Been in the workforce more than 15 years? If so, it might be time to update and revamp your resume. Especially when job search competition is fierce. Keep your resume looking fresh with these quick tips.

Tip #1

Look at your current resume design and formatting. If it is left aligned and in block formatting, it needs help. If it is in all caps, it needs a redo. If you used a Selectric Typewriter to create your resume back in 1985, it is truly time for a revamp.

Tip #2

If none of the above apply - great. But are you using a free resume template? If so, that can also date your resume. Consider a new design completely unassociated with a resume template. If you do a quick search on the web, you'll find a bevy of sample designs. Be sure to select a straight forward design with simple yet sophisticated formatting, fonts and bullets.

Tip #3

Does your resume include a career objective or summary that inadvertently reveals your age? If it does, rewrite it immediately. Your resume is doing you a disservice if it boasts that you have "23 years of experience." By simply replacing "23 years" with "extensive experience" you've shed a couple of years.

Tip #4

Within the resume body, take the spotlight off of dates. Take a look at Resume Sample #1 and Resume Sample #2 located below. Looking at my fictitious client, Etti Simon's Resume #2, it takes a bit more effort to find the dates than it does on Resume #1. By taking the focus off of dates on Etti's resume, the hiring manager is able to judge Etti on her experience and accomplishments instead of her age. Do you see what I mean?

Sample #1:

1986 to 2009 - A STREET INSURANCE, Milwaukee, WI

Customer Service Associate

Sample #2:

A STREET INSURANCE, Milwaukee WI - 1986 to 2009 - Customer Service Associate

Tip #5

Remove dates from college graduation or certifications noted on your resume too. Take out any dates on classes or seminars that reveal your age.

Tip #6

In most instances, you really don't need to go back more than 15 years on your resume. There are strategies to mask your age and still demonstrate your expertise in earlier roles.

By using these simple tips and making strategic adjustments to your resume, you'll be a step ahead of your competition - no matter the age!

Patricia Erickson is a certified professional resume writer and career coach who helps clients to get focused on making great impressions, getting interviews, and finding dream jobs. She works with clients to craft high impact resumes and execute step by step plans that get them in the door and hired. Before your next interview, be sure to claim your FR*EE Interview Fitness Toolkit, visit Patricia's site at www.avitacareermanagement.com