10 Resume Writing Tips for Older Job Seekers

Job seekers Sep 6, 2022

When it comes to writing a resume, ages are not something that some hiring managers pay much attention to. However, many see ages as an expensive investment because they believe an older worker will soon retire. Older job seekers are also seen that they have outdated experiences that don't match up with modern times.

This is why some older job seekers often find it hard to land a job, since this biased is unsurprising and common in many workplaces. They should be aware of potential age discrimination when applying for jobs. Therefore, older job seekers must find a way to convince hiring managers why they should hire them.

So, what can you do if you're an older job seeker?

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How to Write a Stellar Resume for Older Job Seekers

Although it's illegal and unethical to discriminate against candidates because of their ages, the practice still happens everywhere. As a job seeker, you can't do much about it other than be prepared for it.

Instead of whining about why this unjust practice is still happening, you may as well find a way to make your resume stand out. Whether you want to make a written resume or presentation videos about your experiences, it would be excellent if you understood how to word it nicely. Here are some tips on how you can do that:

1. Use a modern resume format

If your resume is outdated, it will likely do more harm than good. Make sure to use a modern resume format, highlighting your skills and experience in a way that is easy for hiring managers to understand. For example, you can use a reverse-chronological resume format, which is the most common and widely accepted format these days.

When listing your work experience on your resume, it is best to use a reverse chronological order. You should list your most recent position first and then work your way backward. This is the most common format that hiring managers are used to seeing, so it is best to stick with this one.

2. Highlight your skills and experiences

As an older job seeker, you probably have a wealth of experience and skills you can bring to the table. When writing your resume, it's important to showcase these skills and experiences so that potential employers can see the value that you can bring to their company.

Your skills and experience are what matter most, so make sure to highlight them in your resume. Use strong action verbs to describe your achievements and accomplishments. For example, instead of saying "responsible for," you can say "managed" or "oversaw." This will help convince hiring managers that you have the right skills and experience for the job.

3. Don't include your age or date of birth

There's no need to include your age or date of birth in your resume, as this can only lead to discrimination, you can even use Redactable to hide it in your resume.

If you're worried that employers will be able to tell your age from your resume, don't be. There are other ways for them to find out this information if they're determined to do so.

4. Be honest about your age

Or, you can just be honest about your age. After all, it's never a good idea to lie about your age, as this can only lead to trouble down the road. If you're asked about your age during an interview, be honest and upfront about it. There's no need to try to hide it, as this will only make you look bad in the end.

At the end of the day, you may need to do some research about the company you're applying to. If there are no age restrictions in the job vacancies, you don't need to hide your age. However, you may as well exclude your date of birth if they don't specify what they are looking for.

5. Focus on your recent experiences

If you have a lot of experience, there's no need to list everything on your resume. Just focus on your most recent experiences and accomplishments, as these are the ones that will be most relevant to the job you're applying for. Make sure to include the dates of your employment so that employers can see how long you've been working in your field.

6. Highlight your accomplishments

As an older job seeker, you probably have a lot of accomplishments that you can highlight on your resume. Make sure to list any awards or recognition you've received, as well as any major projects you've worked on. This will help show employers that you're more than just a number and that you have the skills and experience they're looking for.

7. Use a professional photo

A picture is worth a thousand words, so make sure to choose a professional photo for your resume. This will help create a good first impression and convince employers that you're serious about the job. Just make sure to use a recent photo that looks like you.

8. Use keywords

When writing your resume, make sure to use keywords that are relevant to the job you're applying for. This will help ensure that your resume gets noticed by employers and that you have a better chance of being selected for an interview.

You can find out what keywords to use by doing a bit of research on the company and the position you're interested in. Or, you can add keywords based on the open position stated in the job vacancy. For example, if you're applying for a sales manager, make sure to include the word sales on your resume title, the summary section, and all of your experiences.

9. Tailor your resume

When applying for a job, it's important to tailor your resume to the specific position you're interested in. This means you should customize your resume to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job.

Don't use the same resume for different positions you're applying for. That won't be great for your recruiting process. By tailoring your resume, you'll be more likely to get noticed by employers and increase your chances of getting hired.

10. Proofread your resume

Before sending off your resume, make sure to proofread it carefully. Check for any grammar or spelling errors, and make sure that all the information on your resume is accurate. This will help create a good impression and increase your chances of getting hired.

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Takeaway

Older job seekers often face discrimination against them simply because of their age. However, there are a number of things they can do to combat this. By following the tips above, older job seekers can create a strong resume that will help them get noticed by employers and increase their chances of getting hired.

Author

Andre Oentoro is the founder of Breadnbeyond, an award-winning explainer video production company. He helps businesses increase conversion rates, close more sales, and get positive ROI from explainer videos (in that order).