younger boss if needed.

According to guidelines from the AARP, one effective response to the younger boss question is to say, "When I get to the point where I can't learn from someone younger or older than I, I will stop working."

Another key to helping a company see you as part of the team is to look the part. No, you can't hide the wrinkles or that you need glasses to see 12 inches from your nose. But you can make sure you're dressed in the latest styles appropriate for your age, and even be aware of some of the pop culture affecting today's younger generations. Take in some recent movies or art exhibits aimed at younger people, and be up on the latest personal technology trends. (Your own teenager may be able to help you with this.)

When asked about your level of experience, and perhaps you get hints that you're overqualified for a position, be ready to stress the skills and enthusiasm you can bring to a job and the sincere interest you have in working for the company. The AARP warns that questioning you about your age after age 40 can be considered discriminatory if it is proved you were not hired for a job because of your age.

Still, a better response to someone directly asking your age might be by replying in an upbeat tone, "How does my age affect my ability to do a job?" the AARP advises.

At the same time, show how your age could be an asset to an organization. Your experience of working with a wide variety of people should be seen as an ability to get along as part of a team. Emphasize that your life experience has proved to you the advantage of learning from others, no matter what the age.

Finally, the discussion is sure to turn to the subject of salary. It is clear that at mid-career, you will have achieved a certain pay level, which may concern a new employer.

Use the Internet, industry magazines and professional organizations to get a handle on what others in the position are making, so that you have some realistic expectations when you enter negotiations. If you can't find any good information, ask the interviewer for the salary range, which most will probably provide.