Over 50 and preparing

9 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 9,2025 at 1:13PM UTC

   Interesting idea about changing the resume from date based to skill not sure how you would do that. But it’s interesting!

   however ageism isn’t a thing unless you make it a thing. When I was looking I made it clear in my cover letter and at any first contact that I was seasoned and mature and was looking for a situation that appreciates this. I am not a fit for every job regardless of age and neither are you. I am up front about my age and it has held me well in interviews and in my current job. The one thing you need to be careful of is plans about retirement. Even if you have a plan do not breathe a word of it to anyone. That will harm you for sure. I’ve actually had someone ask me when I planned to retire , recently. I said NEVER. I tell them I’d go stark raving mad if I didn’t work. Now not everyone is as dramatic as I , but I got the point across and knew why she was asking and it wasn’t out of curiosity it was out of a planning thing. Very sloppy and I immediately told my boss …who is 20 years younger than me, by the way. Once they know you’re retiring and if there is a date you’ll get sidelined. It’s just natural. Be proud of your age and you’ll find the right fit. Good luck!

2. AnonymousApril 11,2025 at 12:39PM UTC

   Ageism is absolutely a thing. Maybe you have not experienced it, but it’s definitely a thing that many do experience. While it’s true some folks do not care and just want the right person for the job, many do. When you have directors and VPs now that are late 20s and early 30s, and all senior leadership tends to be on the young side, age does become a factor. Don’t be dismissive of other people’s experiences.

3. AnonymousApril 9,2025 at 2:43PM UTC

   I'm not sure how the "skill-based" resume would work. I have 25 years of experience, including senior management in the IT field at a software company. I was laid off in 2003 and haven't worked in IT since. It depends on the company and the industry whether they would even consider such a resume. I know IT wouldn't, because I am a "dinosaur" compared to the skills required now. Other jobs that do not morph as quickly or utilize "high tech" may consider this, but not many places will give these resumes a first or second look. It also would not work well in ATS systems that pre-load your job experience from a resume when you apply.

4. Abbi GoldApril 9,2025 at 3:17PM UTC

   When employers have you fill

   out applications, dates of employment and education are required fields. Even with a skills-based resume, it is very hard to hide a timeline.

5. AnonymousApril 9,2025 at 8:27PM UTC

   I'm not so sure about a skills based resume and your assertion that employers aren't interested in who you've worked for previously. I would imagine any interview would include questions about your progressive experience and responsibilities, and previous employers. If you go with a skills based resume, I'd be well prepared to explain why you chose that path instead of listing your previous employers. Kind of sounds like you're trying to mask something.

   I agree with the other poster who said age isn't a thing unless you make it something. Being over 50 is not a death sentence. This board has been trending towards ageism (and frankly, many other -isms) as an excuse for not getting hired. Maybe someone was better qualified, interviewed better, or had an employee referral.

   Finally, if i were interviewing a candidate and had to match column A to column B...skills to employers...I'd immediately eliminate that person from consideration. Too much work.

6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 10,2025 at 2:37AM UTC

   Pretty much nothing to said about resumes is true.

   As a recruiter, there's not much I dislike more than a "functional" or as you call it, "skill based" resume.

   In reality, employers and most especially, hiring managers, absolutely want to know when and where you did something. I need your experience in context. That skillset I need - are you doing that now? Did you do that 5 years ago? 12 years ago?

   Under no circumstances should you "summarize a list of employers". I'm not sure why an applicant would want to avoid talking about the experience that could get them hired.

   And if a company wants to make you an offer, you will have to provide all this information for a background check. Getting caught lying on your resume, application or the background check form is the quickest way to get an offer rescinded.

   This advice is an express lane to the "decline" pile.

7. AnonymousApril 10,2025 at 8:54PM UTC

   Previous recruiter, yes functional resumes, or the people who liked to dress up the resume with some fancy format received no interest. Chronological order, where did you work, WHEN did you use the skills required and also, certifications are important only if you have the skills to back it up. I always hated getting resumes of people who had certs and no experience. That is a time waster. Now I'm in higher ed and students have better resumes than many others who have work experience. I keep my resume updated and use quantitative data I can back up. And yes, background checks, always be honest. And never lie about your education. That will get you nowhere.

8. AnonymousApril 10,2025 at 8:56PM UTC

   No truer words!

9. MaryLoApril 10,2025 at 11:57AM UTC

   I’m experiencing this now. I was laid off last year after a long career in health tech. I feel like I should be in my prime, but was laid off unexpectedly. I just turned 50 and it’s really tough out there.