Age-Friendly Resumes For 40+ Professionals

Less energy, high health and life insurance costs, higher salary expectations and unwillingness to learn new technology - these are some of the popular stereotypes that 40+ professionals have to grapple with in this recession-laded economy.

There was a time when age discrimination conjured visual images of men and women nearing the retirement age of 62 and older. Fast forward to today and the increasing impact of technology, the changing face of our workplaces, globalization and economic instability have all influenced how age discrimination is impacting professionals starting as young as 40.

A harsh reality is that these well-qualified candidates are finding that their job search can take twice as long as their younger counterparts; consequently, some professionals are opting to settle for a salary decrease or even accept a lower-level position.

So if you are over 40 and have been unexpectedly thrust into unemployment, how can you find career success? Overcoming the barriers of age discrimination takes persistence, dedication, a positive attitude and employing a few proven strategies.

Let's start with developing an "age-friendly" resume:

Your resume plays a vital role in your job search and is one of the primary screening tools that potential employers and recruiters will use to evaluate your career background and qualifications. While you need to emphasize the breadth of your experience, as an older worker, you want to avoid including information that “ages” you.

Here lies the proverbial “catch-22” because if you are targeting senior-level or executive positions, you need to show an extensive career background, but too much information can make you appear outdated.

Resume Strategy #1: Collapse early experience or positions in a summary paragraph without dates

For example:

EARLY CAREER: Commenced industry experience through positions in materials and inventory management for 84 Lumber Company. Major achievement included the introduction of new shipping practice that increased product delivery time 10% and simultaneously lowered shipping costs more than 25%.

OR

EARLY MILITARY experience in technical positions requiring expertise and knowledge in systems engineering, broadband networking, and technology planning. Honorable discharge as Lieutenant Colonel from United States Air Force

Resume Strategy #2: Remove the dates from the education section of your resume

For those degrees you completed more than 20 years ago, remove all dates; if you have more than one degree completed at different periods of your life, you either exclude all the dates or include all of the dates for sake of consistency.

Note: If you completed a college degree recently, (within 10 years) you can include the dates

Resume Strategy #3: Revise the number of years' experience listed in your professional summary

For example:

“Critical-thinking senior manager with true commitment and passion for programs that empower youth and families. Comprehensive leadership and managerial capabilities honed through 15-plus years’ experience in national education and social change organizations.”

OR

“Offering 15-plus years’ executive-level leadership and program development expertise in a member-driven, non-profit organization.”

This creative resume strategy allows you to let readers know that you are experienced without divulging what the “plus” represents.

Resume Strategy #4: Highlight outstanding, early-career achievements to forefront of resume

If you have relevant job achievements that occurred earlier in your career, consider placing a “Career Milestones” or “Career Achievements” section on the first page of your resume. The obvious benefit is that you get to take credit for your past work without having to date the resume too far back.

See example:

CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS

Public Financing. Raised $50+ million from public investors for biotechnology company by aggressively marketing to investors nationwide.

Equity Research and Analysis. Devised and implemented financial models and valuation tools to assess biotechnology and healthcare companies.

Mergers and Acquisitions. Orchestrated successful merger of two start-up companies that maximized financial resources and secured lucrative partnership agreement with larger industry leader.

Resume Strategy #4: Emphasize your proficiency and knowledge in current technology and software-based programs

A common misconception about older workers is that they are behind in their computer skills or lack technical proficiency and if it is related to your target position, this is an easy-to-implement strategy that effectively addresses it.

By: Abby Locke

Abby M. Locke (premierwriting.com) is a career marketing strategist and leadership brand coach who partners with 6-figure executives and professional MBA women to help them achieve true career mastery and success through cutting-edge, career branded communications, innovative job search campaigns, and proactive career management tools.