Your Resume

RetirementJobs.com Staff Writers
Article 3 of 8 from "The New World of Job Searching"

Resume
Regardless of your occupation, work history or objective, you need a resume in order to get a job.

The handwritten application, where you had to squeeze the required information into very small boxes, is largely out of use. Applying for a job today means an electronically submitted resume via the internet or an application form completed online at a company’s Web site or at a kiosk at the employer’s facility.

A resume is mandatory if part of your job search plan is to place your resume on file at an employer’s career site or a job posting board. Think of your resume as a personal advertisement and request for an interview.

General Portrayal Regarding Age
Your resume should reflect a strongly positive and proud portrayal of your depth of capabilities and talents. No attempt should be made to mislead or misinform the reader regarding your age. Most resumes require no more than 10 to 20 years of recent and relevant work history. Earlier positions should be included if representative of qualifications for the position of interest. Generally, the word, "experience" is avoided or its use minimized. Emphasis is on capabilities, qualifications and achievements – not previous titles, duties and length of service.

General Format and Appearance Resumes should not exceed two pages for most occupations, though educators and some professionals may require a longer resume. Prepare your resume in a standard word application such as Microsoft Word using a traditional, easily read font such as Arial and keep the text in a uniform font size of 10 or 11. Your name, section headings and employers names can be in a bold and in a somewhat larger font, perhaps 12 or 13. Avoid multiple fonts and excessive bolding, italics and underlining.

The preferred resume style for most age 50+ workers is a combination of a functional or qualification-based resume, and a traditional chronological resume.

Keywords
What about keywords? It is common for many employers to scan resumes electronically to locate "keywords" that are specific to the job in question. While a single, standard resume is better than no resume, you should be prepared to revise your resume to the specific job of interest. Appropriately insert keywords taken from the employer’s job ad or position description including job titles, qualifications, knowledge and skills.

Language
Language and word choice should convey activity, energy and achievement. This is critical for age 50+ job seekers. Active verbs and clear depiction of contributions and achievements will bring a vitality and strength to your resume. Use contemporary expressions and technical wording, particularly related to computer skills and knowledge.