Top Tips for Seniors When Writing a Resume
Creating a resume can be daunting, especially if you are a senior re-entering the workforce or making a career change. With the right approach and strategies, you can craft a compelling resume that highlights your experience, skills, and value.
Today’s job market is different than in year’s past. Most businesses use what is called an Applicant Tracking System or ATS. This is a piece of computer software that analyzes all the resume’s that are uploaded to the businesses website and assigns points according to what it sees as your qualifications for the job. If your resume does not have enough key words in it that pertain to what they are looking for, it will get sent to the bottom of the list or even into a separate folder, before human eyes ever see it. This can seem intimidating but don’t despair. There are ways to make your resume stand out from the crowd!
Here are some top tips to help you get started:
1. Up To Date Contact Information
Be sure you have your contact information at the top such as full name, email address, phone number, etc. You can also list your physical address if you choose but it is not necessary. Employers simply need to be able to contact you so make sure your information is up to date.
Tip: Email address, make sure you are not using an outdated email service and make sure your email is a professional one! By this I mean, if you are still using an AOL email address, or a HotMail email address, it’s time to update it. This can give away your age. It is quick, easy and free, to set up a new Gmail address and this is one of the most used services today. If you do not know how to set up a Gmail account or do not have one, you can check out our tutorial here.
Tip: Be sure you are using a “professional” looking email address. Example, use something like “Jane.Doe@youremail.com” instead of “IceCreamLovingMom@youremail.com”. Even if you already have a Gmail that you use, or any other email account, you can always set up another Gmail that you will use specifically for your work searches. Make it professional!
2. Emphasize Relevant Experience
Your extensive work history is a valuable asset. Focus on the most relevant positions and experiences that align with the job you’re applying for. If you’ve had a long career, it’s not necessary to list every job. Instead, concentrate on the last 10-15 years and any earlier roles that are particularly relevant.
- Tip: Use a reverse chronological format, starting with your most recent job and working backward. This format is easy for employers to follow and highlights your most current experience.
- Tip: Try not to put any actual dates. You can still list your jobs in reverse chronological format, just use remove the month/year from your job listings.
Remove dates that can give away your age.
3. Showcase Your Skills
Identify and highlight key skills that are relevant to the job. These can include both hard skills (like software proficiency or technical expertise) and soft skills (like leadership, communication, or problem-solving).
- Tip: Create a skills section at the top of your resume to make it easy for recruiters to see your qualifications at a glance.
4. Focus on Achievements
Rather than just listing job duties, emphasize your achievements and contributions in each role. Quantify your accomplishments with numbers and specific examples to demonstrate the impact you’ve had.
- Tip: Use action verbs and quantify results, such as “Increased sales by 20%” or “Managed a team of 10.”
5. Highlight Continuous Learning
Show that you have kept your skills and knowledge up to date. Mention any recent courses, certifications, workshops, or training sessions you have completed. This demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and adaptability to new trends and technologies.
- Tip: Include a section for professional development or continuing education near the end of your resume. Don’t include graduation dates. List only the degrees you hold (with the most advanced degrees first), and any recent training or certifications. This can help reduce the chances of age discrimination while still playing up your credentials.
6. Consider a Summary Statement
A summary statement at the top of your resume can succinctly highlight your most relevant experience, skills, and what you’re looking for in your next role. This is particularly useful if you’re transitioning into a new field or role.
- Tip: Write a brief, compelling summary that encapsulates your professional background and your career goals.
7. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Application
I cannot stress this enough! Customize your resume for each job application to ensure it aligns with the job description and requirements. Use keywords from the job listing and focus on the experience and skills that are most relevant to that particular position.
- Tip: Create a master resume with all your information and tailor a copy of it for each job application by adjusting the content to match the specific job requirements.
8. Avoid Age Indicators
While age discrimination is illegal, it can still be a concern. Avoid including information that may reveal your age, such as graduation dates or extensive work history beyond 15 years.
- Tip: Focus on your skills and accomplishments rather than on your work history length. You can use a functional or combination resume format if you want to emphasize skills over chronological experience.
9. Utilize a Clean and Professional Format
Your resume should be easy to read and visually appealing. Use a clean, professional format with clear headings, bullet points, and plenty of white space. Avoid overly fancy fonts or graphics.
- Tip: Stick to a classic font like Arial or Times New Roman, and use bold or italics sparingly to highlight important information.
10. Include a Cover Letter
(Only do this if a prospective employer specifically asks for one.) A cover letter allows you to explain in more detail why you’re a great fit for the job. It can also address any potential concerns an employer might have about hiring an older worker, such as overqualification or technological skills.
- Tip: Tailor each cover letter to the job and company, and use it to tell your story and explain your passion for the role.
11. Proofread Carefully
A resume with typos or grammatical errors can make a poor impression. Take the time to proofread your resume carefully, and consider asking a friend or family member to review it as well.
- Tip: Use tools like Grammarly or spell check, but also do a manual review to catch any errors they might miss.
12. What About References?
You do not need to supply or list references on your resume. If the prospective employer asks for them, you can give it to them but most do not ask or expect them to be on a resume anymore. Listing them can be another sign of an senior worker. (This was commonplace and expected when we were younger, right?)
13. Personal Information
14. Leverage Your Network
Networking can be a powerful tool for job hunting. Let friends, family, and former colleagues know that you’re looking for new opportunities. Many jobs are filled through referrals, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your network.
- Tip: Include a link to your LinkedIn profile on your resume and make sure your LinkedIn profile is updated and professional.
15. Think Outside The Box
Get creative and always be prepared. I recently started to carry Mini Resume Cards with me wherever I go. These are professionally printed on business cards so not only do they look nice, they are easy to carry with you. When I go out now, I always make sure I am dressed as if I were going to a casual interview, I make sure my hair is done and I have my makeup on. This allows me to be able to step inside a business on the spur of the moment, and ask to see a manager, and hand off one of my Mini Resume Cards. You can see these cards here.
What creative ways have you come up with to set yourself apart from other applicants? Let us know in the comments below!
Conclusion
Writing a resume as a senior can be a rewarding process when you focus on showcasing your experience, skills, and adaptability. By tailoring your resume to each job, emphasizing your achievements, and presenting your information in a clean and professional format, you can create a resume that stands out to employers. Remember, your wealth of experience is a tremendous asset—highlight it with confidence!
Need Help On Building That Resume?
Check out this Free Resume Builder
