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If you're diving back into the job market after age 50, what you put on your resume can make all the difference. Learn 9 resume writing tips for older adults that will set you up for success.

Work & Retirement for Older Adults

Writing your resume after age 50: a guide for older adults.

Aug 11, 2022

Funded by IBM

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Key Takeaways

A growing number of older adults are delaying retirement in favor of working longer .

Mature workers often face barriers to finding a job, such as ageism. But having a strategically written resume can help make age a non-issue.

Get tips on how to craft a resume that highlights your skills and work experience without drawing attention to your age.

A growing number of older adults are delaying retirement in favor of working longer. In 1985, just 10% of those over age 65 were either actively working or searching for a job. As of 2019, that percentage has doubled. 1 This trend is expected to continue as more older Americans look to improve their financial security and stay active and engaged in their communities.

Having a strong resume is important for older job seekers

Compared to their younger counterparts, older adults can face more barriers to finding gainful employment. Ageism is one of them. While you may know you have what it takes to perform a job, some employers still believe mature workers are “overqualified” or lacking contemporary skills. Combating these stereotypes starts with having a thoughtfully crafted, up-to-date resume.

Throughout the hiring process, employers rely on your resume to learn more about you and determine whether you’re a good fit for their organization. It’s a golden opportunity to highlight your qualifications, attributes, and relevant experience. A professional resume should always include these key pieces of information:

  • Full name and contact information (phone and email)
  • Professional summary (formerly known as the “objective”)
  • Work experience and history
  • Applicable skills
  • Educational background

Wondering how to write a resume at 50+ years old? Use the strategies below to create one that increases your odds of landing a job interview .

9 resume tips for mature workers

1. Choose the right resume format.

What is the best resume format for older workers? There are three main types:

  • Chronological: This format focuses on your work history, which is presented in chronological order with your most recent employment at the top.
  • Functional: This option focuses more on your relevant skills versus your work history.
  • Hybrid: This approach combines certain elements of the chronological and functional resume formats to create the ideal professional profile.

In most cases, older workers should stick to the tried-and-true chronological format. This allows you to display your years of experience—your leg-up over younger candidates. However, if you've been out of the workforce for a long time, a functional resume will allow you to keep the focus on your skills rather than any gaps in your work history.

No matter which format you go with, try to keep your resume to one or two pages . Browse this library of resume examples across different industries to get started.

2. Limit your work history to 10 to 15 years.

As an older job seeker, there's no need to share your entire work history. Include only those positions most meaningful to the job you're applying for, held during the last 10 to 15 years. If there are major achievements you want to highlight that extend beyond that timeframe, Indeed.com recommends adding an " Early Career " section. This section should not feature specific dates of employment.

3. Don’t include graduation dates.

In the same token, leave graduation dates out of your education section. List only the degrees you hold (with the most advanced degrees first), schools you attended, and any recent training or certifications. This can help reduce the chances of age discrimination while still playing up your credentials.

4. Make the most of your professional summary.

Once called the “objective,” the professional summary is an introductory paragraph on your resume that highlights your biggest skills and achievements. If you have a solid work history, this is your chance to shine! Be sure to include any industry credentials you have and what essential skills, experience, and attributes you bring to the table. Avoid industry jargon that may not resonate with younger hiring managers. And don’t include specifics related to your years of experience (for example, "25 years").

5. Emphasize your technology skills.

A common misconception about older adults is that they haven't kept in step with technological advancements. You can remedy this by adding a section to your resume that highlights your experience and comfort with modern software and platforms (such as Microsoft Excel or PowerPoint). If a job you're applying to mentions a technology you're proficient in, make sure you include it in the experience or skills section of your resume. Steer clear of listing any outdated technologies.

6. Use a modern font (typeface style).

Using certain fonts on your resume can instantly tip off employers that you're an older job seeker. Stay away from serif fonts such as Times New Roman—these do not translate well to a computer screen and are rarely used in business today. Plus, serif fonts are difficult for applicant tracking systems to read, which means your resume may never land on the desk of a real person. Instead, stick to smoother, sans-serif fonts such as Arial and Geneva. A size 12 font is the standard size and will make your resume easy to read.

7. Include a healthy dose of action verbs.

Using action verbs can help you create a more compelling resume that stands out to potential employers. They're especially valuable when describing your work experiences and accomplishments. Examples of resume-boosting action verbs include:

  • Collaborated

8. Tailor your resume to each new job opportunity.

Keep in mind you’ll want to modify your resume for each job listing. Why is this important for older job seekers? It gives you a chance to highlight the skills most relevant to the role you're applying to. You can also feature keywords that make your resume stand out to hiring managers who have specific skills on their wish list. Constantly tweaking your resume can be labor-intensive, but it’s well-worth the time and effort.

9. Show you’re connected by sharing your LinkedIn profile.

As an older worker, you want to show employers you're current with the latest communication technologies. One way to do this is by including a link to your new or updated LinkedIn profile on your resume. LinkedIn is a powerful platform for creating and promoting your "personal brand." Think of it as your online resume. The guidelines above still apply—but here are some additional suggestions for age-proofing your digital calling card:

  • Use a recent photo for your profile: Avoid using an outdated photograph where you look younger; it’s better to be transparent about your age. Use a professional headshot if possible, but otherwise, a DIY headshot is fine (remember to smile!). Avoid distracting backgrounds—such as a messy home office—and wear interview-appropriate attire .
  • Include keywords in your headline: Use language pulled directly from the job descriptions you're responding to. Be sure to stick with current terms (for example, "proficiency in Microsoft Word" versus "word processing skills").
  • Use first-person language in your summary (“About” section): This simple practice can help modernize your LinkedIn profile and create a more personal connection with the people who view it.
  • Include volunteer leadership positions and other accomplishments: These are areas where your age can be a true asset. Don't be shy about noting any high-level volunteer roles, awards, or honors that relate to the type of position you seek.
  • Collect recommendations: LinkedIn recommendations are written testimonials from other members who know your professional worth firsthand (such as a former colleague or supervisor). You can get recommendations simply by requesting them from your LinkedIn connections. Giving recommendations to others can often encourage them to return the favor.

New to LinkedIn? Here’s a simple tutorial to help you sign up and create your profile.

Are you an older worker who needs help finding a job?

Searching for a new job? Or returning to work after a break? NCOA recently launched its new employment tool,  Job Skills CheckUp , to help older adults get tips on how to succeed as a mature worker.  All you have to do is tell us about your goals, describe your current employment situation, and the Job Skills CheckUp will create a personalized plan to help you find job openings, build a professional network, prepare for job interviews, and more.

In addition,  the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is here to help. Created in 1965, SCSEP is America’s oldest program to help older adults with low income find work. It matches eligible applicants (age 55+) with paid, part-time training assignments for nonprofit organizations.

To apply, find your local SCSEP office and complete an application. If you’re eligible for the program and there is no waiting list, you will be enrolled to train at a non-profit organization in your community.

1. Older Americans in the Workforce, United Income. Found on the internet at http://www.advancingstates.org/sites/nasuad/files/United_Income_Older_Americans_in_the_Workforce.pdf

Funding for This Program Made Possible By Our Partner

Get help to land the job you love.

Searching for a new job? Or returning to work after a break? Get tips on how to succeed in your career and make a plan to get there with NCOA's Job Skills CheckUp.

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how to write a resume at 60 years old

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  • Career Planning
  • Finding a Job

Resume Examples and Writing Tips for Older Job Seekers

how to write a resume at 60 years old

How to Age-Proof Your Resume

Choose the best type of resume, resume writing tips for older job seekers.

  • How to Show How You're Qualified
  • Email or Upload Your Resume

Download a Resume Template

Review a resume example, more resume examples.

Age isn't always an advantage when you're job searching, especially in a competitive job market. Hiring managers can view older workers as more expensive to hire, as having outdated experience or too much experience, or as not being current with today's technology and workplaces—even though it is  illegal to discriminate based on age .

One way to overcome the perception that your age is an issue is to "age-proof" and carefully edit your resume. Your resume isn’t  your CV , so it doesn’t need to include everything you’ve ever done.

Learn what to include on your resume, what to leave off, how to choose the best resume format, review examples and get a resume template for older job seekers.

Limiting what you include on your resume, from a chronological perspective, can help job seekers avoid the stigma of being considered "too old" by a prospective employer.

Also, showing that you're up to speed with the latest technology and skills needed for your profession will help maximize your chances of getting selected for an interview. The following resume writing tips for older job seekers will help market your candidacy and showcase your skills to employers without highlighting your age.

Consider a Functional or Combination Resume.  If you’re currently using a  chronological resume , which lists your experience in date order, it may be time to switch to a different format that doesn’t focus on the years.

Consider using a  functional resume , which focuses on your skills and experience and lists your accomplishments at the top of your resume. Alternatively, you could use a  combination resume , which features both skills and your work history (just don’t go back more than 10 or 15 years).

Limit Your Related Experience.  Limit the related experience (related to the job you are applying for) you  include on your resume to 10 to 15 years , leaving older jobs off your resume entirely.

Another option is to include the older jobs in a separate section of your resume, but don’t list the dates when you worked.

Drop Your Other Experience.  You want to keep your resume experience relevant for the job you’re hoping to land, and unrelated experience is probably just not necessary. Leave all that experience off your resume or list it without dates in a category labeled “Other Experience” or “Additional Experience.”

Don't Include Education / Training Dates.  Don't include high school and college graduation dates or dates for any other courses you took, or professional development classes that were in the past. If you have a college degree, don't list your high school graduation date on your resume.

Be Careful About Years.  Don't list the length of experience you have in your  resume objective , if you use one. For example, it's not advantageous to say you have 20 or 30 years of experience in anything. It’ll flag you as older, and your resume may just get tossed out.

The best way to show that you are a seasoned professional is to say that you have “10+ years’ experience” in your field. This isn’t a lie, and it allows you to capitalize upon your value as an employee with significant experience.

How to Show How You're Qualified

Target Your Resume.  Take the time to write a  targeted resume  that’s customized so that it specifically highlights the experience you have that’s relevant to the specific job opening you’re applying for. The same targeted resume won’t work for every job, and you’ll need a different one for each job opening.

Highlight Your Skills.  All your years of experience probably means you’ve built up an impressive skill set. Shine a light on the skills that are most valuable and that show you’re comfortable with contemporary technology. Promote the fact that you're up-to-date with current technology by including the latest programs and apps you know how to use and leaving off out-of-date technology.

Show You're Connected.  Include a  link to your LinkedIn profile on your resume . This will show hiring managers you're engaged in current means of communicating and networking. Depending on your usage, you may want to list your social media handles as well, such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram—but only if they’re up to professional scrutiny.

Polish Your Resume.  Presentation matters. Make sure your resume is polished and well presented. You don't want your resume to look old-fashioned. Hire a resume writer or browse the various resume sites to find the latest templates that will give your resume a fresh look.

Be Ready to Email or Upload Your Resume

Be Prepared to Email Your Resume.  Keep in mind that most resumes are emailed or uploaded to a company website or job site to apply for jobs. Email a copy of your resume to yourself to be sure the formatting doesn't get lost during transmission (sending your resume as a PDF is probably best). Review these email etiquette guidelines to be sure you're following the right protocol for  emailing your resume .

Download the resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word) or see below for a text version to get started on creating your own resume.

The Balance

Resume Example (Text Version)

Edward Elder 123 Old Growth Road Mt. Vernon, WA 98273 (123) 456-7890 eelder@email.com www.linked.com/in/edwardelder

SALES PROFESSIONAL

Producing consistent YOY growth through strategic goal-setting and sales floor management.

Charismatic and focused in onboarding, developing, and coaching highly productive retail sales teams. Skillfully train sales associates in winning customer engagement, merchandising, and inventory control methods.    

Analytical and cost-conscious in establishing pricing strategies, preventing shrink, and championing effective customer retention programs. Lead by example to ensure provision of best-in-class customer service.  

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

HOMEWORKS CENTRAL, Mt. Vernon, Washington

SALES MANAGER (February 2016 – Present)

Meticulously perform scope of retail management responsibilities including team building, merchandising, inventory control, scheduling, and sales training and development for established home improvement store. 

Notable accomplishments:

  • Redesigned store plan-o-grams that improved cross-sales by 72% and time-in-store by 81%.
  • Implemented staff recognition and incentive programs that heightened employee retention to 95%.
  • Introduced first-ever succession planning process that ensured seamless transition of sales associates to positions of increased authority as older personnel retired, preventing the need to hire from outside.

CARS R US , Ferndale, Washington

SALES MANAGER (November 2008 – January 2016)

Trained and mentored ~35 Sales Executives in customer service and sales negotiation / closing skills. Forecasted monthly sales expenses, conveyed sales goals, and designed incentive programs.  

  • Pioneered dealership’s launch of online sales arm, increasing lead percentage by 63% .
  • Increased overall market share by more than 15% YOY throughout tenure.
  • Promoted to management from original role as Sales Representative.  ~ Additional experience includes roles as a Sales Executive for Retro Auto (Yakima, Washington) and as a Sales Representative for Home Hardware Sales (Yakima, Washington). ~

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY , Cheney, Washington 

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (Emphasis: Marketing)

Information Technology Skills: Microsoft Office Suite • POS systems • Salesforce

Review more resume samples for a variety of circumstances and get templates you can use to write your own resume.

  • Career Development

7 No-Fail Resume Tips for Older Workers (+ Examples)

Elizabeth Openshaw

While most job seekers experience obstacles during their efforts to find that perfect job, older workers, those with over 20 years of experience, often face unique challenges. For a variety of reasons, a lot of hiring managers seem to give preference to younger workers. Usually, that preference is the result of either conscious or unconscious bias. 

It could be because they might feel older workers are out of touch with modern tech or aren’t as quick at grasping new concepts or ideas. They forget that older workers often have so much more experience and knowledge about their chosen field than someone just entering the workplace.

To counter this bias, older workers need to know how to craft a comprehensive resume that maximizes their odds of landing an interview during the job search process without prejudice creeping in. You don’t want your detailed resume for an older worker ending up on the “no” pile without being considered at all and through no fault of your own.

Read on about how our team of career experts has come up with 7 no-fail tips for resumes for older workers that can help you land more interviews.

How strategic resumes help older workers

First, though, it’s helpful to understand why these tips for resumes for older workers are even necessary. It all comes down to perception. Applications from more experienced job seekers often contain resumes that are filled with years of valuable accomplishments. They have relevant skills crafted over many decades of employment. On the surface, you’d think those would be positive benefits that would excite most potential employers and hiring managers. Sadly, that’s not always the case when compared to younger job seekers.

In fact, many employers view a lengthy work history as a sign that the older worker is probably outdated. They may assume that you can’t possibly be familiar with current technology, trends, and strategies.

Worse still, they may even believe that they can’t afford to hire you. After all, your lengthy experience and impressive skill set should command a high salary, right? Basically, these hiring managers will assume that your age and experience with outdated tech skills represent too great a risk, and you might get turned down at the first hurdle before you’ve even been given a chance to state your suitability for the role.

The best way to avoid that rejection is to update your resume by following the tips below to showcase your skills and qualifications the right way, enabling you to effectively remove the age question from your resume. 

7 tips for resumes for older workers

1. omit dates from your resume.

One of the best tips for resumes for older workers is to avoid using graduation dates in the education section. It’s difficult to work around your age if your college graduation date is there in black-and-white. There’s no requirement to add this, so just skip the dates altogether, but keep it consistent so there are no dates on professional development courses as well.

2. Only include the last 10 to 15 years of your experience

Another of our top tips for resumes for older workers involves relevancy. Instead of including every bit of work experience you’ve ever done, going back to the 1990s, stick to your up-to-date jobs by setting out your career summary in reverse chronological order, with your most recent role at the top. So for older workers - leave some jobs off your resume. 

Your best option is to only include relevant experience from the last 10 to 15 years. For a more detailed explanation of how far back to go, check out our blog on how many years of experience you need to include on your resume .

3. Avoid listing outdated skills 

Many resumes for older workers include outdated and irrelevant skills that can easily give away their age. Include skills, programs, and certifications that are relevant in today’s job market or required for the position you’re targeting. “Typing,” “Microsoft Word,” and “Google” don’t belong on your resume for an older worker or on your cover letter either.

4. Highlight your skills

No list of top resume tips for older workers would be complete without mentioning skills. Many older workers are reluctant to boast about what they excel at, but this is the one place where you can. Your resume for an older worker should highlight your qualifications as much as possible, and skills are an important part of that process. Just be sure to give a place of prominence to your technology skills as well.

Also, remember that most companies nowadays use an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) to automatically screen your resume. These applicant tracking systems automatically screen resumes to see if you’re a good match for the position. An average of 75% of candidates are rejected by ATS and, most of the time, the candidate is qualified; it’s just that their resume isn’t optimized.

Make sure that you use a standard resume format so that the ATS can easily scan your resume for an older worker. You should also include keywords (i.e., skills ) that are relevant to the position. Check out the job description and be guided by what’s on there.

5. Include a LinkedIn URL

The inclusion of a LinkedIn URL also has a place in any list of resume tips for older workers. If you don’t have a LinkedIn page by now, it’s definitely worth getting one. 

This is especially true if you’re looking for a role, as the connections that can be made there are so worth it--for extending your network and for giving you a better chance of finding that perfect position. Be sure to include a link to that page within your contact details on your resume for an older worker. Having a LinkedIn link on there also helps with your ATS score.

6. Use an updated word processor

Since many companies want to see electronic copies of resumes, your word-processing software deserves some attention as well. If you’re using an outdated version of Microsoft Word, upgrade it.

And if you’re using any other type of word processing software, consider switching to Word. It’s pretty much the gold standard for resumes for older workers and others these days.

7. Customize every time you apply

There’s no one-size-fits-all in the resume world, so don’t rely on one basic resume, hoping that it will cover all roles. It won’t. When it comes to tips for resumes for older workers, this one is critical.

Every resume that you submit must be tailored to match the desired position. That means using keywords from the job posting and narrowing down experience and skills to ensure that they’re relevant. The days of using the same resume for every application are a thing of the past.

Resume example for older workers:

Sometimes, it helps to see something to get a real idea of what to do. Notice in the following example how the additional professional experience is listed below without dates--strategic!

Resume Jodie Smith

The good news is that these tips for resumes for older workers can help you avoid bias and give you a better shot at landing an interview. That’s the best way to ensure yourself a fair chance of convincing an employer or hiring manager that you’re the right candidate for the job.

Recommended reading:

9 Tips to Avoid Age Discrimination on Your Resume

 How Long Your Resume Should Be in 2023 (Expert Advice)

Best Email Subject Lines When Sending a Resume (With Examples)

Elizabeth Openshaw, Editor & Content Writer, Elizabeth Openshaw, Editor & Content Writer

Elizabeth Openshaw is an Elite CV Consultant with over 12 years of experience based in Brighton, UK, with an English degree and an addiction to Wordle! She is a former Journalist of 17 years with the claim to fame that she interviewed three times Grand Slam winner and former World No.1 tennis player, Andy Murray, when he was just 14 years old. You can connect with her at Elizabeth Openshaw | LinkedIn .

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how to write a resume at 60 years old

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How To Write a Resume if You’re an Older Worker

We'll cover how to avoid age discrimination, deal with career breaks and write your resume. Downloadable templates included.

2 years ago   •   9 min read

Like anything in life, there’s no one size fits all solution to writing a resume. This means that a lot of tips geared toward first-time job seekers can leave older employees with even more questions. Like: Do I really need an education section if I graduated a few decades ago? How am I supposed to fit thirty years’ experience on a one-page resume? And how I make myself appear younger on a resume to combat potential discrimination?

We'll cover those questions and more, but first, here are the most essential tips for writing a resume as an older worker.

Tips for writing a resume as an older worker

  • Use a modern resume format or template
  • Leave dates off your resume (including your graduation date, age, and date of birth)
  • Don't list experience older than 10-15 years
  • Customize your resume by tailoring your work experience and adding keywords
  • Revamp your skills section to remove outdated skills and include new technologies

Highlight recent training

  • Address any career breaks (including retirement)
  • Emphasize your experience — it's a strength, not a weakness!

How to avoid age discrimination on a resume

How to format your resume as an older worker

If you've been in the workforce — or out of it — for a long time, it may have been a while since you last updated your resume. If there's a chance yours is looking a little dated, here's how to quickly modernize your resume:

  • Choose a clean, modern font like Arial, Georgia, or Helvetica
  • Forget outdated style rules like using paragraph indents or double spaces after a full stop
  • Stick to standard formatting, including default margins and spacing
  • Upgrade to a newer version of Microsoft Word of switch to Google Docs
  • Skip the hassle and download an ATS resume template

Leave unnecessary dates off your resume

We’d love to tell you not to worry about age discrimination, but unfortunately, it does happen. The best way to avoid it? Leave dates off your resume.

We’re not talking about dates of employment — those should always stay. On the other hand, if you graduated more than a decade ago, it’s perfectly fine to leave off your graduation date. And never directly list your age or date of birth on your resume — in fact, the fewer personal details you list, the better.

Leave graduation dates off your resume to avoid age discrimination.

Only include your most recent and relevant experience

Here's a little-known tip: You don’t need to list every job you’ve ever held on your resume . In fact, if you entered the workforce 20+ years ago or have changed careers, you definitely shouldn’t.

Stick to jobs that demonstrate skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the position you’re applying for — 10-15 years of work experience is plenty, unless you’re applying for a senior-level position that explicitly requires longer.

Leave off the accomplishments when listing older experience on your resume.

Optimize your resume

If it’s been a while since you last applied for a job, you may not have had to deal with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). ATS are automated software that screen out applicants who don’t meet basic requirements by searching for set words or phrases and are used by an estimated two-thirds of companies.

What does this mean for you?

In simple terms, make sure the software can read your resume by including relevant keywords, avoiding images and decorate fonts, and uploading your resume as a pdf.

Make sure your work experience section mentions key skills and uses an ATS-friendly format.

Embrace new skills and technology

The biggest concern hiring managers are likely to have is whether your skills are up to date. You can allay these concerns by listing technical skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Not sure exactly which skills belong on your resume?

  • Check the job description for "must have" skills
  • Use our skills and keywords finder to search for relevant skills in your role or industry
  • Prioritize new or emerging technologies, like Software as a Service (SaaS) or Slack — especially if you’re working remotely.

List relevant technical skills at the end of your resume.

If you need help finding new technology and hard skills that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for, use the tool below to get a list of relevant ones.

Another way to prevent your skills from getting rusty is to freshen them up with a short course or relevant certification. Search for reputable providers or well-known qualifications, especially if you’re looking for online courses.

Depending on how essential the qualification is to the position you’re applying for, you can list it at the top of your resume in your education section or resume summary, or at the bottom with your skills and additional information.

List the date you completed the certification to highlight that your skills are recent.

Address career breaks

Returning to the workforce after some time off — or even coming back from retirement? The good news is that gaps on a resume aren't as big a deal as they used to be.

The bad news is that you do still need to address it. The best place to do this is in your cover letter. Give a brief explanation of what you were doing (like raising children, traveling, or caring for a family member) and reiterate your enthusiasm for returning to work.

You can also deal with career gaps directly in the work experience section of your resume with a simple heading like “career hiatus” or "other experience," especially if you've used your time to volunteer or take on a personal project.

Address career breaks of longer than six months simply and directly.

If you’re an older worker wondering what else, like age or graduation dates, should or shouldn’t be included in your resume, upload it to the tool below — it’ll perform a quick scan and let you know what to remove or add into your resume.

Leverage your experience

Older job seekers have a lot of advantages over those who are newer to the workforce, not least of which is a bigger network. Whether you’re returning to work after some time off, changing careers , or looking to move on after a long stint at the same company, it’s time to reach out to ex-colleagues and other professional contacts. Ask your network for potential job leads, advice, and connections within their company or industry — anything that can give you an edge over your younger competition.

Resume examples for older workers

Ready to start updating your resume? Keep scrolling for resume templates you can use if you're:

  • An experienced worker seeking a high-level role
  • Changing careers
  • Returning from retirement or another career break

If you’re an experienced hire seeking a senior-level position

This is where your years of experience shine! Focus on your ability to lead a team , work in a high-stakes or high-pressure environment, and deliver results that affect the company’s bottom line.

In this template, we include only relevant experience — just the last 10-15 years is more than sufficient. We've left off older educational experience pre-MBA.

Resume template for C-level or executive positions

Download this template: Google Docs | PDF

If you’re changing careers

It might feel weird starting from scratch, but you can still include any skills or accomplishments from previous roles that are relevant to your new industry or role. You don’t need to include every job you’ve ever held, but do focus on transferable skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the new position.

Resume template for career changers

Download this template: Google Docs

If you’re returning after a career break

You don't need to explicitly say that you're ending your retirement or coming back to work after raising children , but you should include some explanation of what you've been doing with your time away from your career.

This resume template highlights the career break in an 'Other Experience' section, which is ideal for an older worker who's returning back to the workforce.

how to write a resume at 60 years old

Common misconceptions about resumes for older workers to avoid

False: a fancy resume will make you appear younger.

Fancy resume formats aren’t impressive, and they’re definitely not going to make you appear younger or more in touch. On the contrary, they’re hard to read and demonstrate a lack of professionalism. Stick to a simple, standard resume format, like our ATS-ready resume templates .

FALSE: Your resume needs to include every job you’ve ever held

Your resume should be a brief summary of your most relevant skills and experience, not an exhaustive list of your entire professional history . Leave off any experience that’s much older or no longer relevant.

FALSE: You should include a resume objective

Resume objectives are outdated. They’re also particularly unnecessary if you have any kind of professional experience. If you’re changing careers or want to highlight key skills and experience upfront, a resume summary is a much better option.

FALSE: You should list familiarity with older technology

Including outdated skills on your resume won’t do anything but frame you as out of touch with current workplace norms. Unless you’re applying for a job as a fax machine technician or COBOL developer, leave proficiency with older technologies and programming languages off your resume.

FALSE:  If you have a lot of experience, you need an extra long resume

For older workers with more experience, a two-page resume is completely fine . There’s no need to try to condense 30+ years of experience onto a single page, especially if it’s all still relevant.

If you spent a long time away from the workforce — for example, because you were raising children or are changing careers — you may only need a one-page resume. Leaving off older experience altogether might be better if it avoids raising questions about long career gaps.

FALSE: It's okay to lie about your age on a resume

Never lie on your resume , even as something as seemingly inconsequential as your age. Omission is different from lying — it’s fine to leave dates of graduation off your resume, for example — but even a small lie can be grounds for immediate rejection.

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  • Resume and Cover Letter

How to Age-Proof Your Resume

7 min read · Updated on October 12, 2022

Amanda Augustine

15 tips to help older job seekers highlight their skills, not their ages.

Searching for a new job is challenging, regardless of how old you are. However, if you are 50 or older, you may face some additional hurdles.

According to a recent study by AARP , 76 percent of older workers blame age discrimination for their lack of confidence in finding a new job. Their concern is justified. Government data shows that age 55-plus job seekers typically face substantially longer periods of unemployment compared with those job seekers between 20 and 24.

If you are concerned about facing bias during the job search, don't panic. There are many things you can do to showcase the skills and experience you've earned during your career. The following tips will help you age-proof your resume to help you stand out from the competition and land the right job.

1. Focus on your recent experience

The further along you are in your career, the less relevant your earlier work experience becomes. Employers care most about your recent work that matters for the roles they're filling, not your experience from 15 or more years ago. As a result, give more detail about the positions you've held in the past 10–15 years that are related to your current job search and say less about your earliest jobs.

2. Eliminate older dates

Remove the dates related to work experience, education, and certifications if they fall outside the 15-year window. While you may want to consolidate older work experience in a separate section or a “Career Note,” including the dates of employment is unnecessary. Similarly, it's important to share your credentials on your resume, but the employer doesn't need to know you earned your MBA 17 years ago.

3. Limit your resume to two pages

Most recruiters spend less than 10 seconds reviewing a resume before deciding if the candidate should receive further consideration. With so little time to make the right impression, it's important to streamline your resume to two pages . Focus on using this space to highlight your recent work experience and accomplishments that best match your current career goals.

4. Avoid the “jack-of-all-trades” approach

Although you may have held numerous roles throughout your career, your resume shouldn't be a laundry list of everything you have done. Focus on tailoring your resume's content to support your current career objective, rather than providing a generalized summary of your entire work history.

5. Optimize your resume with keywords

Seventy-five percent of all online applications will never be seen by human eyes thanks to the hiring bots, which are software programs known as an applicant tracking system (ATS) . Their job is to collect, scan, and rank an employer's inbound applications. To improve your resume's chances of making it past this digital gatekeeper and on to a human for review, make sure your document includes the appropriate keywords. If a word or phrase repeatedly shows up in the job listings you're interested in, incorporate these terms into your resume.

6. Upgrade your email address

Older workers sometimes are seen as lacking technical savvy. Don't give employers a reason to believe you might fit this stereotype. Ditch your old AOL or Hotmail email account for a free, professional-looking Gmail address that incorporates your name.

7. List your mobile phone number

If you're still listing your landline on your resume, it's time to mobilize your contact information. Only list your cell phone number on your resume so you can control the voicemail message, who answers important phone calls from recruiters, and when.

8. Join the LinkedIn bandwagon

LinkedIn is a valuable platform for connecting with others in your industry and uncovering new job opportunities. It's also an important place to advertise your candidacy to prospective employers. In fact, a study by recruiting software provider Jobvite found that 93 percent of employers admit to reviewing candidates' social network profiles — regardless of whether the candidates provided that information.

If you've avoided using LinkedIn in the past, now's the time to create a profile that supports your career goals. Then, customize your LinkedIn profile URL and add it to the top of your resume to ensure recruiters find the right profile for you.

9. Showcase your technical proficiencies

The fact that you know how to use Microsoft Office is no longer noteworthy (unless your role requires advanced knowledge of Excel). Show employers that you've kept up with the latest tools and platforms related to your field. If you're in a non-technical profession, create a small section toward the bottom of your resume that lists these proficiencies. If you realize there's a skill or tool outside your wheelhouse that's routinely appearing in the job descriptions you're targeting, check out sites such as edX, Coursera, and SkillShare to find free or low-cost online courses.

10. Add one space after each sentence

Nothing screams “over-40” like two spaces after a period. The rule of “two spaces after each sentence” originated back when we used typewriters for regular communication. A typewriter used monospaced typesetting, where every character on the keyboard is given the same amount of space on the paper. The extra space was needed between sentences to make it easier to see the start of a new sentence. However, with the advent of the digital age, this practice is no longer necessary. In fact, it will flag you as an older and less tech-savvy applicant in the process. Unless you are typing on an actual typewriter, you should place only one space after a period.

11. Customize each online application

Small tweaks to the content of your resume can make a big difference in determining whether your online application reaches a human being for review. Before you submit another online application, re-evaluate your resume based on the job posting. Then, make small edits to customize your resume so that it clearly reflects your qualifications for this specific role.

12. Ditch the objective statement

Avoid using a run-of-the-mill objective statement that's full of fluff and focuses solely on your wants and needs. Instead, replace it with your “elevator pitch.” In a brief paragraph, known as a professional summary or executive summary, explain what you're great at, most interested in, and how you can provide value to a prospective employer. In other words, summarize your job goals and qualifications for the reader.

13. Aim for visual balance

If content is king in a resume, then design is queen. How your information is formatted is just as important as the information itself. Focus on leveraging a combination of short blurbs and bullet points to make it easy for the reader to quickly scan your resume and find the most important details that support your candidacy.

14. Validate your skills

It's not enough to simply state that you're a great manager or possess a high financial acumen. You need to back up these claims by providing a specific example, figure, or case study in your work experience or education section that illustrates how you've used this ability to produce results.

15. Focus on achievements, not tasks

At this point in your career, recruiters are less concerned with the tasks you've completed and more interested in learning what you've accomplished. Separate each job under your work history into a short blurb that describes your role and responsibilities. Then, add a set of bullet points to describe the results you've achieved and the major contributions you've made that have benefited the organization. By bulleting these details, you're drawing readers' eyes to the information they care most about: your qualifications. Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments to provide additional context for the recruiter.

Do you need help age-proofing your resume for the job search? Receive a free expert resume review today.

Editor's Note: A version of this article was originally published on AARP.org .

Recommended Reading:

How Older Workers Can Compete (and Win) in Today's Job Market

6 Signs of Ageism in the Workplace — and How to Best Handle It

How We Helped This Professional Who Was Stuck In His Toxic Job

Related Articles:

7 Signs Your Resume is Making You Look Old

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8 Resume Tips for Older Job Seekers

Published: Apr 30, 2018

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Age might not always work to your advantage when searching for a job. Sometimes, hiring managers with age biases see older job seekers as having a tough time keeping up with younger job seekers when it comes to technology and new advancements. Employers might also see older employees as being more expensive to pay with respect to both salary and benefits. In addition, older job seekers can be seen as having outdated experience, especially when compared to younger workers, who often have more updated and relevant skills, certifications, or requirements. So what are older job seekers to do in order to keep up? When it comes to updating their resume, there are several things they need to keep in mind. And here, below, are the most important.

1. Exclude dates

Using dates can be a huge mistake. Don’t use dates for college, advanced-level degrees, high school, or any certifications, or professional development courses. You may want to consider removing high school altogether if you have a college degree.

2. Consider going non-chronological

Using a chronological resume is also a mistake for older job seekers because it establishes work history in chronological order, starting with the first job. One preferable format is a functional resume, which focuses on one’s skills and experience instead of work history in chronological order. Another preferable format for older job seekers is called the combination format. This one details skills and qualifications first. It also is a great way of answering any potential questions about career changes or gaps in work history because it establishes work history in reverse chronological order. This is usually my format of choice because as candidates progress through their mid-level into senior-level, it's easy to display accomplishments while continuing to hide age.

3. Limit your related experience

If you’re writing a summary, don’t discuss how many years’ related experience you have. Just stating that you have 20 years’ experience or more can flag you as an older job seeker. I typically limit experience by two things: years and length of the resume. While I understand why most candidates want to list all their experience, for older job seekers it ends up being too much. It isn’t necessary to go back 20 years or more just to try to show that you’re qualified. Limit it to 15 years or under. If done well, this results in about a two-page resume, which is satisfactory.

4. Don’t be shy about your skills

Whatever resume format you choose, it's a big mistake to be shy about your skills. Show potential employers that you know the latest technology or software. Also, remove any old or outdated technology.

5. Write a targeted resume

This is important for each position applied to. Failing to do so is not only a mistake in applying but it also focuses your resume on your relevant experience, accomplishments, and skillsets. Targeted resumes are adapted to each position through the summary and keywords in a job description.

6. Check your font

What font are you using? Some, such as Times New Roman, are a bit dated and are now used less frequently. You don’t want your resume to look outdated either.

7. Give LinkedIn some love, too

Another mistake is leaving your LinkedIn URL off your resume. Include it at the top along with your name, cell phone number, and email address. However, before adding it on be sure that it’s updated as well. A well updated  LinkedIn profile  includes your headline, summary, professional experience, recommendations, skills, volunteer experience, and other sections that are applicable. It's also a good idea to personalize your LinkedIn URL for personal branding purposes.

8. Technology is everything

What version of Microsoft Word are you using to create your resume? If it’s dated, then it's going to affect the layout and design of your file once it is converted. It's also important to consider that most resumes are emailed or uploaded so the individual receiving or downloading the file could be looking at a distorted layout due to an outdated word processing technology. It's best to keep your computer as up-to-date as possible to avoid this and potentially missing out on a job opportunity.

A version of this post previously appeared on  Fairygodboss , which helps women get the inside scoop on pay, corporate culture, benefits, and work flexibility. Founded in 2015, Fairygodboss offers company ratings, job listings, discussion boards, and career advice.

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How to Age-Proof Your Résumé

These tips can help older job seekers highlight their skills, not their ages.

hand of a corporate recruiter shuffling through a pile of printed resumes with a laptop in the background on the desk

Amanda Augustine,

Searching for a new job is challenging, regardless of how old you are. However, if you are 50 or older, you may face some additional hurdles.

According to AARP Research , nearly two out of three workers age 50-plus  (62 percent) think older adults face discrimination in the workplace today based on age and 93 percent of them believe that age discrimination against older workers is common in the workplace today. Their concern is justified. Government data shows that age 55-plus job seekers typically face substantially longer periods of unemployment compared with those job seekers between 20 and 24.

If you are concerned about facing bias during the job search, don’t panic. There are many things you can do to showcase the skills and experience you’ve earned during your career. The following tips will help you age-proof your résumé to help you stand out from the competition and land the right job.

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1. Focus on your recent experience.

The further along you are in your career, the less relevant your earlier work experience becomes. Employers care most about your recent work that matters for the roles they’re filling, not your experience from 15 or more years ago. As a result, give more detail about the positions you’ve held in the past 10 to 15 years that are related to your current job search, and say less about your earliest jobs. 

2. Eliminate older dates.

Remove the dates related to work experience, education and certifications if they fall outside the 15-year window. While you may want to consolidate older work experience in a separate section or a “Career Note,” including the dates of employment is unnecessary. Similarly, it’s important to share your credentials on your résumé, but the employer doesn’t need to know you earned your MBA more than 17 years ago.

3. Limit your résumé to two pages.

Most recruiters spend less than  10 seconds reviewing a résumé  before deciding if the candidate should receive further consideration. With so little time to make the right impression, it’s important to streamline your résumé to two pages. Focus on using this space to highlight your recent work experience and accomplishments that best match your current career goals.

4. Avoid the “jack-of-all-trades” approach.

Although you may have held numerous roles throughout your career, your résumé shouldn’t be a laundry list of everything you have done. Focus on tailoring your résumé’s content to support your current career objective, rather than providing a generalized summary of your entire work history.

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5. Optimize your résumé with keywords.

Seventy-five percent of all online applications will never be seen by human eyes, thanks to the hiring bots, which are software programs known as an applicant tracking system (ATS). Their job is to collect, scan and rank an employer’s inbound applications. To improve your résumé’s chances of making it past this digital gatekeeper and on to a human for review, make sure your document includes the appropriate keywords. If a word or phrase repeatedly shows up in the job listings you’re interested in, incorporate these terms into your résumé. 

6. Upgrade your email address.

Older workers sometimes are seen as lacking technical savvy. Don’t give employers a reason to believe you might fit this stereotype. Ditch your old AOL or Hotmail email account for a free, professional-looking Gmail address that incorporates your name.

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7. List your mobile phone number.

If you’re still listing your landline number on your résumé, it’s time to update your contact information. Only list your cellphone number on your résumé so you can control the voicemail message, who answers important phone calls from recruiters, and when.

8. Join the LinkedIn bandwagon.

LinkedIn is a valuable platform  for connecting with others in your industry and uncovering new job opportunities. It’s also an important place to advertise your candidacy to prospective employers. In fact, a study by recruiting software provider Jobvite found that 93 percent of employers admit to reviewing candidates’ social network profiles — regardless of whether the candidates provided that information.

If you’ve avoided using LinkedIn in the past, now’s the time to create an online profile that supports your career goals. Then, customize your LinkedIn profile URL and add it to the top of your résumé to ensure recruiters find the correct profile for you.

9. Showcase your technical proficiencies.

The fact that you know how to use Microsoft Office is no longer noteworthy (unless your role requires advanced knowledge of Excel). Show employers that you’ve kept up with the latest tools and platforms related to your field. If you’re in a nontechnical profession, create a small section toward the bottom of your résumé that lists these proficiencies. If you realize there’s a skill or tool outside your wheelhouse that’s routinely appearing in the job descriptions you’re targeting, check out sites such as AARP Skills Builder for Work , edX, Coursera and Skillshare to find free or low-cost online courses.

10. Customize each online application.

Small tweaks to the content of your résumé can make a big difference in determining whether your online application reaches a human being for review. Before you submit another online application, re-evaluate your résumé based on the job posting. Then, make small edits to customize your résumé so that it clearly reflects your qualifications for this specific role. You also might consider using a service such as AARP Resume Advisor, which offers free résumé reviews, to make sure you’re showing why you are a good fit for the job.

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Join today and enjoy all AARP has to offer — including the AARP Job Board, a job search tool for experienced workers, a free resume review, plus savings on resume writing packages and online learning courses to boost your skills.

11. Ditch the objective statement.

Avoid using a run-of-the-mill objective statement that’s full of fluff and focuses solely on your wants and needs. Instead, replace it with your “elevator pitch.” In a brief paragraph, known as a professional summary or executive summary, explain what you’re great at and most interested in, and how you can provide value to a prospective employer. In other words, summarize your job goals and qualifications for the reader.

12. Aim for visual balance.

People pulling on a resume

If content is king in a résumé, then design is queen. How your information is formatted is just as important as the information itself. Focus on leveraging a combination of short blurbs and bullet points to make it easy for the reader to quickly scan your résumé and find the most important details that support your candidacy. 

13. Focus on achievements, not tasks.

At this point in your career, recruiters are less concerned with the tasks you’ve completed and more interested in learning what you’ve accomplished. Separate each job under your work history into a short blurb that describes your role and responsibilities. Then, add a set of bullet points to describe the results you’ve achieved and the major contributions you’ve made that have benefited the organization. By bulleting these details, you’re drawing readers’ eyes to the information they care most about: your qualifications. Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments to provide additional context for the recruiter. 

Editor’s Note: This article originally was published on January 23, 2019. It has been updated with more recent data about age discrimination in the workplace.

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Resume Tips for Job Seekers Over 60

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Job seekers who are over 60 quite often have a difficult time. Employers tend to look at them as too old to be as useful as a younger employee. They don’t realize that this age group has a lot to offer any employer. Looking for a full time or part-time job at this age require a special type of resume.

  • Contact details. Most employers will initially want to contact you by email so make sure you have a professional email address set up. This should be an address with your name, not a silly nickname. Leave out anything that will indicate your age , such as a number which is also the year you were born. Use an email service such as Gmail. It has lots of options including folders you can use for different employees as well as a set up for an email signature. This should impress potential employees since it looks professional.
  • Stay recent. Employers don’t need to know what you were doing when you were 16. Include your most recent positions and go into detail on your responsibilities. Gear each resume and cover letter toward the position you are applying for. In which tasks at your last job were you especially proficient? How do they make you the most suitable candidate for this new position?
  • How to list your education. Most employers will want to know which schools you attended and which degrees you have. You can do this without listing the years you attended. Specify how each course or degree helped you in your last position and how it could help you in a new job.

Don’t feel that just because you are a ‘tad’ older than other job seekers that you don’t deserve the position you are applying for. Concentrate on the knowledge you can bring that a younger person wouldn’t have. To read more on resume tips for job seekers over 60, click here .

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  6. Resume Examples and Writing Tips for Older Job Seekers

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COMMENTS

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  14. 15 Tips to Help Older Job Seekers Age-Proof Their Resumes

    7. List your mobile phone number. If you're still listing your landline on your resume, it's time to mobilize your contact information. Only list your cell phone number on your resume so you can control the voicemail message, who answers important phone calls from recruiters, and when. 8.

  15. 8 Resume Tips for Older Job Seekers

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  16. Helpful Tips on How to Age-Proof Your Résumé

    List your mobile phone number. If you're still listing your landline number on your résumé, it's time to update your contact information. Only list your cellphone number on your résumé so you can control the voicemail message, who answers important phone calls from recruiters, and when. 8. Join the LinkedIn bandwagon.

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    7. Omit your earliest work experience. Focus on the last 5-7 years, and don't go further back than 7-10 total. If you have been at the same company for over 15 years, only go back to the last 10, and you can include a small, unassuming note at the end of your last entry saying, "additional experience available.". 8.

  20. Guide to Modern Resume Design for Older Job Seekers

    Example resume Here is an example of a resume for an older job seeker: Marguerite Logel, Professor of English 472.665.9087 I [email protected] Professional Summary I am a highly qualified Professor of English with over 10-years of experience in teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels. To my career in academia, I bring a profound knowledge of comparative literature, best ...

  21. SLM

    This should be an address with your name, not a silly nickname. Leave out anything that will indicate your age, such as a number which is also the year you were born. Use an email service such as Gmail. It has lots of options including folders you can use for different employees as well as a set up for an email signature.

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