Resume Tips for Mature Professionals
If you are over 55 years old, considering career reentry and have concerns about age discrimination in the interview, you are not alone.
Research by AARP shows that workplace discrimination against older people, is pervasive. AARP surveys revealed that around one third (32%) of older adults in the workforce have heard negative comments in their workplace regarding a coworker’s age. Although there are employment laws protecting jobseekers from age discrimination, a recruiter's perception of a candidate's age might still be used against a candidate in a job search.
Many say age discrimination is very subtle and hence more difficult to prove since most people genuinely think that the normal process in the workplace is for younger workers to replace older ones. Even though this may have been the generally accepted practice in the past, today's workforce has Baby Boomers, Millennials and Gen Xers and Z's coexisting in the workplace at the same time.
Although these perceptions exist, mature professionals considering career reentry should know that a recent 64% of adults between 55 and 64 have returned to work, which matches pre-pandemic rates and surpasses the employment rate of younger groups.
As you apply for jobs consider what employers might be thinking.
The reality is, employers might be thinking that experienced or older candidates cost more due to higher salaries, pensions, training and healthcare benefit costs.
As you strategize for your career reentry job search, your goal is to consider seriously what you want employers to think about you. Your goal? To get the company to see that they can't afford NOT to hire you.
Think about the following as you write your career reentry resume and prepare for your interview:
Stay cheerful and high energy for all phone or in-person job interviews
Speak to the benefits of experience, professional maturity and expertise
Keep resume content current and stick to relevant information
Speak to the long term value you can bring to the company
Tell stories about outstanding outcomes in prior assignments
Consider using a functional resume
Use cover letters to focus on relevant, recent experiences
Speak to your ability to collaborate and work with everyone from Boomers to Gen Z.
Here’s a word of caution as you try to reenter the workforce. Before you conclude that your job search is failing because of age discrimination, consider if you might be sabotaging your own job search in some of the following ways.
Did you share an unwillingness to relocate or commute?
Are you showing an unwillingness to gain new knowledge and skills?
Have you prepared for the job interview?
Did you research the company?
Were you unclear about long term commitment?
Did you share salary expectations beyond market value?
Companies seeking the best candidates will look at the 55 and older candidates. If you suspect a hiring manager is succumbing to personal biases, that is their loss. Know that you would not want to work there anyway.
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