Twenty-eight years of history doesn't disappear with a layoff, even if the daily routine does.

10 Comments

1. AnonymousMarch 18,2026 at 12:39PM UTC

   What do you do and where are you??

2. Doris CarmichaelMarch 18,2026 at 2:26PM UTC

   I was a Finance Manager with a telco company. I managed aligning expenses to revenue.

   I am in the Atlanta metro area but was working remote. I prefer to work in an office or hybrid.

3. AnonymousMarch 23,2026 at 8:08PM UTC

   As a finance manager, you should be in demand. If you attended college at all, for anything, put the name of the school with no comments. Since putting graduation dates isn't done any more, just naming the school should suffice. After that, dazzle them with your experience and accomplishments.

4. AnonymousMarch 18,2026 at 12:53PM UTC

   Make sure you are emphasizing the right keywords on your resume; since you have been working for almost 30 years, you are bound to have accumulated a number of marketable, relevant, impressive skills.Use AI to format a draft of the resume, emphasizing the skills you have mastered and making sure the keywords match up to the type of position you are applying for. Once AI gives you a draft, revise it, then let another human being with experience in your field review it as well. Be sure to say something like 10+ years of experience; don't say 20 or 28, because you don't want to fall victim to ageism. Attend job fairs, ask your former employer to recommend you for jobs, and make sure your friends, family, and anyone else who might be able to help you knows you're looking. Good luck!

5. OLIVIA JOHNSONMarch 18,2026 at 2:15PM UTC

   Hi Doris!

   Great to meet you virtually. Wish it was on better terms, however I have seen quite a few if not most transitions from your position put individuals in a much better place. I am praying it will be the same for you.

   I applaud you for reaching out and sharing your challenges. I have a few key tips below that I believe address what you expressed (assuming the basics have already been covered). I also recommend if you find it challenge to do these things yourself you could lean towards a few different sources I have also included below.

   Resume Tips:
   Your education section is a non-negotiable! Always include what you have: degree type, discipline, school). If you didn’t finish a degree, leaving it blank just creates more questions and makes recruiters question what else is missing. List the institution, relevant coursework, and how much of the program you completed. You can use credit hours and/or aligned coursework to show knowledge and reduce questions. Education belongs at the bottom of your resume, which will also help in taking the initial focus off of this area.

   Certifications are a great way to upskill without a degree. For you I would consider including this in with your education section so you can place your certifications as more recent continuing education to help populate the section. IF you are clear on a direction you would like to go in then find certs that would show more recent training and more specialization. IF not sure you can always take certs that enhance your transferable skills or trending i.e. AI, etc. For certs you should include the issuing body, year, or in process if not yet completed. There are free certs out there and they don't have to be long-term courses. LinkedIn & Coursera (recommend university or reputable corporations) have some good options.

   Keyword Optimization
   Compare your resume against the job descriptions you are pursuing. Identify keywords — skills, tools, certifications, titles — that appear in the posting that you possess and naturally incorporate them into your resume. No need to remove anything you add. Continue to add and build as you move forward.

   Resume Writing / Reviewing Sources
   Find a Coach / Resume Writer - Having a person talk with you, explore your goals and help you shape the best resume for you is priceless. Especially for the investment it may cost to secure a new role. Shameless plug for The Muse Coaches if needing somewhere to start.

   Canva - Look for ATS friendly resume templates

   AI - Utilizing ChatGPT or similar resume builders is not a bad idea. Just keep in mind that it does not include the human reasoning to customize for your specific situation unless you tell it.

   Hope this helps.

   Coach Olivia

6. Doris CarmichaelMarch 18,2026 at 2:23PM UTC

   Thank you Olivia, yes that helps!

   I just recently completed Google Cybersecurity Certification program and have added that to me resume in the education section therefore hoping to receive some positive responses from my applications.

7. OLIVIA JOHNSONMarch 23,2026 at 6:40PM UTC

   Hi Doris!

   That's awesome! Add a few others that would really boost or showcase your depth of experience or knowledge in the field or upskilling. I would recommend at least 3 in total, no more than 5. Keep in mind this also includes trainings, so they don't only have to be full certification programs to work in your favor.

   Coach Olivia

8. Boby BryanMarch 18,2026 at 3:08PM UTC

   I hear you — that’s a tough spot, but your experience counts for a lot more than a piece of paper. I’d focus on highlighting specific skills and achievements from those 28 years, and consider certifications or short courses that show up-to-date knowledge. Networking and reaching out directly to hiring managers can also help get your resume seen. You’ve got valuable experience; it’s just about framing it the right way.

9. Tiasha StevensonMarch 19,2026 at 1:12PM UTC

   I’d suggest working with a resume writer. They have more experience with the current job market and will elevate the language to help you get more looks.

   Also find someone at the company to share your resume or refer you.

   And find companies you want to work for and apply on their job site vs. using LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.

   By the time they post on the big sites, it may already be filled and they’re just posting as a legality.

   P.S. Consider companies like Excelon. I recently saw a job posting of theirs that said “college degree or 7-9 years of relevant work experience as the equivalent.” Because they have a focus on workforce development, they understand the value of different types of learning & experience. College is one. Trade school is one. Work experience is one. They each have value.

   Best wishes in your search!

10. Marge Langley RockwellMarch 19,2026 at 6:54PM UTC

    Lots of good tips here. I would add having someone proofread your resume, cover letter, etc..You are looking for advice from this community…not advise.

    I know I’m nitpicking but details matter.

    I bet you have plenty to offer your next employer. Wishing you the best of luck.