Resume tips for older job applicants

Despite that age discrimination has been illegal for a while now, some recruiters still overlook resumes based on the perceived age of applicants. However, there are small tweaks you can make on your resume to boost the odds of landing your new job.

Here are some tips for keeping your resume out of the trash can.

Focus on your latest experience

While you may include the many years of experience in your career, the last ten to fifteen years is what matters to your employer. If you have forty years of experience, for instance, make sure that you don’t include your earlier jobs as this is what will help to estimate your exact age.

Any earlier career achievement worthy of including in your resume you can add it in the “Additional Experience” section.

Eliminate graduation dates

To further evade age discrimination, you need to eliminate graduation dates in your resume’s education section. Graduation dates can quickly reveal your approximate age to your recruiters. So, all you need to do is to list the institutions you attended, the course of study, and any awards or achievements you received.

Create a LinkedIn profile

Nowadays, employers and recruiters always check applicants’ social media. So, if you’ve not seen the need of using LinkedIn in the past, this is the right time to join and promote your candidacy to recruiters the best way.

Then upload a professional photograph of yourself and include current career background information. Be sure to add a link of your LinkedIn profile to your resume.

Highlight Technology Skills

To dispel technological doubts, highlight your familiarity with today’s technologies in your resume, especially those that are specific to you industry. This is a perfect way to show your readiness to keep up with any technological changes ahead.

You can also do away with your old-fashioned funny email address and create a personalized, professional-looking one (think name@gmail.com).

Lastly, if you have relevant certifications, avoid including their dates from many years back.

The bottom line is, stay current and remain employable!

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Photo by iStock Older job applicants should update their resume to highlight current work history and skills .