Getting ready for a job interview takes more than choosing a nice suit. Before the appointment, find out as much as you can about the company and the sector it works in. Read its website in depth and think about how your skills fit the position. These days, many companies hold the first interview session online, so test your camera beforehand. On the day of the interview, remember that the staff at the front desk may share their opinions with the executive who makes the final decision. Being polite to everyone is a simple but powerful technique, and it shows that you are a true professional.

After working as a lab technician for thirty-five years, Mr. Lin finally retired last spring. His colleagues held a small party for him in the conference room, and his supervisor gave a speech about his devotion to the job. Many people worry that they will feel lost once their working life ends, but Mr. Lin had a clear plan. He now volunteers at a local science museum, where he shows children simple experiments every weekend. "I have left my occupation," he says with a smile, "but I will never retire from learning."