Older Workers: Rejuvenate Your Geezer Resumes
October 27, 2009 (3:30PM) by Julie O'Malley, CPRW
Awhile back I wrote a post titled "Is it Age Discrimination, or Are You an Angry Old Fart?" In it, I talked about how some older job candidates blame their lack of job search success on age discrimination, when really it's their bad attitudes and/or bad resumes that keep them from getting hired.
Well, this week I heard a story from a hiring manager who's looking to hire someone with top-notch technical skills to head up a department. One of the applicants was over 60, but his resume made it clear he's kept up with the latest technologies. This story seemed like a perfect illustration of how a job candidate can be somewhat old, but not be an old fart.
 Here's what the hiring manager (who's 40-ish) told me about this candidate:
"I got a resume from a candidate who had graduated from college the year I was born. My initial reflex was, 'No way.' But I caught myself, and consciously pushed that thinking aside. As I kept reading, I found that the resume was actually very impressive. He was the [executive-level job title] at [a major tech company] for many years, but got laid off in April. Unlike a lot of older candidates, he had the sense to delete outdated skills and experience. Some people list software or technologies from 20 years ago that don't even exist anymore! Why would I care about that? This guy only listed his most current and relevant technical skills, and tied in his experience with our business needs. He sounded pretty good."
The lesson here is twofold:
- Age-related stereotypes are a fact of life, and
- You can avoid triggering those stereotypes by building a resume that emphasizes your credentials, not your age.
Give Your Resume a Facelift
As a recent article in the AARP bulletin pointed out, "...some older adults are sabotaging their prospects by making common mistakes.... Instead of analyzing their skills, abilities and preferences and realistically assessing the job market, they're relying on their long resumes to make their case to employers."
That's an important tip for older candidates: edit your resume. If the candidate mentioned above had simply left out his year of graduation, the hiring manager's first impression might have been, "Wow, this guy has solid X and Y experience!" rather than "Wow, this guy graduated the year I was born!"
Your skills need to be rejuvenated, too. Sorry, but no one's impressed anymore by your ability to type 70 wpm on an IBM Selectric or fix a Tandy PC. Shorten your lengthy resume by eliminating jobs from more than 10 or 15 years ago.
In the end, there are many factors that go into a hiring decision. Some cultures and some industries are more age-diverse than others. You can't change your age, but you can change your resume and your attitude to show employers you're not stuck in the past, set in your ways, or any of those other clichés.
As for the candidate above? I don't know whether he's still in the running, but at least he didn't sabotage his chances from the get-go by submitting a geezer-ish resume.
RELATED LINKS
3 Quick Tips to Seem Younger on Your Resume
10 Old-School Resume Rules That Don't Apply Today
No Bites on Your Resume? Check These 5 Things
I can relate to this situation because I am a 60 year old who had to update my resume recently. Pongo helped me get it together I put out one resume which resulted in a job offer and a new career path in the Green Economy.
The interview tips and support gave me the confidence to define my value to the company. Expierce and enthusiasm coupled with a plan can make the process of finding employment less stresful. Way to go Pongo Team...
I'm just beginning my job search at 58 from 29 years as independent contractors (w/spouse) selling advertising. My husband did most of the selling. I handled the detail work/paperwork/follow up since my past experience had been in various admin- istrative support jobs in several banks and a law office. But, I also consider myself qualified in certain types of sales now since the job required us to work side by side.
I know I'll need to customize my resume for a sales job or for administrative positions.
Pongo has provided a lot of insight because I've been working all this time, but still feel like I'm re-entering the work force
So what to do if all your software and technologies are from 20 years ago because you haven't been able to get a job to update them??? And if you are one of those people who think they teach the newest stuff at the local community college.... well you need to go and look.... they don't !!!!
@ Chester and @Cyndi B Wow! Thanks for the compliments. It feels GREAT to know that we helped you, because that's our whole purpose!
@David Sounds like you might need to try a transitional job that's perhaps not what you want long-term, but will give you the chance to try out the newer technologies and get up to speed, as they say. Another option might be to offer your services on a volunteer basis in exchange for the opportunity to learn new things.
To all of you, best of luck and thanks for commenting!
Julie
Sorry folks, this is a long one!
I find it interesting that the hiring manager had to "stop himself" from discounting the resume based on the college graduation date listed on the resume. Essentially he is admitting that he leans towards ageism but in this one case decided to press on and read the resume. Lucky for him, and the applicant.
I am 53, gainfully employed and still believing that my contributions, knowledge and skills are as valuable now as they were 20 years ago. In fact more so because I also bring maturity, perspective and unemcumbered availability (i.e. no little sick kids keeping me home from work) to my workplace. The only thing old fashioned about me is my work ethic... instead of looking for the path of least resistance, I do what needs to be done and deliver quality work. I come to work every day, I am loyal to my employer and don't feel that I am entitled to reward without putting in the effort.
If in the future, if I find myself between jobs, I will assume responsibility ensuring that employers know about the "benefit package" and the "incentive program" they will receive by hiring me!
We are an aging population with an amazing powerhouse of knowledge, ethics and ability. As people retire, are laid off, or pass away, all of that is lost. The up coming generations may have state of the art training and skill sets, but they do not share the rock solid foundation of knowdege and work ethic that we "baby boomers" have. When I look around me at the people waiting in the wings to move forward, I can't help but shudder. God help us.
@JC
Thanks for your comment J.C., and at age 48, I am not far behind you and this topic raises a lot of frustration for all of us. I was writing with a bit of a flippant attitude, but it really is a serious topic.
The point I was trying to make is that, as older job candidates, we have to be aware of the obstacles we may be facing and take steps to acknowledge and disprove them. At the same time, hiring managers have to acknowledge, like this one did, that their own biases may be affecting their decision-making. After all, aging affects every one of us at exactly the same rate!
Thanks again for commenting!
Julie
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