7 Resume Tips for Job Seekers 45 and Over

Let’s face it, the job market for job seekers 45+ can seem less than rosy and if you are 55+, then it can seem brutal.  Yes, there is age discrimination out there, so let’s see how we can work thru this.  I will let the other sources give you all the grim statistics.

This post will focus on the resume.  The goal of the resume is to generate enough interest to get the potential employer or recruiter to contact you for an interview.  Once you have the interview booked, then the focus is off the resume and onto interviewing skills.

Below are some tips when putting together your resume:

1.   Eliminate education dates:

The focus is on your wealth of experience rather than education, move this section to the bottom of your resume.  If you have multiple degrees, then list separately with the most recent listed first.  Only include the university, degree, and location.  Use abbreviations only if necessary.

Example:

Auburn University · Master of Business Administration · Auburn, AL

The University of Texas · Bachelor of Science, Business · Austin, TX

2.   Only show up to 15 years of employment history:

Most employers are only interested in “recent” history so show 10 to 15 years.  List your position/title, some relevant responsibilities (that relate to the job you are applying), and the result.  Employers want to get a sense of how quick you can make a positive impact if hired.

Example:

Company ABC · Consulting Director (Dec 2008 – Jun 2011)

Led a consulting team of 40 and established department goals to ensure achievement of revenue plan. Managed key client relationships, providing sales assistance to close deals. Established HR policies, established semi-annual reviews, and managed recruitment. Approved all department legal documentation, maintained revenue

tracking process, and managed the department’s operating budget.

o   Partnered with product management team to understand product direction and developed career development training plans that increased team member productivity.

o   Improved customer service and minimized project start delays by creating templates that clients completed and delivered prior to team members arriving for consulting assignments.

3.   Limit resume to a maximum of 2 pages:

Two page resumes are acceptable. You want to generate enough interest for the potential employer or recruiter to call you for an interview.  Be brief, yet specific and save some information for the actual interview.  Use a blank line or two between entries.  You want the person reading the resume to easily find what they are looking for.

4.   Remove photos and references:

Leave the photos on the social networking sites.  Make sure you have at least 6 references available, yet provide only when asked during the interview process.  Why 5 or 6 references?  Most potential employers will ask for 3 references if they are interested in moving forward.  You get to choose which 3 of your 6 references are best for them to call. You will have a good idea after several interviews which 3 of the 6 to choose.  Also, eliminate the statement “References provided upon request” from your resume. 

5.   Use a simple email address for your job search:

Create an email address for your job search that is simple, yet professional.  Email addresses like groovygranny@yahoo.com, mel1952@msn.com, quiltinbee@gmail.com, and thedeerhunter@gmail.com are fine for personal use and may discourage a potential employer or recruiter.  Why take any chances?  Create a simple email address using your name like fred.jones@yahoo.com, marywilson1@msn.com, or jasonsmith.2@gmail.com.

6.   Replace “Hobbies’ section with “Professional Development”:

Some people do include a “Professional Development” section and some do not.  I personally think adding this at the end of the resume after education (if you have the space) shows that you are a well-rounded individual that enjoys keeping your skills and knowledge up to date.  I would only include groups for professional growth and avoid abbreviations to eliminate confusion.

Example:

Dallas Chamber of Commerce

Financial Executives Networking Group

Project Management Institute Dallas Chapter

Leadership Institute

Society for Human Resource Management

Leave off more “hobby-ish” groups or those that attract a more senior audience like AARP, Cross Stitching Club, Pets Are Wonderful Support Group (PAWS), National Rifle Association (NRA), etc.  This can be a tricky one.  If in doubt, just exclude this section altogether from your resume.

7.   Use updated format and fonts.

For font types, I like “Calibri”, “Cambria”, or “Trebuchet MS” in Microsoft Word.  They are simple font types with variable spacing that are easy to the eyes.  I would avoid “Courier”, “Arial”, or any of the scripted or over the top font types.  Also, use a 12 point sized font, but no smaller than a 10 point sized font.

For resume formats, there are numerous websites that can provide you with free updated resume formats.  Search on “resume templates 2012” and numerous resources will come up.  I also have a template if interested, so please feel free to send me an email and I will send it to you without you having to sign-up for anything.  My email address is weallmakechoices@yahoo.com.