Finding a job can be a daunting prospect for anyone but if you are a more mature jobseeker, it may seem even more so. With lots of initiatives and projects aimed at the young unemployed, it can often seem that the older jobseeker is forgotten about. Not here however! At The Employable we aim to give support, advice and guidance to all types of job-seeker – from school leavers to those who’ve already had long careers. If you happen to fall into this latter group, this post is just for you – our CV Tips for Older Jobseekers.

Be savvy about dates

It’s standard practice to put your date of birth on your CV and the dates that you obtained any qualifications or training. However, if you are an older jobseeker, this can actually have a detrimental impact on your CV. Including these dates means that a hiring manager will automatically know your age and may make assumptions (wrong though that is) about your abilities and suitability for a given role. Although such age discrimination is illegal, it can and does happen. By removing dates like these from your CV, you are in effect protecting yourself from being a victim of such behaviour.

Omit irrelevant jobs

Don’t feel that you must include every job that you ever had on your CV. The general consensus is that your CV should not go back more than 15-20 years at most. Listing all your jobs will not necessarily strengthen your CV but may actually work against you. Also, if your school days are long gone, do you really need to list your work experience on your CV? Of course not. Make sure that you outline the jobs and experience that is relevant to the job you have applied for – that should be your focus.

Detail your accomplishments and achievements

If you have had a long career, you will undoubtedly have many achievements and accomplishments that will serve to distinguish you from other candidates. Make sure that your CV highlights and details these. Don’t make the mistake of simply listing job duties for each role you have had – that does not  necessarily ‘sell’ you to an employer – which after all is the primary purpose of your CV. Evidence of how you have brought value to previous employers is what a hiring manager will be looking for – not simply a generic listing of job duties.

Focus on language and terminology

If you are an older jobseeker, the words and terminology that you use on your CV are particularly important. If for example you list your skills and include proficiency in IT packages that are no longer even used, it won’t do you any favours. Employers will want to see evidence that you are proficient in current technology and not outdated systems and packages. Any words or terms which in a sense could ‘age’ you, should always be removed from your CV.

We hope that these basic CV tips for older jobseekers help you if you could be described as such. Got any other tips that you’d like to share? Why not let us know via the comments section below?