Hi this is Tommy. After completing my classes at The University of Alabama I wanted to share with you some of the current do’s and don’ts for sending out resumes in today’s environment. We have been guided tremendously in the Master’s program by our instructors so we will be successful in the corporate environment. Today, employers want to avoid any chance of discrimination about age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital and parental status, and ethnicity. The less you say on the résumé, the more likely you make the cut. Each word, phrase and sentence needs to be carefully selected to prove that you are the right person for the job.
Specifically according to the experts, here are some things to take off your résumé, especially for those of us over the age of 50.
1. Graduation dates
Include your degree, major (if it is relevant) and the institution. But take off the date. Age discrimination is a concern for many people looking for work. Avoid tempting reviewers to do the math to discover your age.
2. Irrelevant experience
If you are applying for sales and you have substantial experience in IT project management, downplay the irrelevant experience and create new achievement statements that support your experience with customers. Make your non-sales experience sound more like sales. Shorten job entries that don’t support your sales message.
3. Jobs in the dim, dark past
Rule of thumb is to include your last 10 to 15 years of experience. If you need to prove expertise you gained long ago, you might use the title “Other Relevant Experience” and describe your achievements, without the dates of employment. Baby boomers should be careful not to include 30 years of experience. Why give hiring managers a clue you are over 50 until they meet you in person?
4. Personal section
Résumés of the past often included personal information such as marital status, family members and even church membership. All of that information is illegal to collect, so don’t include it. Also eliminate references to hobbies, clubs and political views. A “Community Work” section can show your leadership skills, but stick with noncontroversial organizations such as Rotary, Lions, the Chamber of Commerce and recognized nonprofits.
5. Gaps in history
Eliminate gaps in your work history by filling in with short, truthful statements. “Homemaker sabbatical” will explain a five-year work hiatus and allow the interviewer to focus on your history. You can also fill gaps with part-time jobs, direct sales positions or consulting projects.
6. Photos
These may not be on your résumé, but once a potential employer has your full name they might as well be. Polish all social networking profiles and remove any unprofessional or embarrassing photos. Ask your friends to clean up social networking profiles for you, too. If you are gray or balding, you might consider removing your photo during your job search. Your résumé is designed to present the professional you. Write it with a job description in mind, avoiding any details that might detract from your single-minded pursuit of that job. Remember, job interviewers have facebook also……
So in conclusion ask yourself if you were faced with having to do your resume today, is it up to date? Make you stand out as a candidate? Or eliminate you for consideration. If you follow these six steps hopefully the next time you do a resume’ to advance your career you will be ahead of the game.
Excellent information, Tommy. Folks of all ages are seeking outside the home employment and are in need of updating their resume. I like that you touched upon the social networks and work history. These are key points that potential employers pay close attention to.
Another key point would be to proof your resume to ensure it is free from spelling errors, which signifies a lack of concern in the details. It’s just as bad as showing up to an interview in a tank top and flip-flops. Be professional (regardless of the position applying for), have an eagle eye for details, and take the initiative to make an outstanding impression.