Guest Author - Gwendolyn Thompson
Finding a way to compete with younger job applicants has become an ongoing struggle for the older job seeker. As older workers re-enter the job market in greater numbers the issue of how to present themselves on a resume to avoid being screened out due to age related data has become an issue.
Getting an interview is the goal to getting a job. To get the interview you first must get past the screening process of your resume. Your resume could be triggering screening filters causing your job search to stall. If you are not getting interviews check your resume to determine if you are high lighting your age.
Employers do not expect to know everything about you from your resume. Just an enticing amount of information related to the job opening will get you an interview. Omitting dates prior to the past eight to ten years and omitting dates related to education will help keep you equal with other applicants.
Research your previous job title to conclude today’s average age of a person who is using the same skills that you possess taking note of the current job title that they have. Update your resume to a hybrid resume format using a current job title in your opening summary of skills and accomplishments.
A hybrid resume takes the best features of a chronological and functional resume and puts them together. You will present a strong summary of your skills and accomplishments up front while providing a partially dated and detailed employment history followed by undated additional experience.
When listing your education, dates are not necessary. If you possess a degree or certification then list that you have it. It is not essential for employers to know when you received a degree to be considered for a job. It is only essential for them to know that you have one.
If you have a gap in employment in the previous eight to ten years fill the gap in with dates of accomplishments such as volunteering, skill studies, networking, writing or anything that applies to what you have been doing during periods of unemployment.
Employers will not be able to conclude your current age from your resume nor will they be able to conclude that you have been unemployed from your resume. It will require them to set up an interview and give you an opportunity to present yourself and show that you have what it takes to do the job.
