What Every Over Age 40 Job Seeker Should Know About Resumes

I was responding to a request to write up some resume tips that every age 40+ job seeker should know.  The following listing may look like common sense to some but if it provides a gleam of insight to just one person, then that's what counts.  They aren't in any particular order; they just popped into my mind.


Please add to the list!


1. There are no more Objective Statements.  There is now a Summary Statement which is similar to a Personal Branding statement. This is a powerful one or two line statement that sells the job applicant to the prospective employer.  It basically states, “This is why you want to bring me in for an interview.”
2. There are no more “References Available upon Request” statements on the bottom of the resume. The applicant should still have a listing of the contact information for several business references but listed separately.
3. A resume will most likely be electronically scanned for key words. If those key words are not on the resume then it will most likely be discarded.
4. Everyone needs a professional email address.  This is usually stated as name@ server address.  Never, ever have a non professional email address.
5. An applicant can list the home and cell phone numbers on the resume.
6. It is important to create a template or boiler plate resume but it must be tailored to the specific skills required on the job description.  If you apply for ten jobs then you must have ten targeted resumes.
7. When applying for a job on-line, many times the resume must be formatted into a Plain Text, PDF or other type. The same holds true for the cover letter. Learn how to format.
8. Many times the on-line application asks for a social security number and will not move on to the next level of the application if it is not entered.  This is uncomfortable and many job seekers feel that they must enter this information into the system.  An applicant can enter a number combination such as 123-45-6789 to get past this.
9. Only capture your job experience for the past 10 – 15 years.  All other experience can be categorized on the resume in an area entitle, “Other Professional Experience”.
10. Don’t use too much paragraphing in the resume, use short sentences and bullets.
11. Always use measurements to support your accomplishments.  For example, how much money you saved, how many clients you recruited, etc. Refer to past performance appraisals for specific measurements
12. Identify and speak to your Transferable Skills.  These are the skills that you developed as a result of your volunteering or work in a particular position.  For example, if you worked in retail, you will need to work with a variety of customers.  These same skills can transfer to a different organization. In volunteering as a little league coach, you will need leadership skills, planning, problem solving, etc.  These transferable skills can be listed on a resume.
14. Stay on top of industry buzz words and jargon.  Things change so Google your industry and research the changes in language or processes.
15. Review the job openings for your particular job within the various internet career sites to identify the skills, knowledge and behaviors needed. Position yourself with these and incorporate these into your resume. Be truthful.
16. Look up your job in the Occupational Outlook Handbook and review your general job description.  You may be able to pick up some key words or phrases to use for your resume.