Writing a resume at any age can be intimidating, but it can be especially daunting if you are over 50 and have been out of the job market for a while. It can be hard to know where to start, especially when the rules have changed since you last worked. It’s important to make sure your resume stands out and showcases the value you can offer an employer. In this blog post, we will cover resume tips specifically for people over 50 who are looking to make a comeback in the job market. We will provide concrete tips on how to craft a resume that is tailored to your age and experience, so that you can confidently apply for the job you want and get the results you’re looking for.
- Use a Functional or Combination Resume. …
- Include Dates. …
- Limit the Timescale. …
- List Older Skills Under “Additional Relevant Experience” …
- Leave Out Outdated Skills. …
- Don’t Date Your Education. …
- Show Updated Training. …
- Tailor Your Resume to the Job.
What is different about a resume after age 50?
Your resume may differ from those of younger job seekers in a number of ways if you are over 50, including:
Longer record of employment
Your employment history is significantly longer than that of someone in their 20s if you’ve been working consistently. For instance, a 55-year-old who has been employed in a particular industry since they were 22 has more than 30 years of experience in that field. A recent college graduate, on the other hand, is not likely to have more than a few years of internship or other sector-specific work experience.
Experience with different tools
A regularly employed person over 50 joined the workforce at a time when workplace technologies were very different. For instance, a 60-year-old may have learned to type on an electric typewriter. They would have had to adapt to using a personal computer and printer as well as different versions of office software. People in their 20s and 30s, who have likely used computer technologies as their primary productivity tools throughout their lives, are likely unfamiliar with these tools.
Ageism
Ageism is a bias that hiring managers may have against job applicants who are over a certain age, which is frequently unintentional. This bias results from a perception that older workers may not be as adaptable or eager to learn as younger workers. Therefore, traits like a longer work history and experience with a wider variety of tools may work against the job applicant. Therefore, it’s crucial to take action with your application documents to combat unconscious biases by emphasizing your capabilities.
12 resume tips for people over 50
Here are 12 pointers for writing a resume that sells your strengths and could make hiring managers take notice:
1. Choose an appropriate resume type
There are three common types of resumes:
The chronological format is frequently used by younger job seekers to emphasize that they have the minimum amount of experience that many employers prefer, but it is not a concern for those over 50. Consider using a functional or combination resume format instead. This may cause people to pay more attention to your personal and professional qualities rather than your age.
2. Tailor your resume to the job
One of the best practices for job seekers in general is to tailor your resume to the position you want. For each employer, you don’t have to completely rewrite the letter; just make a few minor changes. Select some keywords based on the job description that you have read. Often, these apply to skills and credentials. For instance, if a potential employer is seeking a candidate with at least a bachelor’s degree in a particular field and proficiency with a particular set of software programs at an expert level, be sure to mention this information on your resume.
3. Include links
Include your name, contact information, links to any professional profiles, and online portfolios you may have in the header of your resume. This is a good way to show that you are familiar with contemporary technology and communication methods. Additionally, these online resources can highlight significant aspects of your credentials that will strengthen your application.
4. Update your email address
Another item in your resume header is your email address, so it’s a good idea to use a straightforward, businesslike handle. It’s customary to use your full name, separating your first and last names with a period or underscore. Keep your nicknames out of your playful handles, and try to stay away from including your birth year.
5. Write an effective resume summary
The section at the top of your resume known as a resume summary is where you introduce yourself and briefly outline your qualifications. Job seekers typically mention their experience in addition to their skills, but you can choose to be more general. Instead of stating how many years you’ve worked, for instance, use the words “experienced,” “veteran,” or “seasoned” instead. Finish the summary by outlining your main successes and areas of expertise, which will set you apart from younger candidates.
6. Limit your employment history
When listing the positions you’ve held, leave out early employment history entries to keep your experience to the last 10 to 15 years. This approach to minimizing your employment history has several advantages. The first benefit is that it makes it easier for hiring managers and applicant tracking systems to read a single page of your resume. Second, it suggests that you can succeed in the modern workplace by emphasizing your recent experience rather than your past performance. Try to only include work experience that is pertinent to the position you’re applying for to further limit your history.
7. Include a section for additional experience
Include any older employment history entries that you believe will help your application in a separate section titled “Additional Experience.” “In this section, omit your dates of employment and only include your job title and the name of the employer.” This saves space on your document and enables you to highlight professional expertise that dates back more than 10 to 15 years.
8. Omit some dates
Dates are typically included in different sections of your resume. It might be useful for older job seekers to omit some dates to get around applicant-tracking algorithms that filter candidates based on age. For only your most recent jobs, you can include dates in the employment history section.
9. Note your achievements
Significant professional accomplishments can demonstrate your growth throughout your career and potential for further development. Consider adding a separate section to your resume listing your accomplishments or milestones. Keep the section short and only include the most significant changes that have occurred in your professional career, such as promotions, recognition, and quantifiable results.
10. Highlight your technology skills
Given the perception that older job seekers struggle with technology, it’s critical to address the problem and emphasize your familiarity with computers, applications, and other prevalent contemporary technologies. Make sure to list the most recent versions of any software tools you use in the skills section. Under each skill, you can also include explanation bullet points to elaborate on your qualifications. Try to remember any recent training you received that was pertinent and can attest to your current familiarity with these tools.
11. Update the design
One way to increase your chances of being noticed by the hiring manager is to update the overall appearance of your resume. A sleek, contemporary design can be aesthetically pleasing and convey that you are similarly contemporary in your capabilities and outlook. Use a nice template as the foundation for your resume. As an alternative, consult a resume coach for suggestions on how to modernize the format.
12. Mind the font and spacing
Your resume’s appearance can be influenced by the font and spacing you choose. Consider what some people might consider to be contemporary choices as you choose these components. Use a common sans serif typeface instead, like Arial or Helvetica, as serif typefaces are typically seen as being more dated. Set the line spacing appropriately to make reading easier without taking up too much room. Avoid adding two spaces here if you’re used to doing so after a period.
Job Search Advice for Over 50 Year Olds
FAQ
How long should a resume be for a 50 year old?
Hiring managers receive a lot of applications, but frequently lack the time to thoroughly review them. Make sure to send a brief resume with your qualifications for the position right away. Your resume should not exceed two pages if you are a more experienced candidate.
How does a 55 year old write a resume?
- Consider a Functional or Combination Resume. …
- Limit Your Related Experience. …
- Drop Your Other Experience. …
- Don’t Include Education / Training Dates. …
- Be Careful About Years. …
- Target Your Resume. …
- Highlight Your Skills. …
- Show You’re Connected.
How do you write a resume for a mature person?
Using a hybrid resume may be the best option for many older job seekers. With this resume design, you can draw attention to your relevant skills rather than your employment dates at the top of the document. Even though you list your employment history chronologically, it doesn’t take center stage.
