Resume tips could help baby boomers stand out

Be it directly or indirectly, no one has proven immune from the impact of the struggling economy. Children too young to work might have been forced to deal with financial cutbacks their parents made, while those who retired prior to the economic downturn might have seen the value of their investment portfolios dwindle.

Baby boomers, a term generally used for the generation of people born between the years of 1946 and 1964, who are out of work have discovered a job market where their experience, once such a valuable asset, could actually be considered a disadvantage. Companies looking to cut financial corners might choose less experienced candidates who won't cost as much to compensate.

In fact, according to a 2010 bulletin from AARP, more than half of unemployed people age 55-plus were out of work for at least six months. For boomers still looking for work, the following resume-writing tips could help make you stand out among the masses of applicants.

n Be specific. In such a competitive job market, it can help applicants to be as specific as possible on their resumes. Forgo traditional buzzwords for accomplishments. Note specific quotas met and any specific projects worked on. Today's hiring managers are overwhelmed with applicants and are more likely to remember candidates who tout verifiable accomplishments than those who resort to the same old buzzwords.

n Abandon the rules of yesteryear. Simply put, in such a competitive job market the old rules of resume writing no longer apply. Conventional wisdom has long recommended keeping resumes short and sweet, limiting them to one page and not going back more than 10 years. Baby boomers should forget these rules, instead listing any past employment that's relevant to the job, regardless of how long it was. If it takes more than a page to list all relevant details, use as many pages as needed.

n Stay current. Most of today's resumes are submitted electronically. Once submitted, these resumes are included in a database that filters them based on certain terms and keywords. Be sure to include all the current technological terms necessary to perform the job for which you're applying. If you routinely come across job postings for which your technological experience comes up short, start learning and begin including this on your resume.

n Market yourself. Unemployed baby boomers need to market themselves effectively. Many will be writing their resumes for the first time in years. When doing so, ask yourself why a prospective company should hire you? Be sure your resume answers this question effectively.

n Include training along with education. Many baby boomers likely finished schooling many years ago. However, it can help to include additional professional training you have had over the years.

In addition to an "Education" section, include a "Training" section that shows prospective employers that you have kept up-to-date in your field. Certain credentials, such as training in since-outdated computer programs, should be left off the resume, but include any additional training that's current and relevant to the position you're applying for.

Courtesy Metro Creative Connection