How can older workers re-entering the job market write a resume that stands out?

Instead of simply stating your job responsibilities, emphasize the outcomes and impact you had in your previous roles. For instance, let's say you worked as a project manager: I successfully led a cross-functional team in completing a complex project ahead of schedule and under budget, resulting in a 20% cost savings for the company. This achievement earned me recognition from senior leadership and contributed to improved client satisfaction. By quantifying your accomplishments and showcasing the tangible results you've achieved, you demonstrate your ability to deliver measurable value and make a lasting impact. This approach is more likely to impress hiring managers and differentiate you from other candidates.

Don't be shy about showing off your achievements, whether they're from your recent career or earlier days. Share how you made a difference in your roles.

It's so important to ensure your resume highlights not just results, but the impact of those results. Regardless of age, it's also critical to ensure that the impact aligns with the influence of the role. Super senior candidates will have broader, enterprise-wide impact, and their resumes should reflect that. More junior candidates will have impact that is more confined within a function; however, they still need to be sure to convey an understanding of the importance of their role to overarching strategic priorities.

Make a list of your top 10 career hits (successes) and then incorporate metrics. Why? Figures catch the eye and ensure employers see your bottom-line impact and strengths. For example, you can quantify your contribution to team projects, even if you didn't lead them, with "Played crucial communications role in ABC project by conveying updates to 35 stakeholders in 10 departments." If you delivered software solutions, look at the business results, as shown by "Designed and deployed accounting software that accelerated monthly close 20% and eliminated 850+ FTE hours per year." No matter what roles you've held, there are ways you can show the quantifiable effect you've had, which implies a promise of future performance.

Highlight who you are, your personality traits that can get a job done, the quality of your experience and leverage your transferable skills. Choose to build a simple format that is readable, with categorized sections, infused with keywords and showcases quantifiable impact. Showcase your understanding of the industry, analyze the job description explicitly and incorporate required skills through your experience. The biases will hit you only if you are not confident on paper and with yourself. Work on your mindset vigorously and know that you have been in the market before so you know your way around.

Every job is a bit different. Tailor your resume for each one by emphasizing skills and experiences that align with the specific job requirements. Highlight what the employer is looking for.

Employers need your help to realize why you're qualified! Describe your value in specific, keyword-laden terms related to your ideal jobs, and put this at the TOP of your resume. For example, if you're pursuing an SVP of Finance role, mention your work with the CFO, along with FP&A, accounting team management, and financial modeling skills (common terms found in SVP job postings). Maybe you're ready for a sales leadership position, but your resume only shows Sales Rep experience. To overcome this, note successes such as "Exceeded aggressive revenue goals 17% in FY22, while mentoring and directing sales team in up to 45% improvement." This helps convince employers that your individual and leadership strengths match their requirements.

Tailoring your CV to the job is a must. Customizing it with keywords from the job description, emphasizing your relevant skills, and aligning with the company's culture and values is a powerful way to stand out. If you are targeting a customer service role in a tech company, showcase your communication, problem-solving, and technical skills. Highlight your passion for innovation and customer satisfaction, demonstrating your perfect fit for the company. This approach ensures your CV resonates with the employer, making you a compelling candidate who not only meets their needs but also aligns with their vision. It is all about showcasing that perfect match.

If you're not sure how to do this search the job advert for key words e.g. teamwork, leadership, collaboration etc. Also notice how often these words are repeated if they mention teamwork 5 times you know it's important to include achievements in your cv that show you've worked successfully in a team.

Example tailoring a resume for a customer service role in a tech company: Customer Service Representative, ABC Solutions I resolved a critical technical issue for a customer within 30 minutes, reducing their downtime and earning their appreciation. Furthermore, I received highly positive customer feedback for effectively communicating complex technical information in a clear and friendly manner. By incorporating these examples, you demonstrate your ability to handle technical customer inquiries, solve problems efficiently. This tailored approach highlights your relevant skills and experiences and enhances your chances of standing out among other applicants for the tech company's customer service role.

Presentation matters. Use a clean, organized format that's easy to follow. Don't clutter your resume with unnecessary information. Simple and neat is the way to go.

One of the most common formatting issues I see is shrinking your font to a size that is difficult to read and making the margins tiny trying to fit it onto two pages. It's better to have a 3 page cv that you can read with normal margins.

Your resume format should always follow your value proposition, with the most important information at the top, using a summary and headlines. For example, if you're aiming for a project leadership role, "100% On-Time Delivery in Complex Financial Services Projects" will tell the reader the reason you're qualified as quickly as possible. No matter how you write your summary, however, avoid using creative methods to hide your career progression. Instead, hone in on the value you produced in each job and proudly tout it in a reverse chronological work history section. Most employers like to see a full listing of your jobs and if you skip over it, they become (rightfully) wary of your background.

The format and layout of your CV can also make a difference in how you present yourself as an older worker. You want to use a clear, professional, and easy-to-read font and design, and avoid clutter and unnecessary details. You also want to choose a resume format that suits your career history and goals. For example, if you have a consistent and relevant work experience, you might use a chronological format that lists your jobs in reverse order. If you have gaps, changes, or diverse experience, you might use a functional or hybrid format that highlights your skills and achievements.

Culling work history when you have decades of experience isn't just about the dates; it's about relevance! Take close look at employer requirements in job postings and select the information related to your experience. Then, make note of when you've demonstrated these skills, including the results of your work. Add this information to the top of your resume. For example, you could note "Influenced 55% year-over-year revenue gain from Top 10 software product" in a first-page achievements section, even if it occurred years ago. By blending details of older experience with your current job success, you can convey a consistent value proposition. Employers seek candidates who deliver results at EVERY step of their careers.

Sometimes the resume may have some older relevant jobs that are important to note. This can be addressed by using a phrase like "Prior Work Experience". Under this phrase, list the 2-3 companies and titles that are relevant but remove the dates.

If you've had gaps in your career or changed careers, address these in a straightforward manner. Explain what you've learned and how it makes you a valuable asset.

When I work with some of my resume writing clients whose career dates back before the year 2000, they may be surprised to hear that their early career story isn't as critical (though may be interesting) or helpful in getting their next role. We'll focus on the last 10-15 of their career as the ones that their next employer is most interested in learning about. We'll also ensure some of the resume strategies they may have used in the past -- personal interests, reference information, objectives, home addresses -- are removed.

Addressing potential issues as an older worker re-entering the job market is crucial. Keep your skills, education, and certifications current. Remove outdated or irrelevant ones that may reveal your age. Focus on your work history from the past 10-15 years, highlighting the most relevant roles and achievements. Older roles can be summarized or omitted if less relevant. Emphasize your adaptability, willingness to learn, and flexibility in embracing new technologies and methods. Showcase your capacity to stay current. Highlight how your skills align with modern job requirements. Demonstrate your value in a changing work landscape.

Incorporating your personality into your CV can set you apart from the crowd. Infuse enthusiasm by using a positive and confident tone throughout. A well-crafted personal statement can underscore your career objectives and the unique value you bring. Add vibrancy to your CV by employing action verbs and power words, demonstrating your dynamism and drive. Including testimonials can further emphasize your capabilities and passion. Write your CV as a dynamic representation and passion for the role and the company.

Start your personal statement with a strong and engaging phrase that relates to a significant work experience. It will grab attention and show your ability to contribute effectively. For example, consider sharing a time at work when you faced a complex project. Despite challenges, you led your team to exceptional results within a tight deadline. This experience ignited your passion for overcoming obstacles and continues to motivate you. By sharing specific workplace accomplishments, you showcase your problem-solving, teamwork, and determination to potential employers. Tailor your statement to align with the position and company values.

Don't expect employers to figure how energetic, effective, dedicated, and valued you are... spell it out for them! Here is where your years of experience can be used to highlight the advantages you offer. Maybe you're known for consistent on-time performance or fast turnarounds, so add a headline above your profile summary to spell this out: "Up to 65% Gain in Process Efficiency at 6 Multinational Companies." Identify what employers have praised you for, such as your effect on other employees. Turn this into a bullet or headline, such as "Influential mentor inspiring 25% gain in accuracy among team members." Don't expert others to interpret your value proposition. Describe your track record and the reasons you've generated results.

Reveal Yourself: Don't just be a list of qualifications. Let your personality come through. Share some personal touches in your resume to make it more engaging. Highlight what makes you unique and a good fit for the company culture.

If no one has told you this already, a sign of an older worker is using double spaces after periods! Remove these to single spaces, as this can be a hint to an older age!

I add: Customize your resume for each job application ???? ? For example, if you're applying for a management role, emphasize your leadership experience. If it's a technical position, showcase relevant skills and certifications. Focus on quantifiable achievements ???? ?For example, "Increased sales by 20% in my last role by implementing a new sales strategy." ?Another example could be, "Led a team that completed a project ahead of schedule, saving the company $50,000." ??Crafting a tailored resume that seamlessly weaves together your experience, notable achievements, and a dash of your personality is the key to making a powerful impression as you re-enter the job market.

Age-proofing your resume isn't about *hiding* your age. It's about highlighting the aspects of your experience that give you a unique perspective and ability to add value rather than number of years of experience. Also, look for ways to proactively counter common biases by showcasing adaptability to change and commitment to continuous learning.

Additional Tips: Include any relevant skills you have acquired over time and ensure your online presence, like your LinkedIn profile, is professional and aligned with your resume. These little extras can make a big difference.

I'd add the following: Exclude anything you’re skilled in that is outdated technologically. Create or update your LinkedIn profile and add this to your CV – keep the profile up to date and engage on the platform, demonstrating you’re up to date in communicating and networking. Use a current email e.g. Gmail.