GrownUps New Zealand

Don’t Let Your CV Date You

If you’re a job seeker from the Baby Boomer generation, you may be feeling overlooked in today’s job market. You’re certainly not ready to retire, but the young recruiters you send resumes to don’t seem to recognise the value of your skills and experience. If you’re encountering age-related barriers, your resume could be part of the problem, unintentionally signalling you’re out of touch with current trends.

Here are four key ways to keep your resume working for you:

1. Keep Your Resume Current in Skills and Language

Technology and industry terminology evolve quickly, and an outdated resume can make you seem out of step with modern expectations. Review job descriptions in your field to identify the key skills employers are looking for. If there are technologies or tools listed you’re unfamiliar with, consider up-skilling through online courses, workshops, or adult education classes.

Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes, scanning for specific keywords. If your resume lacks relevant technology skills and current industry terminology, it may never reach human eyes. Update your resume with the latest terminology and skills to ensure you remain competitive.

2. Use a Modern Resume Format

If you’ve been using the same resume format for years, it may be time for a refresh. The traditional reverse-chronological format, which lists jobs in order from most recent to oldest, might not showcase your strengths effectively. Instead, consider a combination (or hybrid) resume format, which blends a skills-based summary with a chronological work history. This format highlights your expertise and accomplishments first, allowing potential employers to see your strengths at a glance before reviewing your career history.

Some outdated resume practices to avoid:

3. Strengthen Your Professional Presence

Beyond just your resume, employers often look up candidates online. Having an updated LinkedIn profile that matches your resume can boost credibility. If possible, include a link to your LinkedIn profile in your resume.

Also, be mindful of the email address you use. An older provider like Hotmail or AOL can appear outdated—opting for a simple Gmail address with your name looks more professional.

Lastly, highlight your soft skills and adaptability. Many older job seekers have strong leadership, problem-solving, and mentoring experience. These qualities are valuable in today’s workforce, so make sure they are reflected in your resume.

4. Be Concise & Impactful

Hiring managers scan resumes quickly, often spending only a few seconds on each one. To make sure yours stands out, focus on clarity and efficiency in how you present your experience.

Updating your resume with these best practices will help ensure your experience is seen as an asset rather than a liability. By aligning with modern resume trends, you can increase your chances of securing interviews and landing the role you deserve.