Expert Advice for Older Professionals to Write a Resume that Stands Out

Navigating the job search process can be tough for anyone. Older professionals, in particular, may face some special challenges. They usually have a lot of experience and skills. However, they might also deal with bias during the hiring process. To stand out, older job seekers need to learn how to highlight their strengths. This improves your chances of getting interviews and landing the jobs you really want. Here is everything that you need to know to build a stand-out resume as an older worker.

Embracing Your Age in Your Resume

Age discrimination is a concern for many older job seekers. Even though it is not allowed, it still happens. Rather than seeing your age as a downside, think of it as a plus. Your age shows your years of experience and the skills you can offer. The following are practical ways to do this on your resume that will help you land the right job.

Showcasing Experience as a Strength

A hiring manager wants more than just a list of your past jobs. They want to see your career path, your reasons for working, and what you can offer their company. Use your work experience section to tell a strong story about your job journey. Highlight important wins and show that you have a steady history of success.

When you talk about your work experience, use action verbs. This shows what you did and helps measure your successes when you can. Add clear examples of projects you led, ideas you started, or results you saw.

Older professionals have a lot of experience to choose from. This is definitely your advantage and disadvantage. The best strategy is to pick the experience that is most relevant to the jobs that you are pursuing now. Stay focused on this experience and cut down on everything else. This will help the person skimming your resume to see you in their role and prevent them from getting stuck on your age.

By showing your rich work experience, you can minimize concerns about your age. You will show the special value you bring as someone with many years of experience. Remember, your years in the field give you a valuable point of view and useful knowledge that can help any organization.

The Importance of a Modern Resume Layout

All applications for jobs are submitted electronically now. That means you should stop printing your resume unless you go to an in-person interview. Instead, think about how your resume looks on a screen and how it can be accessed on devices of all kinds.

People will access and skim your resume on all types of devices - desktop, laptop, mobile, Apple, Android, tablets, etc. In turn, you should have a file that can easily be accessed on all of these different types of devices and operating systems. For most people, they find a PDF file is best to avoid the compatibility issues that happen with Word, Notes, or Google Docs.

You should also pick a resume format that helps you to showcase the relevant experiences. Many older workers are best served by a hybrid-style resume. This is skills forward like in a functional resume, but it will retain details under the experience entries. This format is modern and it helps the people skimming your resume to find what they want quickly. And, it helps you to show people right up front what is most important about your experience.

Use a font that is modern and clean without a lot of design. Using the wrong font or putting too much design on your resume will prevent it from being readable by the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which will scan your resume for keywords. Getting through the ATS is key to landing an interview. Make sure your font is black so the ATS can read it. Good choices for fonts are Arial or Calibri. Use clear headings and bullet points to make it easier to read.

Leverage Your Achievements as a Strength

Your work history shows what you can do. Instead of just listing your job duties, use your resume to highlight your successes and the good things you've done in your career. Whenever you can, use numbers and data to show the real results of your work.

For instance, instead of saying you "managed a team," say you "successfully led a team of 10 to exceed sales targets by 15%." By sharing clear examples of your successes, you show potential employers your true value.

Remember, your achievements are special and prove your ability to get results. By highlighting them well on your resume, you can stand out from other candidates and leave a strong impression on hiring managers.

Updating Your Resume for Today's Job Market

The job hunt has changed, and it's important to update your resume to fit the needs of today's job market. Even if you have a lot of experience, make sure your resume looks fresh and relevant. Avoid the following common mistakes to minimize ageism when people review your resume.

Update Your Email Address to Prevent Immediate Rejection

Believe it or not, your email address can play a big role in if your job application is noticed or ignored. An older email address like yahoo, hotmail, or from a cable company (i.e. Charter.net) is a dead giveaway that you are older. Plus, it makes you look like you are resistant to change. Avoid this immediate bias by creating a new email for use with your job search. Most people use a gmail address now. You don't have to switch everything to this address. Instead, just use the new email address for your job search.

When creating a new email, make sure the address is only your first name and last name @gmail. If that option is not available, try to include your middle initial or middle name. Some people may want to add their degrees or certifications after their name (i.e. [email protected]). But, steer clear of numbers as people will presume they are the year you were born, the year you graduated high school, etc. And, do not use your spouse's name in your Gmail address. This is also a dated practice and is viewed poorly by most recruiters.

Most importantly, make sure you check this new email address regularly after you start using it on your new resume. You don't want to miss out on a new job because you forgot to check your job search email.

Leave Your Street Address Off the Resume

In today's job market, you will be asked to complete a separate application for the job when submitting your resume for most jobs. In that process, you will include your street address. This makes including your street address unnecessary on your resume. Instead, you should include your city, state and zip on the resume. This is because the resume is searchable when it is added to the ATS. Many recruiters will be searching for candidates based on where they live. These individuals are simply looking to see if you are local to the job. As such, they won't be searching for your street address. Instead, they will use the City, State, and/or Zip to filter candidates. Thus, including these three fields on your resume is key to making it past these preliminary filters.

Plus, including your City, State, and Zip on your resume will also serve as a reminder to all of the people through the hiring process that you are a local candidate for the role. This is important as you will be increasingly competing against people who are all over the US in today's market. And, don't forget to put your phone number on the top of the resume with your City, State, and Zip. This is key to making sure that anyone involved in the hiring process can call you. Not everyone has access to the ATS, but they may want to reach out to discuss the next steps. So, make it easy for anyone who can offer you the job to connect with you to do just that.

Keep the References off of Your Resume

It's normal to get references ready when you apply for jobs. But you do not need to list them on your resume. In fact, doing so is a major signal that you are older. People stopped including references or even statements like "References Available Upon Request" a long time ago. This is because you are asked to submit the references when applying online for many jobs now. Or, you will be requested to give a reference sheet with the detailed information as you are being interviewed and approaching the offer stage of the process.

Thus, leave off the references and any mention of them on your resume and cover letter. This will save you space and make you immediately look more modern in the process.

Eliminate Outdated Terms and Phrases

Language changes over time, and your resume should, too. Don’t use old terms and phrases that may hurt your chances. Use specific examples and strong action words to show your skills and successes.

For example, instead of saying you are "proficient in Microsoft Word," write something like "skilled in using Microsoft Word to create professional reports, presentations, and drawings."

Using current language and making sure your skills are relevant can really help how potential employers see your resume. By keeping up with the latest industry terms and trends, you show that you can adapt and are open to new technologies and methods.

Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties

While you should list your job duties, it's important to do more than just explain your tasks. Focus on your successes and how you helped your previous employers.

Before you apply for a job, read the job description carefully. Find out the key skills and experiences the company wants. Then, change your resume to show your relevant experience and explain how your skills match the job's requirements.

By showing how you have achieved things and made a real impact in your past roles, you can grab the attention of hiring managers. This will show them that you can be a valuable employee.

Leave the Dates on Your Recent Experiences

It is a good idea to leave out graduation dates. However, you should still add dates for your recent jobs. This helps potential employers see your career path and understand your level of experience.

If you are worried about being judged for your age, think about talking to a career coach or a resume writer. They can help you figure out how to best show your work history. Their advice can be tailored to what you are aiming for in your career and the job market you are looking at.

In the end, you need to find a balance. Show your experience while also reducing any possible age bias. By presenting your qualifications smartly and focusing on the value you bring, you can make a strong resume that showcases your strengths.

Address the Bias Strategically

Age discrimination is not allowed under the Employment Act, but proving it can be hard. Instead of worrying about bias, focus on showing how flexible you are and how eager you are to learn new skills. The following tips will help you do just this to make sure you proactively mitigate any potential ageism with your resume while setting a positive tone for your interview.

Emphasize Your Technology Capabilities

In today's fast-changing world of technology, it's very important to show your tech skills and software knowledge. Companies want workers who can keep up with new tools and help in a digital workplace.

Make sure to point out your experience with software programs, apps, and digital tools. Add any certificates or training you have done to improve your tech skills. Also, mention if you can work from home or use online teamwork tools.

By showing that you are good with technology and can work well in a digital setting, you can ease worries some hiring managers may have about older workers and their tech skills. This is especially true if those managers are much younger than you.

Highlight Your Continued Learning

The workplace today needs workers to keep learning and improving. Employers like candidates who look for ways to grow their knowledge and stay up to date with changes.

Show that you are committed to learning by sharing any recent courses, workshops, or certifications you have taken. Talk about any online learning platforms you use or industry publications you read to keep up with new technologies and best practices.

When you show your desire to learn new skills and take part in development activities, you can show you are a valuable asset. This can help the company grow and innovate.

Include Ability to Change & Recent Achievements to Illustrate

Adaptability and the ability to embrace change are important traits in today's job market. You can stand out by sharing your recent successes that show how you can learn new skills, fit into new environments, or handle changes in your industry.

For example, if you recently moved to a new career path, explain the steps you took to learn new skills and do well in your new role. If you managed a project that needed adaptability or guided your team through big changes, share those stories and the good results you achieved.

By showing your adaptability and giving clear examples of your recent achievements, you can address any worries about your age. This also proves you can succeed in a fast-changing work environment.

Stay Focused on the Relevant Details

• Highlight your work history and relevant skills in the work experience section at the top of your resume.

• List your years of experience but avoid including graduation dates to reduce age discrimination concerns.

• Show your tech skills and software knowledge clearly. This will highlight your adaptability.

• When talking about your career path, focus on new skills and experiences that matter for your current job search.

• Remember, the resume format is important. Use clear fonts and simple language to make it easy to read.

• Stay updated with current industry trends and job descriptions. This will help you match your qualifications with what potential employers want.

Keep the Dates off of Your Education

Education is a key part of your qualifications. However, specific graduation dates are less important, especially if you graduated many years ago. It’s better to highlight the knowledge and skills you gained instead of focusing on when you got your degrees.

Leaving out graduation dates from your education section can help avoid unfair judgments in the hiring process. This way, hiring managers can pay more attention to your qualifications and experience rather than your age.

Still, be ready to talk about your education if you are asked in an interview. You can share how your education relates to the job and explain how the skills and knowledge you gained have helped you succeed professionally.

Cut off Your Experience at the Last 15 Years

While your extensive years of experience are valuable, it's generally not necessary to list every job you've held since the beginning of your career. Focusing on your most recent and relevant experience is key to capturing the attention of hiring managers.

Consider limiting the work experience section of your resume to the past 15 years, highlighting the positions that best align with your current career goals and showcase your most valuable skills. You can create a separate section for "Additional Relevant Experience" to briefly mention earlier roles or accomplishments.

Here's an example of how to structure this in your resume:

PRIOR EXPERIENCE

Senior Marketing Manager, Acme Marketing Solutions, Dallas, TX (2010 - 2012)

Marketing Manager, Acme Marketing Solutions, Dallas, TX (2008 - 2010)

Marketing Project Manager, Acme Marketing Solutions, Dallas, TX (2004 - 2008)

Notice how this example doesn’t include any details under the roles listed under the “Prior Experience” or “Additional Relevant Experience” section. This is because it isn’t really relevant to your current message. It is included only to show your progression to the person who will skim your resume. And, the sections don’t go all the way back. Instead, it is purposefully cut off at absolutely no more than 20 years ago.

Crafting Your Cover Letter as an Older Professional

A strong cover letter is very important when you are looking for a job. This is especially true for older workers. You should use this chance to calmly address any worries about your age. Show how your experience adds special value to the hiring process.

Don’t just repeat what is on your resume. Instead, share a clear story about your career path. Focus on how your skills and experience fit well with the job description and what the employer needs.

Tell the Story of Your Career without Repeating the Resume

Your cover letter should not repeat what is in your resume. It needs to tell a story about your career that grabs the reader's attention. Show your passion for your work and share your goals. Explain how this job fits into your plans.

Include stories or examples that show your skills, successes, and what you have done for past employers. Show that you understand the company's culture and values.

By linking your past experiences to your future goals, you make a strong case for why you would be a great fit for the job. Your cover letter must be interesting and informative. It should make the hiring manager want to know more about you.

Tailoring Your Letter to Showcase Experience instead of Years

Instead of counting how many years you have worked, focus on how much you know and what you can do. Show how you use your skills and knowledge to solve problems, meet goals, and help others.

Point out times when you adapted to change, learned new skills, and succeeded in busy workplaces. Don't forget that younger job seekers may have less total experience, but you have many useful insights from your own years of hands-on work.

By highlighting the value you offer and your ability to get results, you can present yourself as a strong candidate, no matter your age.

Focus on Why You Want This Job at this Company

Companies look for people who really care about their mission, values, and culture. In your cover letter, show your interest in the company. Talk about what you know about their work and how you fit with their goals.

Take time to research the company. Check out their website, social media, and recent news articles. Use this information to make your cover letter personal. Point out things about their work that you like and explain why you would be a good fit for their team.

When you show real interest in the company and match your values with theirs, you show your excitement for the job. This can help you stand out as a great candidate regardless of age.

Conclusion

In summary, to create a great resume as an older worker, you need to show your experience, accomplishments, and tech skills. It is important to deal with age bias in the right way. Update how your resume looks, share recent successes, and customize your cover letter to show your skills. By showing your worth and ability to adapt, you can stand out in today’s job market. Keep in mind that a fresh and achievement-focused way will help you stand out. For help in making your resume better, sign up for a free consultation with our experts today.