With every year that we age, our experience (hopefully) increases as well. However, getting older can also make finding a new job more difficult – senior positions don’t always show up, and when they do, they are notoriously difficult to fill, as such positions demand specific sets of skills and experience. But let’s say you meet all the requirement and are a potential candidate for the job – that doesn’t automatically mean you are in the clear!
As you may know already, some businesses are open to the prospect of hiring younger and less experienced people at lower wages before training them up to fill the position. How can we keep our resumes competitive while also clearing the hurdles of ageism? Join Wordsmith and let’s find out!
What’s the buzz?
According to Ellen Neuborne of Next Avenue (an American journalism service dedicated to the older adults), using the right keywords is essential. “Your first reader is likely to be software and if you don’t clear this hurdle, human eyes may never see your resume,” Neuborne writes.
When considering what keywords to use, the hiring company’s website, their social media channels and the job description should be the first things you look at. “There you will find your vocabulary of keywords. Embrace them,” continues Neuborne.
For example, a company dedicated to serving their community would often use keywords like “community-driven”, “helping” or “for the local community” – this gives you a pretty good idea that the resume you customise for this company should also have similar narratives. However, just because a bot likes the use of keywords does not automatically mean the recruiter will be impressed. For that, you need to combine them with the next few tips!
Take a bow
While writing your resume, try to keep everything in the active voice. The passive voice may be grammatically fine, but because of the way it’s structured, the subject will always be undergoing the action of the verb… which is akin to how a historian or reporter would retell your life’s story – you aren’t dead (yet), so why not tell your story with more life and vigour?
“You are already considered less active than your younger competition, so don’t underscore that by using passive language,” explains Neuborne. “Instead, inject energy into your skill descriptions. If you have years in the work world, you can do things: organise, create, lead, sell, market, develop, train, support, design.
To further add to this point, consider using power verbs sparingly to really make your resume stand out (check out this handy list from the University of Iowa to replace commonly used words). Although business writing etiquette demands that we should always use simple and concise language wherever possible, resumes are our one opportunity to really sell ourselves. Do be specific about the details if you think they matter – names, statistics, figures, dollar values and numbers give weight to your resume! For example, if you were responsible for setting up a major business deal between your previous company and a major client, which of the following sounds more impactful?
· Arranged a key deal between our company and an international client
· Brokered a $1M deal between our company and international brand BBz
Don’t undervalue yourself by being too humble about the presentation – younger applicants may have to do so to avoid sounding cocky, but your wealth of experience should be something that you showcase! “One edge you have over the youngers is that it’s more likely you’ve done something story-worthy. You’ve had a lot more time to try,” describes Neuborne. “One professional I know always keeps her very first job – she started an ironing business in college – on her resume. Doesn’t matter that it was forever ago, it highlights her ambitious personality.”
Lastly, you might feel inclined to hide your age from your resume by not including education and graduation dates – however, Neuborne argues that you should accept and be proud of your age. “I say leaving dates off your resume is a tell,” she explains. “No young person does it. Instead, revamp your education section by ensuring the age-old college graduation date is not your most recent entry. Get an advanced degree. Get a certificate. Take classes in your field.” Neuborne makes a really good point here – your age may be fixed, but your list of potential skills can always be improved. By demonstrating that you have the aptitude and drive to learn new things, you show that you aren’t a stereotypical stubborn old dog!
Modern society is always on the lookout for the new. New innovations, new techniques and new talents to name a few. However, just because someone isn’t of the latest generation does not automatically mean inferiority – a bit of polish can do wonders at making your resume just as (if not more) competitive than those of younger job seekers.