by Carol Gioia

Created on: July 15, 2008   Last Updated: August 09, 2008

If you are older and suddenly facing unemployment, the prospect of beginning a job search and writing a resume can be a daunting task. It is especially difficult if you have reached the age of retirement, but are not ready, either financially or emotionally, to be retired.

If you have been in the workforce for many years and suddenly find yourself needing to create a resume, do not be intimidated. Realistically, you know competing with younger applicants is going to be a challenge and there are laws to protect against age discrimination, but there are ways for employers to get around those laws. A positive outlook is the first prerquisite for landing a new job. Perhaps you do not have the advantage of youth, but you more than compensate in experience and expertise, and a positive attitude will help convey this advantage to perspective employers.

Here is an overview of a suitable resume for a person with many years of experience:

- Personal Information -

Using 8x10 white bond paper, type your name, address and contact information at the top. Include home phone, cell phone and, if applicable email address. Make this section of your resume in bold type in order for this pertinent information to stand out.

- Objective -

A brief paragraph stating your purpose, i.e. what position you are looking for, what experience and expertise you can bring to it and why an employer would want to consider you the most qualified candidate for his needs.

- Experience -

Rather than relying on the standard format of listing previous places of employment, an older worker can simply state something like, "In my 35 years of employment in the medical industry, I have gained experience and expertise in the following areas." Then list in double columns an overview of areas of responsibility. These could include, but are not limited to: Office Management, Human Resource, Pension and Profit Sharing Management, Credit and Collections etc...

Beneath that impressive list of duties and responsibilities, one could add a statement such as, "I have had hands on experience in the following types of facilities." Rather than list specific jobs, simply list the field, such as, Hospital, Nursing Home, Medical Billing Office etc... The idea is to give the potential employer an overview of your vast experience without putting emphasis on time lines.

- Personal Attributes -

In this section of the resume, one could state: "In all these experiences I have demonstrated leadership qualities, outstanding organizational

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