Tips for Older Job Seekers
By now you probably have heard about the Great Resignation or Great Reshuffle. At Dress for Success, we call it the She-Cession because of the number of women who have left or are considering leaving the workforce.
For many, finding a new job is as simple as a quick resume review and hitting submit. However, older or seasoned job seekers must put more thought into how to present themselves and their experience without being overlooked. Unfortunately, ageism is a thing, and it can be hard for more seasoned job seekers to stand out. Dress for Success Indianapolis provides free career services and support for women in Indy who are looking to enter and excel in the workplace. I caught up with our resident HR Consultant, Cici Conover, and got some of her tips to help you find your next role in this hot job market.
Search in the Right Place
As a candidate with years of experience, I would suggest looking at relevant professional associations. National organizations may have a local chapter and frequently have job boards with current openings. LinkedIn is a great resource as well to connect with others in your profession, allowing you to network and find upcoming openings not yet advertised. Not only does LinkedIn advertise job openings, but organizations target qualified candidates to market their positions.
Age-Proof Your Resume
Do not include the graduation dates for college degrees if it was more than 10 years ago. Unless relevant and important, do not include a work history that is more than 20 years old.
Keep It Short
Resumes should not be longer than two pages. Additionally, resumes should be tailored to market relevant skills needed for each job type. So, if you are applying for multiple job types, you should have a resume for each type. That may mean expanding and elaborating on some jobs while shortening up others that are not as relevant. Be strategic in carefully using what space you have to get the attention of the hiring manager.
Remain Relevant in Your Industry
Remaining relevant means staying current with the trends and technology for that industry. Earn and maintain relevant certifications, and attend online training courses, seminars and conferences. Follow leaders in your profession on LinkedIn to see what has their attention and interest.
Update the Format
Selecting a current format for your resume demonstrates your ability and interest in remaining current with the times. While content will win out over style, an old-fashion, boring-looking resume sends the wrong message.
Looking for and securing a new opportunity is one of the most intense and anxiety-riddled processes many of us experience. Just remember that you have a gift, and your experience is exactly what someone is looking for. If you would like more help and support on your search, visit https://www.indydfs.org/career-resource-center/ for resume templates, interview tips and local job postings.
Shayla Pinner is a communications strategist and community connector passionate about helping businesses and people find and connect with their tribe. She is the Director of Marketing and Development at Dress for Success Indianapolis.
