Write a Winning Résumé
By: AARP.org | Source: AARP.org
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- Resumes for 50+ Workers Often Need Makeovers
- Recareering: What Are My Transferable Skills?
- Combination Resumes Highlight Skills and Experience
- 7 Fundamental Rules for Crafting a Rock-Solid Resume
- Job Hunting: Your Guide to Success (PDF)
- See All Job Tips
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AARP Programs
National Employer Team
These companies, formerly known as Featured Employers, joined with AARP in this program because they recognize that older workers make up a very important part of the workforce. They want to hire older workers because they know that they bring leadership, experience, and skills to do the job.
A resume is not an end in itself; it’s a tool to get the employer’s attention. You need a well-written, up-to-date resume to market yourself effectively.
An attention-getting resume is one that conveys your personal brand—the unique combination of skills, achievements and abilities that shows you are an outstanding candidate for the job.
The must-do’s
- Tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. Don’t send the same resume to hundreds of employers.
- Keep it brief—maximum two pages.
- Proofread several times. One typo can send your resume to the trash.
- Always include a cover letter with your resume.
Basic elements of a resume
- Contact information: name, mailing address, phone, and e-mail address
- Brief statement of your key experience and strengths. This is optional, but many career experts recommend it as a way to convey key information at a glance.
- Work experience that is relevant to the job for which you are applying
- Skills, areas of expertise, and specific accomplishments
- Education, training, and certifications
- Awards, professional memberships, and volunteer work—if relevant to the job
Keywords—the key to success
- Keywords are the industry-specific terms necessary to get attention. Learn more about keywords at QuintCareers.com.
- Sprinkle keywords throughout the resume. Use them when referring to job titles, accomplishments, experience, skills, education, career objectives, and training.
- In online resumes, use the exact keywords and language that the employers uses in the job posting, or your resume will be discarded.
What to include
- Your most recent relevant jobs—within the last 15 years.
- Accomplishments, not just job duties. Avoid phrases like “responsible for” or “duties included.”
- Results and outcomes. Quantify your achievements and use action verbs. For example, “increased sales by 40%,” “expanded program,” “exceeded fundraising targets.”
- Skills and experience that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Include computer and IT skills!
- Transferable skills from non-work settings such as volunteering—especially if you have gaps in your work history.
- For more on how to present yourself in your resume, see these tips from RetirementJobs.com.
What to leave out
- Dates of education
- Early job history
- Dates of jobs more than 20 years ag. Say “five years” instead of “1980-85.”
- Personal information, such as age, height, race, religion, or health status.
Resume styles
- A chronological resume works well if you have had steady employment in an industry or field and want to remain in the field.
- A functional resume is organized by skills and expertise. This is especially useful if you’re changing careers, because it focuses on transferable skills that carry over from one field to another.
- A combination resume includes elements of both chronological and functional resumes. Organize your resume by skills as in a functional resume--but also include a brief chronological list of key positions at the beginning or end of the resume.
Formatting your resume
- The print version of your resume should use at least 11 point font, black ink on white paper. No colors, photos, or fancy fonts!
- A plain text version is the same resume but without formatting features such as bullets, bold fonts, etc. Use the plain text version for pasting into online forms and databases. The Riley Guide tells you how.
- Format the resume yourself instead of using resume-building tools provided by online job sites. Many online resume forms require a chronological format.
Sell yourself, not your resume
A resume is important, but don't hide behind it. If you find yourself saying, “As it says in my resume…,” stop! Instead, focus on presenting yourself confidently as someone who is a great match for the job. This applies to networking situations, writing a cover letter, or interviewing for a job.
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