Job interviews are classic selling opportunities. Yet every selling opportunity requires some understanding of the motives and needs of the buyer. How the seller positions themselves to handle buying objections and prepares to present the product so it meets the buyer's needs usually makes the sale.

How then can you become the winning seller in a competitive job interview? The winner gets the job offer and everyone else gets sent home.

Here are some tips to improve your selling techniques and close the sale.

1. Your customer, the prospective employer, how well do you know their needs? If you can anticipate what the employer is looking for you will be well on your way to making the sale.

Do all the research necessary to find out what specific skills and qualifications are required in the job. If possible prioritize their needs.

2. Search your network, and any other sources to find someone on the inside who can provide you with the required information. Maybe it's someone who recently left the company, or someone recently hired that you discover on Linkedin. Cultivate these sources as they can supply you with critical information.

They can provide you with important information on the corporate culture. What positive activity is touted and championed? How is performance rewarded? How information is communicated, both up and down? Is the promotion system fair? Do they promote from within or do they make a habit hiring outside talent?

3. Everyone has natural talents. Don't try to be someone else or imitate an interview technique you read about, if it doesn't fit your style.

4. Role play the interview. Prepare compelling stories about your accomplishments. Keep them concise. Listen actively, be engaged, and smile. Never say anything negative about former bosses or employers.

5. Think through possible objections. Have a gap in employment? Lost a job under questionable circumstances? Changing careers? Over qualified for the position applied for? Don't get caught off guard with an unforeseen objection. Think through how you can practice your answers until they can be delivered without sounding defensive or nervous.

6. Develop a series of questions to ask during the interview. All your questions should be about information not easily found in your research. Your goal is to determine if offered a job would you be happy working for the employer.

You must recognize there will be situations that are not worth closing. If the sale would not be good for you it's better to walk away and not waste possibly years of your career before you can recover.

7. Prepare a positive close on how your skills closely fit the employer's needs.

By recognizing that a job interview is a sales call, and how you prepare and present yourself will go a long way in helping you make the sale

Learn more about job interviewing techniques, resume and cover letter writing, changing careers and career planning at http://careersafter50.com. Discover how others over age 50, built winning career plans and found the right careers by effective job hunting and career planning after 50.