Baby Boomers: Resumes and Cover Letters for Ages 50 and Older

Posted by in Career Advice


If you are a Baby Boomer, you are a part of a generation that is headed toward retirement. However, due to our slumping economy, there is a chance that even if you are able to retire, you could be making a u-turn right back into the workforce to supplement your retirement savings. With competition being so stiff, it may seem that the odds are against you for getting hired, especially having to compete with younger talent. In some cases this is true, but there are also employers out there looking for the skills and expertise mature workers can bring to the table. So if you’re a Baby Boomer looking for employment, it is not too late to secure a great job. You just need the right resume and cover letter to get you in the door. Updating Your Resume If you’ve been out of the job market for a decade or more, updating your resume may be more challenging than you remember, especially when you factor in the Internet and possibly having to apply online. But that’s not all you have to think about. As a mature worker, you also have the challenge of creating a resume that showcases your years of experience without shining a spotlight on your age. So how can you get this done? One way is by using a functional resume format that highlights specific skills rather than chronological timelines. When writing your skills, try going into detail regarding projects you’ve completed that have benefited your previous companies. You can also create a section that focuses on the computer technologies you’ve mastered or any training you’ve completed. All of these things can help employers focus more on your skills and talents, and less on your age. Using Your Cover Letter to Reveal Who You Really Are Being a mature worker, you may have to contend with a few stereotypes during your job search. Some include you being less productive than your younger counterparts, more resistant to newer technologies, and set in your ways. Of course, none of those descriptions define who you really are. But it is up to you to help prospective employers understand this. One way to do this is by explaining how important it is for you to expand the landscape of your career. You’re not in it for the money, you simply want to grow. If you’ve recently received any advanced degrees or additional education, don’t hesitate to mention it. And most importantly, let employers know you have no intentions of leaving the industry any time soon – you’re still getting your feet wet. Confidence is Key You may be feeling uncertain about your ability to compete in an already competitive job search. But don’t let that deter you. You have years of experience under your belt and the skill level to match. So make sure you maintain your confidence throughout your job search process. It will shine through in your resume, cover letter, and face-to-face interview. Getting back into the workforce as a Baby Boomer isn’t an impossible task if you believe in your capabilities and make a strong effort to excel. The more proactive you are about putting yourself out there, the more success you will have in locating opportunities that can take your career to the next level.
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  • Lara
    Lara
    The formatting of your CV is not really the problem, as long as it is clear and concise and has the main headings that will be fine.  You need to make sure that you put the right information in there clearly, detailing out things correctly and removing all  waffle .  Also dependent on your experience or what you do, please try to keep this as short as possible.  Might I suggest that under your personal details at the top you include a few lines of summary explaining who you are, what you do and what you are looking for.  Under that I would include a Career History, putting in the company name, the position and the dates you were there.  Perhaps include one line as to what they do i.e. manufacturer of pencils etc.  Add a paragraph on your responsibilities and then on your achievements.  Do this for all your positions.Towards the end include your education, what qualifications you got and where you got them from.  Then detail out any extra curricular activities you may have/do i.e. manage a kids football team, school governor, chair of a charity etc.  Finally add the bottom References then under that Available on request.  There is no reason to give them references from the very beginning on a CV unless their specific job application that you have to fill out requires it.I look at CV's all day every day, so I have an idea as to what works.. I hope these suggestions help!
  • Jaycee
    Jaycee
    Hey, good to find someone who agrees with me.
  • Keshawn
    Keshawn
    At last, someone comes up with the right answer!
  • Hank
    Hank
    Your answer was just what I needed. It made my day!
  • nancy lenz
    nancy lenz
    Yes, I have the same question. I have many years of accomplished work and I need and want to continue to be in the work force. Is there a recruiting company who specializes in finding employment for seniors or I should say baby boomers?
  • susan
    susan
    Is there a specific recruiting company specializing in finding employment for boomers?  I have a wealth of knowledge & skillsin outside sales but have been out of this marketfor 2 years and I am 56 years old.  I plan to keepworking for at least 10 years more. Can you help me?
  • flora hlls
    flora hlls
    I retired from AT&T in 2002 as a manager. Now I am trying to get back into the work force doing clerical work. I have all kinds of skills. I think my age has a lot to do with it. I worked for AT&T for 32 years. I was an overseas operator, reports clerk, records clerk, sales rep, designer clerk, a data entry clerk and a supervisor. I am a baby boomer and I am not ready to lie down and die. I am not afraid of work. I worked for Experience Works, Inc from June, 2007 to May, 2008. This is a senior citizen work program. They told me I made to much money. They had to let me go. Seems like to me they would like for seniors to be able to take care of themselves.
  • Lee Duncan
    Lee Duncan
    After nearly twenty years as a tour guide and tour director I have been out of work for most of the last ten years.  I'm having trouble figuring out which skills are transferrable to modern life.  Nobody seems to care about customer service and support anymore. Every one seems occupied with getting everything done as quickly and cheaply as possible.  

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