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 skills and ability to delegate." Be sure to emphasize your flexibility and openness to new ideas. State your perceived abilities and attributes with confidence and your tone will convince the employer that your maturity and experience will be a plus for his organization.
- Personal Information -
This part of your resume is an opportunity to impress the perspective employer with your stability. Without going into too much detail, give an overview of your family situation, outside interests and ambitions for the future. If possbile, incorporate activities in your outside interests which are relevant to the sought after job. For example, if you kept the books as a volunteer for a charitable organization, that fits well with your objective to pursue a position in accounting.
- References -
Simply state, "References furnished upon request." In the actual interview, be selective about the references you give. An older person could have myriad choices of persons to list as a reference. If possible, choose individuals whose own work is related to the position you are seeking.
This style of resume will garner you an interview and at that time you can bring along a detailed list of your work history, including names, dates etc...
The perspective employer will, of course, be aware of your age, but as much as possible you will want to veer away from stating older time frames in your resume and your interview conversation. You will want to ask relevant questions about the position and skills required, even if your past experience has already equipped you with the answers. You will want to avoid any hint of overconfidence about your experience, or lack of confidence about your age.
You want your overall deameanor to suggest that you are eager to learn new ideas, you are current, relevant and the most desirable candidate for hire.