6 ways to update your resume to get a job in your 60s

If you’re looking for a job in your 60s – part time or full time – you’ll need a resume. If it’s been years since you’ve done one, or you’ve never had it done professionally, you’ll most likely have a rough draft of what you should send.

Resumes are a crucial part of getting a job: they not only show off your skills and suitability for a role, they show off who you are. Here are some of the best tips we have found specifically for over 60s looking to update their resume to land that job.

1. Don’t go back any longer than 10 years

If you list all of the jobs you’ve had over your lifetime, chances are your resume will be a few pages longer than it should be. According to OlderWorkers.com.au, you should keep your employment history to what you have been doing in the last 10 years. And if you haven’t worked, show what you have been doing, i.e. volunteering etc.

2. Keep it short

You don’t need to include every single job you’ve had, especially if they were only for a few weeks. Your resume should be no longer than 3 pages.

3. Don’t give away unnecessary details about yourself

You don’t need to tell your potential employer how old you are, your gender, your eye colour, height or anything else trivial like that. All you need to provide is your name, address, phone number and email address.

4. Use dot points and short sentences

If you ramble too long, the interviewer may just skim over some more crucial traits or skills you have. Dot points are more appealing to the eye and can help summarise an otherwise lengthy paragraph.

5. Be honest but don’t give too much away

Let your future employer know if you have any health conditions that affect your work but don’t feel the need to divulge everything about yourself and life. It could jeopardise your chances!

6. Check for clarity and grammar

Use easy-to-read fonts to make sure that an prospective employer can read your resume properly, and ensure the font size is appropriate – too small can be distracting and too large can be comical. Also, make sure you read and re-read voer your resume to make sure it has correct punctuation and grammar. Get someone else to do it for you if you have trouble.

Remember, there are plenty of websites that can help you construct a resume with templates and tips, including OlderWorkers, Seek and CareerOne. Best of luck!

Have you had to look for a job recently? What happened? What was the feedback on your resume? Tell us below.