Resume Tips for Older Workers: How to Craft a Standout One (With Examples!)

Job hunting can be challenging at any age, but it comes with distinctive obstacles for older workers—especially in today’s competitive job economy. Whether you’re looking to re-enter the workforce, switch careers, or shift on from your current position, a standout resume for older workers will assist you negate age bias and highlight your challenging-earned encounter and skills.

Your resume is more than just a document—it’s your chance to display that you’re adaptable, motivated, and ready for recent opportunities.

In this piece, we’ll distribute essential resume advice for older workers. From showcasing your strengths to choosing the best format, you’ll discover everything you require to make a lasting impression. We’ll also discuss what to avoid, propose examples, and provide specific advice on crafting a resume for those looking for a fresh commence.

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The importance of a powerful resume for older adults

Age bias is a reality for many job seekers over 50. According to a 2024 American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) survey, 64% of workers over 50 reported having seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace. In another AARP survey, conducted in 2022, 14% of adults working or looking for a job reported that they were not hired because of their age.

With numbers like these, it’s obvious that older workers require every advantage when it comes to job hunting. A standout resume can assist test every impoverished assumption, ensure your skills and encounter shine through, and boost your chances of landing interviews—and securing the job.

The biggest takeaway: Rather than focusing on when you started your career, focus on what you bring to the table today. By showcasing your most relevant skills, highlighting recent accomplishments, and using a modern resume format, you can prove your expertise is exactly what employers require.

6 resume tips for older workers

Focus on essential elements that can grab an employer’s attention. Here’s a breakdown of how to write a resume for older adults in today’s competitive economy.

1. Highlight relevant encounter only

The best resumes for older adults don’t shy away from encounter—they debt it. But while you may have a affluence of encounter, not all of it needs to be included. It’s best to zero in on the last 10-15 years of your career. recap earlier roles, especially if they aren’t directly relevant to the position, and avoid overwhelming your resume with unnecessary details.

This way, your resume will remain concise, and employers can quickly identify your most relevant qualifications.

“I recall helping one candidate who had a 4-page resume packed of every role they’d held since the 1980s,” says Arthur Favier, founder and CEO of Oppizi, who has reviewed hundreds of resumes—many of them from older candidates trying to re-enter the workforce or pivot careers. “By narrowing it down and emphasizing their most recent successes, they made their application far stronger and more relevant.”

2. Choose the correct format

When it comes to the best resume formats for older workers, there are three main formats to consider: chronological, functional, and hybrid. Each has its strengths and drawbacks, and choosing the correct one depends on your specific circumstance.

• Chronological format: This is the most ordinary resume style, where work history is listed in reverse order, starting with your most recent role. It’s ideal for those with a steady career progression, as it highlights consistent work encounter. However, for older workers with significant encounter or gaps in employment, this format can sometimes highlight your age or long periods out of the workforce, which may navigator to bias.
• Functional format: This focuses on skills rather than a timeline of jobs, making it useful for older workers looking to downplay gaps in employment or career changes. It allows you to highlight key skills such as leadership, communication, or technical expertise without drawing attention to dates. However, some employers are skeptical of functional resumes because they hide employment history details, so use this format strategically.
• Hybrid format: The hybrid format blends the best of both worlds by allowing you to highlight key skills while also listing relevant job encounter. This format is often the best selection for older workers because it emphasizes your qualifications and skills without making employment dates the focal point. It’s a flexible alternative that showcases your strengths while addressing potential gaps in your career.

3. Showcase transferable skills

Transferable skills, such as leadership, communication, and technology proficiency, are highly valued in today’s job economy. If you’re looking to pivot into recent industries or roles, highlighting these skills can assist bridge the gap between your previous roles and recent opportunities. Including specific examples of how you’ve used these skills in history roles will make your resume stand out.

4. Keep it modern

A modern resume is more likely to catch the eye of recruiters. Use contemporary fonts such as Arial, Cambria, and Times recent Roman, and tidy formatting to ensure your resume doesn’t look outdated. Including a LinkedIn URL is one of the most significant resume hints for older workers—many recruiters use LinkedIn to verify your encounter, so make sure your profile is up to date. Optimize your profile by reflecting the same key skills and experiences on your resume.

5. Tailor your resume to each recent job chance

We recognize it feels like a lot, but a one-size-fits-all resume doesn’t cut it anymore. Tailoring your resume to each job posting by matching your skills and encounter with the specific requirements listed in the job description can make a large difference.

“I’ve had people inform me they sent out dozens of applications with no response,” Favier says. “When I look at their resume, it’s obvious why—none of them are tailored to the job description.”

Tailoring your resume shows you’ve taken the period to align your qualifications with the corporation’s needs.

6. Address gaps in employment history strategically

Gaps in employment history are sometimes a concern for older workers, but there are strategies to address them effectively. Consider using the functional resume format for older workers that we mentioned earlier to highlight your skills rather than a chronological timeline.

Include volunteer work, courses, or certifications to display that you’ve stayed engaged and energetic, even during periods when you weren’t formally employed. “I’ve seen candidates turn what looked like problematic employment histories into compelling stories of growth and resilience just by reframing those experiences,” Favier says.

What not to do when crafting your resume

While it’s significant to recognize what to include in your resume, it’s equally significant to avoid ordinary pitfalls that can detract from your application.

Falling for age-related traps

Including graduation dates or unnecessarily long work histories can inadvertently reveal your age. “While you can’t control how someone perceives you, you can avoid highlighting it,” Favier says. “Just list your degree without the year or focus more on your skills and contributions rather than timelines.”

Another critical point to avoid is outdated language. “Using terms that were ordinary 20 years ago might unintentionally make you seem out of touch,” Favier says. “Instead, use contemporary language and formats to now a more modern image.”

Overemphasizing longevity

While it may be tempting to list the longevity of your history roles, focusing too much on how long you stayed at one job can overshadow your most recent achievements. Employers worry more about what you can bring to their corporation now than what you did 20 or 30 years ago.

Listing outdated skills

Technology is a key area where many older workers require to ensure they’re up to date. Including outdated software or processes could make it seem like you’re out of touch with modern trends. display recruiters how you’re ready for today’s workforce. “It’s not enough to declare you’re tech-savvy—display it through concrete experiences,” Favier says. “make a dedicated section for technical skills and be as concrete as feasible. If you’ve used CRM systems like Salesforce or managed remote teams using collaboration tools like Slack or Trello, mention that.”

Resume examples for older workers

Crafting a resume that stands out can be a test, especially for older workers who may have decades of encounter to condense into a concise, impactful document. To make this procedure easier, let’s look at some sample resumes for older workers that demonstrate best practices for presenting your skills and encounter.

Example #1: Generic resumes for older workers

Here’s a sample resume for older workers that uses a hybrid format to highlight skills and encounter without emphasizing dates too much.

John Doe
[LinkedIn URL]
[[email protected]]

Professional Summary

A elder marketing professional with over 20 years of encounter driving brand growth and returns through innovative campaigns and leadership in digital transformation. Proven ability to adjust to changing technologies and navigator teams to achievement. Seeking a role in marketing leadership that leverages my expertise in digital marketing and throng management.

Key Skills

• Digital Marketing way
• throng Leadership
• CRM Management (Salesforce)
• assignment Management
• Cross-functional Collaboration

encounter

Marketing Director – XYZ Corporation, recent York, NY
(2020 – now)

• Led a throng of 15 marketers in executing multi-channel campaigns, increasing brand awareness by 30%.
• Spearheaded digital transformation efforts, integrating marketing automation tools to boost efficiency.
• Collaborated with product advancement teams to align marketing strategies with product launches, resulting in a 20% boost in sales.

Marketing Manager – recent Marketing Inc., recent York, NY
(2013 – 2020)

• Managed all marketing efforts for a $50 million division of the corporation.
• Increased online traffic by 50% through targeted digital campaigns and SEO initiatives.
• Developed and executed annual marketing plans, resulting in 15% returns growth year-over-year.

elder Marketing Specialist – DEF Media, recent York, NY
(2005 – 2013)

• Developed and implemented digital marketing strategies that boosted client engagement by 25%.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to make and execute marketing campaigns for clients in the tech and healthcare industries.
• Conducted economy research and data analysis to optimize campaign act and boost profit on property (ROI) by 10%.
• Mentored junior marketing professionals, leading to a 20% advancement in throng productivity and skills advancement.

Education

Master of Business Administration (MBA) – recent York University, Stern School of Business. Concentration in Marketing and Strategic Management.

Why this example works:

This example effectively highlights relevant experiences from the history 20 years without overwhelming the reader with too many details. The skills section emphasizes key proficiencies and the professional summary is modern and forward-thinking. Omitting the graduation year can also assist mitigate any potential age bias if needed.

Example #2: Retiree resume

Craft a resume that shows how your encounter can still be relevant. Let’s look at a resume for a retiree example for someone who took a shatter but is now seeking a part-period or consultant role.

Jane Smith
[LinkedIn URL]
[[email protected]]

Professional Summary

Experienced monetary advisor with over 30 years of expertise in affluence management, superannuation planning, and responsibility-efficient investing. After a brief superannuation, seeking a consultant role to continue offering clients top-tier monetary advice while leveraging extensive industry knowledge.

Key Skills

• affluence Management
• superannuation Planning
• Client connection Management
• hazard Analysis
• monetary Software (QuickBooks, Excel)

encounter

affluence Management Consultant – ABC monetary throng, Boston, MA
(2012 – 2020)

• Provided high-net-worth clients with comprehensive superannuation planning strategies.
• Managed property portfolios totaling over $100 million.
• Conducted hazard assessments and adjusted portfolios to meet changing economy conditions.

monetary Advisor – XYZ property Services, Boston, MA
(2004 – 2012)

• Created personalized monetary plans for individuals and tiny businesses.
• Delivered quarterly act reviews to clients, maintaining a 90% client retention rate.
• Advised clients on responsibility-efficient property strategies to maximize returns.

Operations Manager — DEF Solutions, Boston, MA
(2000 – 2004)

• Oversaw daily operations of the department, improving productivity by 20% through procedure optimization.
• Implemented recent inventory management systems, reducing costs by 15%.
• Trained and supervised a throng of 15 staff members, enhancing throng act and customer satisfaction.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Finance – Boston University, MA.

Certifications and Courses

• assignment Management Professional (PMP) Certification – assignment Management Institute (PMI), 2020
• Data Analytics Specialization – Coursera, 2021
• Leadership and Emotional Intelligence – LinkedIn Learning, 2022

Why this example works:

This retiree’s resume focuses on relevant skills and experiences that demonstrate continued professional worth. It highlights the extensive background in monetary advising, emphasizing her expertise rather than the gap in employment. By showcasing her recent certifications and ongoing professional advancement, the resume reinforces her commitment to staying current in the industry.

Example #3: Sample resume for changing careers

Older workers looking to switch industries should focus on showcasing transferable skills. Here’s a sample resume for older workers transitioning into a recent field.

Michael Johnson
[LinkedIn URL]
[[email protected]]

Professional Summary

specific-oriented finance professional with over 25 years of encounter in property management and monetary planning, seeking to shift into financial management. Proven ability to analyze monetary data and develop strategic initiatives that drive profitability. Eager to debt extensive analytical skills and industry knowledge in a recent role concentrated on monetary operations and selection-making.

Key Skills

• monetary Analysis
• property Management
• expense management and Forecasting
• Data-Driven selection Making
• Client connection Management
• monetary Software (Bloomberg, QuickBooks)

encounter

property Manager – GHI fund Partners, recent York, NY
(2010 – now)

• Managed property portfolios valued at over $500 million, ensuring alignment with economy trends and client objectives.
• Conducted comprehensive monetary analysis and economy research to inform property strategies.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance holdings act and client satisfaction.

elder monetary Consultant – JKL monetary Advisors, recent York, NY
(2005 – 2010)

• Developed monetary plans for high-net-worth clients, focusing on superannuation and affluence preservation strategies.
• Analyzed clients’ monetary situations and recommended tailored property solutions, resulting in a 90% client retention rate.
• Created and delivered monetary education workshops for clients, increasing their property knowledge and engagement.

monetary Operations Coordinator – ABC Retail throng, recent York, NY
(2000 – 2005)

• Streamlined monetary processes and procedures, improving efficiency and accuracy in expense management and reporting.
• Assisted in the preparation of annual budgets and forecasts, providing detailed monetary analysis to back executive selection-making.
• Collaborated with department heads to manage monetary act and identify expense-saving opportunities.

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance – University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.

Certifications and Courses

• monetary Planning Certification – Certified monetary Planner Board of Standards, 2023
• Advanced monetary Modeling – Wall Street Prep, 2022
• financial management Essentials – Coursera, 2021

Why this example works:

This resume effectively highlights Michael Johnson’s diverse background in finance while positioning him for a career transformation into financial management. It emphasizes transferable skills like monetary analysis and expense management, showcasing his ability to adjust to recent challenges. The relevant education and targeted certifications demonstrate his commitment to the shift, while the professional summary clearly outlines his intentions.

Free resume template for older worker

Below is a straightforward and free resume template for older workers that can be customized to suit person backgrounds and career objectives.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[LinkedIn URL]

Professional Summary

[Write a brief summary highlighting your career objectives, relevant experience, and key skills that align with the position you are applying for. Keep it concise and focused.]

Key Skills

• [Skill 1]
• [Skill 2]
• [Skill 3]
• [Skill 4]
• [Skill 5]

encounter

[Job Title] – [Company Name], [City, State]
[Month/Year] – [Month/Year]

• [Responsibility/achievement 1]
• [Responsibility/achievement 2]
• [Responsibility/achievement 3]

[Job Title] – [Company Name], [City, State]
[Month/Year] – [Month/Year]

• [Responsibility/achievement 1]
• [Responsibility/achievement 2]
• [Responsibility/achievement 3]

Education

[Degree] in [Field of Study] – [University Name], [City, State]

Certifications and Courses

• [Certification or course 1] – [Year]
• [Certification or course 2] – [Year]
• [Certification or course 3] – [Year]

Additional Information
[Optional: Include any volunteer work, professional associations, or interests relevant to your career transition.]

Template for older workers’ resume

Creating a standout resume is essential for older workers seeking to highlight their extensive encounter and skills. Below is a straightforward and effective resume template that can be customized to suit person backgrounds and career objectives.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[LinkedIn URL]

Professional Summary
[Write a brief summary highlighting your career objectives, relevant experience, and key skills that align with the position you are applying for. Keep it concise and focused.]

Key Skills

• [Skill 1]
• [Skill 2]
• [Skill 3]
• [Skill 4]
• [Skill 5]

encounter
[Job Title] – [Company Name], [City, State]
[Month/Year] – [Month/Year]

• [Responsibility/achievement 1]
• [Responsibility/achievement 2]
• [Responsibility/achievement 3]

[Job Title] – [Company Name], [City, State]
[Month/Year] – [Month/Year]

• [Responsibility/achievement 1]
• [Responsibility/achievement 2]
• [Responsibility/achievement 3]

Education
[Degree] in [Field of Study] – [University Name], [City, State]
[Month/Year]

Certifications and Courses

• [Certification or course 1] – [Year]
• [Certification or course 2] – [Year]
• [Certification or course 3] – [Year]

Additional Information
[Optional: Include any volunteer work, professional associations, or interests relevant to your career transition.]

Instructions for use:

• Replace the placeholder text with your own information.
• Tailor the professional summary and key skills to align with the job description of the position you are applying for.
• Focus on achievements and responsibilities that demonstrate your qualifications for the desired role, particularly in your most recent positions.
• Keep the design tidy and straightforward to read, using bullet points for clarity.

net income

Creating a standout resume is essential for older workers looking to make their mark in today’s competitive job economy. You desire to highlight your distinctive experiences and skills while addressing ordinary concerns, such as employment gaps or transitioning to recent fields. Emphasizing transferable skills and recent accomplishments helps ensure that your resume resonates with potential employers and demonstrates a powerful fit for the desired position.

Moreover, leveraging modern formats and design elements not only keeps resumes visually appealing but also signals adaptability—a standard highly valued in today’s workforce. With the correct strategies in place, it’s entirely feasible to successfully navigate the job search procedure and secure fulfilling positions that align with one’s skills and aspirations.