Baby Boomers: Resumes and Cover Letters for Ages 50 and Older

If you are a Baby Boomer, you are a part of a generation that is headed toward retirement. However, due to our slumping economy, there is a chance that even if you are able to retire, you could be making a u-turn right back into the workforce to supplement your retirement savings. With competition being so stiff, it may seem that the odds are against you for getting hired, especially having to compete with younger talent. In some cases this is true, but there are also employers out there looking for the skills and expertise mature workers can bring to the table. So if you’re a Baby Boomer looking for employment, it is not too late to secure a great job. You just need the right resume and cover letter to get you in the door. Updating Your Resume If you’ve been out of the job market for a decade or more, updating your resume may be more challenging than you remember, especially when you factor in the Internet and possibly having to apply online. But that’s not all you have to think about. As a mature worker, you also have the challenge of creating a resume that showcases your years of experience without shining a spotlight on your age. So how can you get this done? One way is by using a functional resume format that highlights specific skills rather than chronological timelines. When writing your skills, try going into detail regarding projects you’ve completed that have benefited your previous companies. You can also create a section that focuses on the computer technologies you’ve mastered or any training you’ve completed. All of these things can help employers focus more on your skills and talents, and less on your age. Using Your Cover Letter to Reveal Who You Really Are Being a mature worker, you may have to contend with a few stereotypes during your job search. Some include you being less productive than your younger counterparts, more resistant to newer technologies, and set in your ways. Of course, none of those descriptions define who you really are. But it is up to you to help prospective employers understand this. One way to do this is by explaining how important it is for you to expand the landscape of your career. You’re not in it for the money, you simply want to grow. If you’ve recently received any advanced degrees or additional education, don’t hesitate to mention it. And most importantly, let employers know you have no intentions of leaving the industry any time soon – you’re still getting your feet wet. Confidence is Key You may be feeling uncertain about your ability to compete in an already competitive job search. But don’t let that deter you. You have years of experience under your belt and the skill level to match. So make sure you maintain your confidence throughout your job search process. It will shine through in your resume, cover letter, and face-to-face interview. Getting back into the workforce as a Baby Boomer isn’t an impossible task if you believe in your capabilities and make a strong effort to excel. The more proactive you are about putting yourself out there, the more success you will have in locating opportunities that can take your career to the next level.