Resume for Older Workers: How to Write a Resume When You’re Over 50

Are you a mature professional looking to re-enter the workforce or switch careers?

You might face obstacles like competing with younger candidates or dealing with age-related biases. Although age is just a number, navigating the job market can sometimes feel challenging.

A well-crafted resume can help you impress by illustrating your experience, skills, and adaptability. This guide will show you how to create a modern resume that underscores your strengths and positions you as a strong applicant.

Take a moment to review the key highlights of this article, which answers the main question: how to write a resume for older adults.

Let’s see why a current resume is crucial for professionals over 50 today.

Why a modern resume matters for older workers

The job market has evolved, and so should your resume. Employers now prioritize relevant skills and accomplishments over lengthy career histories.

Using a modern resume template can help you demonstrate that you’re keeping up with industry trends and that your experience is an asset. Updating your resume also helps address potential biases by focusing on the value you bring to the role rather than your years in the workforce.

You can take advantage of Enhancv’s AI-powered resume builder to easily create a compact and age-friendly resume or enhance your current document using our free and intuitive checker.

Curious about crafting a resume for a person with 25 years of experience? Take a look at the History Teacher resume example below to learn how.

Common challenges for job seekers over 50

Job hunting as a seasoned professional comes with unique hurdles. Recognizing these challenges can help you address them effectively and position yourself as a competitive candidate.

Here are some common problems faced by job seekers over 50:  

• Age bias in hiring: Some employers may have misconceptions about older workers, assuming they are less adaptable or tech-savvy compared to younger candidates.  
• Gaps in technology skills: Rapid advancements in technology can create challenges for seasoned job seekers if they haven’t stayed up-to-date with modern tools and platforms relevant to their field.  
• Larger wage expectations: Companies might assume that older workers expect higher salaries, which could deter them from considering such applicants.  
• Lack of confidence in career transitions: Switching fields or industries later in life can feel intimidating, with concerns about competing against younger candidates.  
• Health-related concerns: Employers may harbor unfounded assumptions about potential health issues or reduced stamina affecting job performance.  

Acknowledge these obstacles and proactively address them in your application and interviews. With the right approach, your extensive experience can become your strongest advantage.

How long should a resume be for professionals with 25 years of experience?

A resume for someone with 25 years or more of experience should typically be 1-2 pages long.

Here's how to decide which:

• One page: Ideal if you're targeting a specific role and can focus on your most relevant accomplishments and skills from the past 10-15 years. This format is concise and impactful, especially for roles that value brevity.  
• Two pages: Better if you have extensive accomplishments, multiple leadership roles, or a diverse range of experiences that need to be highlighted. Use the extra space for quantifiable achievements, certifications, and advanced skills.

The best resume format for older workers

Picking the right resume format is key for workers over 50 looking to present their experience in the best way possible. A combination resume or a reverse-chronological format usually works best, depending on your career goals and the job you’re targeting.

These formats let you spotlight your skills, achievements, and career progression while keeping the focus on what’s most relevant. Plus, a modern layout can convince employers that you’re up-to-date with today’s trends.

Combination format  

• Emphasizes skills and achievements first, followed by a concise work history.
• Appropriate for showcasing transferable skills or downplaying employment gaps.
• Great if you're making a career change or want to focus on specific expertise.

Reverse-chronological format  

• Prioritizes recent and relevant experience, showing career progression.
• Ideal if you have a strong, consistent career history with roles directly relevant to the job.
• Focus in the last 10-15 years to keep it concise and relevant.

Why avoid using a functional resume format

The functional resume format may seem appealing when updating your resume for a 50+ candidate, especially if you want to downplay employment gaps or extensive work history.

However, it’s often not the best choice for several reasons:

• Raises red flags: Recruiters may view the functional format as an attempt to hide something, such as gaps in employment or lack of recent experience. This perception can work against you when updating your resume for 50+.
• Lacks context: It doesn’t provide a clear timeline of roles and accomplishments, making it difficult for hiring managers to see how you’ve applied your skills in specific positions.
• Less familiar to recruiters: Most recruiters are accustomed to reverse-chronological or combination formats, which are easier to scan and provide a more comprehensive view of your career.

We’ve discussed the most effective and less effective resume formats, so now let’s dive into the key sections to include in your resume as a mature worker.

Which sections should you put in your resume if you’re over 50?

To create a standout resume as an experienced professional, it’s important to structure it strategically. Each section should draw attention to your most relevant skills, achievements, and qualifications.

Here’s how to organize your resume for maximum impact.

Common mistakes to avoid when crafting a resume for professionals over 50

It’s understandable to have worries about potential pitfalls when crafting your resume, especially with years of experience to showcase. The good news is, that by avoiding a few common mistakes, you can create a resume that reflects your value and keeps things up-to-date.

Let’s dive into what to watch out for.

Including irrelevant or outdated experience

Listing roles or skills from over 20 years ago that aren’t relevant to the job can make your resume appear outdated. Instead, prioritize the last 10–15 years of work experience, focusing on accomplishments that align with the position.

If earlier roles are particularly relevant, consider combining them under a single heading, such as “Relevant Accounting Experience,” to highlight key contributions without overwhelming your resume.

Using an outdated format

Old-fashioned layouts with dense text, serif fonts, or decorative borders can make your resume look dated. Choose a simple template with clear sections, plenty of white space, and easy-to-read fonts like Arial or Rubik to ensure it feels current and professional.

Use font sizes between 10 and 12 points for the main text, and slightly larger sizes (14–16 points) for section headings to ensure clarity and proper hierarchy.

Listing graduation dates

Adding dates for degrees earned decades ago can unintentionally emphasize your age. Omit graduation years unless they’re recent or required, and focus on certifications or courses that show you’re continuously learning and staying up-to-date in your field.

Including a photo  

In the U.S., adding a photo to your resume is generally discouraged. It can lead to unconscious bias and is often seen as unprofessional in most industries. Hiring managers prefer to evaluate candidates based on skills and experience rather than appearance.  

Writing a generic summary

The Resume Summary is your opportunity to make a strong first impression and grab the recruiter’s attention. A generic statement like, "Hardworking professional looking for opportunities," fails to showcase your unique value and skills. Instead, craft a summary tailored to your expertise and accomplishments.

For example, an accountant with 25 years of experience might say:

Not passing ATS filters

Many resumes are overlooked by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) due to complex designs or missing keywords. To avoid this, skip the fancy graphics or intricate fonts that ATS might not read properly. Make sure to include job-specific keywords straight from the job description to match what the system is looking for.

Conclusion

A modern resume helps experienced workers showcase their strengths, address potential biases, and present themselves as forward-thinking professionals. By focusing on relevant skills, measurable accomplishments, and a clean design, you can prove that your experience is a powerful asset. Regular updates will ensure your resume stays competitive and ready for the next big opportunity.