David Eastman ⋅ Gresham, OR Gamma Therapeutics, Inc. ⋅ 35 years experience

Hello, Gary

I find when I read resumes from veterans with over 25 years of experience--my brother served in the Navy as a Master Chief for 28 years--that the resume is too lengthy, too detailed and relates experience from 25 or more years ago. Your most relevant recent experience, in your working field in the military, is probably going to be the focus a new employer will want to see and one that you can leverage well. Never let your age stand in your way of a new job or career--I am 66 and working in a medical company--but also don't let your resume dwell on your age, but rather your accomplishments. A resume is really only meant to get you in the door for an interview and than the actual live interview takes you over the top to win the job. Keep the resume accomplishment focused, rather than job responsibilities focused, so that the employer can see what a strong, successful worker you are which illustrates high value to their organization. I agree with Cindy Faria who said that employers cannot discriminate against you because of your age or ask you age related questions. That said, you should not offer up age related subjects--just stay focused on your skillsets, your potential value to the company, and what a wonderful employee you will make.

Regards, David Eastman, former US Navy, ASW

Bob Schaefer ⋅ Garland, TX Raytheon ⋅ 9 years experience

Having been there and "got the T-shirt", I can certainly relate.
I was 54 at the time and had lots of experience.
Focus on your last few jobs - 15-20 years of experience and stress your capabilities up front. Remember, the resume is there to get you past the original screening and to a phone interview. In the age of Word processors, you need t have 10 different resumes, not just one and tailor your resume to what they are looking for.
If the job is for project management - focus on those key areas, MS Project, communication skills, Excel, etc.
To set yourself apart, research the company BEFORE you submit your resume.
tailor in some of the key mission details that the company is striving for.
You want the person that is reviewing the resume to say, "this person really understands and can help us achieve our goals."

Cindy Faria ⋅ Pensacola, FL University of West Florida ⋅ 25 years experience

Morgan and John are right!

Do not indicate on your resume or in any interview or conversation your age or anything that conveys your age or generation (dates of graduation, etc.). Focus strongly on your skills and abilities. If your skills and abilities were gained in military service, speak of them in the manner that they translate to the civilian world. Don't leave that translation up to the interviewer because they may not be able to connect the dots. You would be the one who loses out in that case. For example, if someone is a successful leader in the military, they are capable of serving in leadership roles in the civilian world, they will just be leading in different arenas. That is why Admirals and Generals generally have successful second careers in corporate leadership positions. They have the people skills needed to convey their vision and can get things done through people. For a silly example, if you drove a tank in hostile territory in the military, that conveys diligence, the ability to follow directions, ability to get the job done, ability to drive, etc. you should determine all of these things before you apply so they flow from your mouth freely. Practice saying them out loud to yourself in the mirror and then to a trusted friend/advisor for feedback before you are in an interview situation. You need to present yourself as capable and confident. If interviewers and hiring managers can picture you doing the job in their organization, you will be far ahead of others who cannot help them visualize that. If the job involves driving a vehicle or forklift, focus on your safety record as far as accidents, damage to equipment, cargo, etc., not on your safe return (although that is very important, it is not as relevant to the civilian world). In the civilian world, we expect our employees to return safely and do not have to worry about that. That said, don't NOT discuss your military service, just don't dwell on it extensively and don't get the conversation off track of your vast experience how your vast experience translates to the duties of the job opening, and how you would be an excellent employee to hire. Remember to smile and be friendly. Try not to be so nervous that you forget the social graces. I hope you have a specific type of job in mind and are not applying for lots of different roles. If you can focus on a specific area, you will be more successful. Remember that hiring managers need to be able to visualize you being successful in their job opening. If you have a narrow focus, that will be more likely. Don't act like you will take anything. We want people to want the jobs we have open, not just anything.

JOHN CHERVENAK ⋅ Berkeley Heights, NJ AIG ⋅ 25 years experience

Gary ...keep in mind that you are not alone as many of us job seekers and current job holders are past the 55 mark. You are marketing a commodity with excellent experience, maturity and self confidence and with a proven talent for team play and a Navy man as well!!
As the previous answers suggested, change the sales brochure to the desired spots and be flexible on your market price. While not necessarily the case for you, a few career jumps in the next 3-5 yrs will bring your proven value up to market.

Thank you for serving our country,

Joan Trant ⋅ New York, NY TriLinc Global LLC ⋅ 30 years experience

Gary, when tailoring your resume to the position, don't just list your previous responsibilities and activities. Try to quantify the outcome or benefit of your efforts, to demonstrate how your efforts added value to the organization's goals. Write a cover letter and use the same words/terms from the job description to describe your skills and experience, so that the recruiter can envision the match between your previous work and the role s/he is seeking to fill.

There are many online resources, including free resume templates. Google them and see which format suits you best. If you are concerned about revealing your age, you can write a functional, rather than a chronological, resume.

Many community organizations (YMCA, churches, non-profits) offer programs and support groups for job-seekers. Some even focus on mid-life career changers. These programs help with resume-writing, networking skills, job interview prep, etc. It's good to have a support structure when job-searching - you're not the only job-seeker out there!

I hope you find the company and role that allow you to apply your professional and life experience fully.

Thank you for serving our country,

Joan

Gary Folkes ⋅ Seminary, MS U.S. Navy, Petty Officer First Class ⋅ 11 years served

Thank you for your time.

Morgan Keasler ⋅ Valley City, ND Valley City State University ⋅ 7 years experience

Try to tailor your resume as much as possible to the specific position you are interested in. You have likely gained a lot of experience over your career, but you do not have to list everything on your resume. Do the recruiter's work for them, highlight the experiences and skills that make you a great match for the position. You can always talk about additional experience in the interview.
Best of luck!
Morgan