Trying to find a job is harder than ever, now that we are amid a pandemic — especially for those over 50.
Have you considered remote work in your job search? Working remotely for a job is the new thing for both job-seekers and companies looking to hire.
The benefit of working from home is the access to opportunities across the US, and even the world. You won’t have to uproot your family or move away from aging parents and loved ones. You can find your dream job and work from the comfort of your own home.
The benefit for companies looking to hire remote talent reduces operational expenses. It is a win-win for everyone!
Considering the benefits of working remotely, doesn’t it make sense to update your résumé?
How to Make Your Resume Look More Current
If you’re 50+ and have been in the same position for a while, you may not be aware of the latest resume trends. Here are a few bits of advice to consider as you start to update your resume to get that desired new position.
Format
Search for a resume layout that is both pleasing and functional.
Use fonts such as Calibri, PT Sans, Arial, or one very similar. I recommend staying away from Times New Roman; it’s an old font and could date you. The font should be no less than 10 points, and your margins all around should be no less than .65 inches. Your resume should be two pages, at most.
Summary
Objective Statements are dead.
Instead, write a summary at the beginning of your resume, highlighting the skills and abilities you bring to the role. If you have a varied background, create a few summaries beforehand to tailor the résumé to the job for which you are applying. If the summary lists too many jobs, you will confuse and lose the reader.
Content
Don’t be fooled into thinking a pretty résumé will land you an interview.
If the content does not boast the best of your skills, abilities, and achievements, then your résumé is just another pretty piece of paper.
Demonstrating your experience makes your résumé “results-driven” instead of “task-driven.”
Key Words
Your résumé will need to include keywords and/or phrases that match the industry or job for which you are applying.
Keywords allow you to beat the applicant tracking system and enable your potential employer to see the relation of your skills to the posted job. Think of your transferable skills that will fit that specific job or industry. The key is to word your skills to suit the position. This part of your résumé is where a thesaurus will come in handy.
Credentials
The typical résumé will always list your education, but what about your professional credentials? Do you have any certifications or specialized licenses?
Adding accomplishments such as these shows you are a continuous learner and/or you possess expertise in an area or field. Don’t forget about these! They can differentiate you from your competition.
All in all, writing a résumé should not be scary. You will have to put some thought and effort into the process, and it may take a few rewrites and days to get it right. Even professionals, like myself, can take up to eight hours for the first draft.
TO DO — Set a day aside this month to update your résumé using the tips above. Put a little sweat and effort into it. I guarantee it will pay off in the end.
