Great Jobs for Everyone 50+: Finding Work That Keeps You Happy and Healthy ... And Pays the Bills

CHAPTER 13

Tips for a Great Resume

“Can you take a look at my resume and see what you think?” If I had a dollar for every time I’ve been asked this in the past year, I wouldn’t be rich, but I would have some extra dough.

It’s true. Since I write about jobs and careers, it’s not surprising that I’ve been fielding calls from friends and colleagues who want me to take a look at their resumes to see what’s missing, give some pointers. I try to help. They agonize over the details. They’re frustrated beyond belief. They shoot their resumes off in a flick of a button when they hear about a job opening, and then silence—no response.

Sound familiar? I offer my two cents to them. As I mention in other chapters, I remind them that their resume is their calling card. Your resume needs to capture the essence of who you are and what you have to offer an employer. But the trick is to boil all that down into a clear, sharp and engaging one-dimensional presentation. Challenging, I know, but doable. It’s called editing. This is your highlight reel.

I tell them to keep their resumes concise, not to list any whacky jobs, and stay present as best they can.

In other words, refrain from listing every job you’ve held since hitting the working world. Watch out for gaps in your employment history. If they are there, fudge as best you can, or have a good experience to sub for it, say, time off for travel, ...