Should Your Resume be Age Neutral?

I initially included dates on my resume (while job hunting in West Africa) until, I became sensitive to the fact that I appear to look much younger than my age indicates. I wear long skirts, mostly long sleeved blouses, and comfortably fitting pants to interviews. I am confident and happy, and sometimes have to contain the joy inside of me. I've noticed that the business environment here doesn't exactly encourage laughter. Though some jokes, especially female jokes are ok. After spending 10 years in the US in telecommunications, that was ended with downsizing, I learned to appreciate joy and wanting to do something for the love of it.

Some people have guessed my age to be 20 years less than it actually is. I never really had a problem with saying my age, until I started looking for a job here.
Then I noticed, that when people, men especially found that I was older than I looked, they got a bit turned off, as if I tricked them or something. My technical background had some appeal, but it also seemed to cause a bit of confusion, as it shows experience in research, physics, and telecommunications, and I've been told that some men are threatened by that.

Most people wondered why I was here in Africa. I would occasionally get the opportunity to tell them the whole story and vision of wanting to go to Africa, while I worked in America, and that being here now, was like a dream come true.

Meanwhile, I soon changed my whole approach to the age question, and just avoided it, whenever possible, and kept it as a non issue, whenever possible. I'd like to say it doesn't matter, but here in W.Africa, especially, it has mattered for me. (I hate to admit it, but sexuality is also an issue for women looking for jobs from my experience. Secretaries who become girlfriends , et. al., situations are common, ... as in the US in some instances from what I hear...) And on the other hand, things are changing, and opening up for women, as a whole. And being an American, does get you noticed, you just have to take it from there.

I am a 54 year old single mother who will never think of themselves as being old. The age question has always been in the back of my mind as well. I have over 20 years of experience in sales, training and customer services. So, I think employers look at the 20 years and add 20 years to it mentally and figure out I have to be at least 40 years old or more.

I have left the dates on my resume especially since it has no gaps in time and I feel that's important. I truly want to believe especially now, that employers are looking for talented people. At least that's what I've learned in my human resource courses. It's the only way they can remain competitive.

Any competitor can eventually duplicate the products and services you sell. However, talent in your workforce is even harder to duplicate. Employers really need to take a harder look at their human resources. A seasoned employee can add to that talent, mentor and train the younger employees, not to mention the disciplined work ethic they bring with them.

I'm still searching for employment, but I won't let "age discrimination" hold me back. If an employer after looking at my resume can't see how I can add value to their workforce in spite of my age, then do I really want to work for them?

I am a 57 year old woman and I feel that no one wants to hire a woman of my age, I do have exprience in the medical field and I was a assisted Living manager. five years ago I had gone back to work at the center and I became ill I would like to work from home. but I can't seem to find anything that does'nt cost a lot of money to get started. can you point me in the right direction? Thank Annie

Thanks for the great and very useful tips. Being "experienced" seems to be helpful in some ways, but a hindrance in others. It certainly does help to have the right attitude and point of view. I don't feel old, so why should anyone else see me as old? I recently read a great article about creating an exceptional resume. It's by Tony Beshara, who's appeared on the Dr. Phil Show. You can find it at: http://www.w2wlink.com/Articles/Creating-Resume-Gets-Results-artid208.aspx on the w2wlink.com Web site: href="http://www.w2wlink.com/w2wlink/Women-Leadership-Networking-Entrepreneu
rial-Business-Work-Life-Balance.aspx">w2wlink.com
I found it very helpful.

As a professional development consultant and someone with 20 years of experience in Human Resources Management and Staff Development, I can tell you that missing dates are always a red flag that something is amiss. I have by-passed otherwise "paper qualified" applicants because I just did not have the time to spend guessing or investigating why an applicant won't tell me how long they've held a job, or give me a snapshot of their professional growth over time.

On the flip side,I understand older workers shying away from the dates to make themselves more marketable. My suggestion is to change your resume format to one that highlights your competencies and downplays the chronological job history. A format like a functional or targeted resume always works best for the seasoned job seeker. Add a well crafted cover letter and you've made your potential employer take notice.

A final note...your interviewing poise can also make or break you. Let go of the negative karma about age, and the pre-conceived notion that age is a factor. If you think so, then you project that discomfort and the employer will sense your insecurity. Dress age appropriately, minimize accessories and make-up, and carry yourself with confidence. Make no jokes or references to your age because if the joke lands flat, so will the interview. Here's your new mantra. "I'm not old, I'm experienced, well rounded, and informed!" Let it work for you, not against you!