The workforce as a whole is aging, and by the year 2010, half
of the workforce will be 45 to 55 years old. With a law that
passed in April 2002, workers over 65 will have incentive to
pound the pavement because social security benefits will no
longer be affected. So look out young'uns, your competition
is here and looking good.
Will you be turned down for jobs because of your age? Possibly.
Age discrimination is illegal, but it is still out there. Keep
in mind that many employers prefer older workers, especially
at the executive level, because of experience, maturity, leadership
skills, and positive work ethic. If you are able to sell potential
employers on the value that you bring to the table, your job
search will be a success.
Preparing a resume that emphasizes your value and de-emphasizes
your age is a good first step. Here are eight ways to age-proof
your resume:
1. Don't provide your complete work history: This is the number
one mistake job seekers make. If it's before 1985, employers
probably don't care. Hiring managers are most interested in
what you did recently, so concentrate on your recent career.
If you feel compelled to delve into earlier experiences, create
a section called "Early Career" and provide just
the highlights and no dates.
2. Watch your language: Avoid age-revealing statements such
as "35 years of experience" or age-defining clichés
such as "seasoned professional."
3. Stick to a "combination" resume style, leading
with a strong "Career Summary" section: You may have
been advised to mask your years of experience with a functional
resume format. But employers do not like to see functional
resumes because they are often used by candidates who are trying
to hide something. You don't want employers reading your resume
and searching for a possible problem. Unless your work history
is extremely spotty or you are completely changing careers,
stick to a chronological format.
4. Show that you're current with technology and industry
trends: Are you proficient with Wang or an expert at BASIC programming?
While these programs were once cutting-edge, they have been
replaced with new technology. Show that you've kept up with
the times by removing antiquated equipment, programs, and tools,
and highlight your knowledge of modern technology.
5. Consider dropping dates of education: This is a tough call,
because hiring managers who want to know a person's age will
go right to the "Education" section and do the math.
If your education occurred in the 1960s or earlier, it might
be in your best interest to eliminate graduation dates.
6. Keep your school names updated: If you graduated from a
school that has since changed its name, include the new name.
If you are concerned about discrepancies in case an employer
asks to see a transcript, write the former name of the school
in parentheses.
7. Show that you've been continually learning or taking
on new roles: The key is to demonstrate that your skills are fresh
and in demand. It is important that you show that you are flexible
and willing to adapt to organizational changes.
8. Quantify and expand on your achievements: As an executive
with an established track record, this is your chance to accentuate
the positive. You have what younger workers may lack - years
of practical experience. Provide examples of how your performance
contributed to your employers' goals, mission, and bottom-line
results.
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Kim's Bio: Kim is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)
and a Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW). As the Resume
Expert for Monster.com since 1999, Kim is available on Monster
to assist users with resume questions, offering resume critiques
and answers to challenging questions. She served on the National
Resume Writers' Association's certification commission for
the NCRW credential for five years (1998-2003). Her resume
samples and articles are featured on many of the Internet's
top career and news sites, such as MSN, AOL, Monster, and USA
Today Online. Kim coauthored The
Career Change Resume: How to Reinvent Your Resume and Land
Your Dream Job (McGraw-Hill,
April 2003) with Karen Hofferber. Numerous other career books
feature Kim's advice about online job search techniques and
sample resumes and cover letters.
