If you're feeling symptoms of age discrimination, you should know that your resume could be the culprit, categorizing you as out of date and over the hill.
There are three ways your resume can put you in the over the hill category. Your resume is due for an update if it contains:
1. Outdated technology skills2. Outdated industry or occupational terminology3. Outdated resume trendsDon't despair if your resume is out of date. You can perform an extreme resume makeover by using the tips below.
1. Make sure you are up to date on your industry's technology.Check multiple job descriptions within your industry to see what technologies employers really want. Determine which technologies are missing from your resume. Then decide what you need to learn or do in order to fill that technology gap. Consider adult education classes, college classes, or even online learning.
You should be aware that technology terms are often used as keywords to filter the best resumes from electronic databases. If your resume doesn't have them, it may never be seen. Make sure your technology skills aren't leaving you behind.
2. Make sure your resume is using current terminology.If you have just been adding to the same old resume over the years, then your early entries may be using outdated terms. One way to bring your resume up to date is through publications from your industry's professional associations. If you don't belong to any professional associations, you might be missing out on the latest industry-speak.
Another good resource is job descriptions. Search job descriptions in your field for recurring terms. Learn to use the current terminology for your industry correctly and effectively.
3. Make sure your resume reflects today's trends in resume format and style.
Ten or fifteen years ago, the old-fashioned reverse-chronological format may have worked for you. But now that you have more experience, it may not be the best choice. The more advanced hybrid format may be much better at promoting your skills and expertise, providing you with a more professional presentation. With the hybrid resume, potential employers will form an impression of you based on your best accomplishments, not just your most recent job description.
You should also realize that some of the old resume rules just don't apply any more. For example:
You'll want to have (1) a standard Word format (for printouts and as email attachments), and (2) a Plain Text version for online forms. This will save you a lot of time in repairing lost formatting, which often occurs when cutting and pasting a Word document into a text-only form.
Let your experience work for you rather than against you. Using these tips to update your resume can make a noticeable difference in interest from employers. And your new resume will be a better reflection of your hard-earned skills, talents, and expertise.
About the Author:
Deborah Walker, Resume Coach, and former executive recruiter understands from an insider’s view the resume errors that can spell disaster for “post-50” job seekers. Her resume advice has helped many continue to reach their career objectives regardless of their age. Visit Deb at http://www.AlphaAdvantage.com or email Deb@AlphaAdvantage.com
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