How do I write a resume after 31 years at the same job

[Paula Sims]

Hello all,
First of all, yes, I admit I am DAMN LUCKY to have a job for 31 years, let alone at the same company with good benefits. It wasn't always good (had some horrible times) but I stuck it through for the insurance.

That said, I have a chance to get a job at our DC branch (yes, with the good guys ) and I need to update my resume. So how do I write it? It's been YEARS since I've had to and yes, I've gotten promoted and whatnot, done different things, but what do I do when I've been at the same place so long? When I started, we always put objectives and whatever on top but I see that is now passee (who doesn't want a challenging position blah blah blah - or at least would admit it).

Yes, I did Google the answers but I want to know what works in the real world. I'm sure we have some recruiters or others in my situation.

Thanks!

Paula

[Agschmid]

1. List your various positions, condense where needed especially since your internal.

Add skills, additional training, degrees if applicable, participation in office groups (if they exist?)

[SimpleC]

2. Skill Based Resume

I used to bounce around a lot and have a highly technical background and had to write resumes not so much based on my longevity at any particular company. The strategy I used to overcome this obstacle was I focused not so much on my company times, but rather the skills I had acquired and such forth.

I've had success with that strategy, received many phone calls and interviews.

I think a similar strategy might work for you, concentrate on your skills and what you've learned over the years. Your time with the company will be more of a bonus then a hindrance.

Just a thought... worked for me...

[Pity Puddles]

11. I'd love to pick your brain

and maybe share my resume and see if this is a good skill based resume..

[angstlessk]

3. Google resumes and find one that you feel comfortable with

[MiniMe]

4. Use a lot of action verbs

You accomplished, You oversaw, You supervised

That hint is something that a friend got from a recruiter. Apparently there is an app out there now that will skim through resumes, and no action verbs is one of the things that they reject, so if you don't use action verbs, your resume may never be read by a human. Of course, since this is just a relocation, it is possible that this job is being fast tracked.

[vlyons]

5. Write to the job description

Your company has probably posted the job opening with a description of the duties. So you want the hiring manager to get the impression that you are the perfect candidate. At the top of your resume create a bullet list that exactly matches the duties of the job posting. For example

* Coordinates with a diverse team
* Leads team to meet objectives
* Ensures that product meets government quality assurance requirements
* blah blah blah

Then list your previous positions within the company, most recent going backwards - give dates

Then list your educational accomplishments, academic degrees with dates. Include any company training programs with dates

Then list any professional organizations that you belong to.


Remember to proofread twice for spelling, grammar, and typos.

If you get an interview and they ask what is your worst trait, say you don't like to discuss politics or religion at work. That you want your work environment to be pleasant without unwanted distractions.

[TexasTowelie]

6. Be careful which font you use for your resume.

If you are in a legal profession then Times Roman may be appropriate. If you are at a less formal business then a font like Calibri is a good choice. I've read reports that some employers throw away resumes that are in Times Roman because they show that the applicant does not show creativity. Keep in mind who will be reading the resume and if there are older people then it will help to use a larger font size to make it easier to read.

Also, remember to emphasize what you have to offer rather than what you have already done.

Good luck.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

7. Talk about the results you've been responsible for and the problems you've solved.

[yankeepants]

8. So glad to be a self employed dog practitioner

I remember this when I was in the professional job pursuit. Anyhow, BULLET POINTS . That’s what people reviewing resumes want to see and consume quickly. Best of luck!

[Blue_true]

9. At the start of your resume, do an executive summary that outline your reasons for wanting the job

change and what you hope to accomplish in the new job. Just be factual, no flowery over the top language. Next, summarize your major career accomplishment. Next list your job history and finally, list your educational history.

Try to keep all of that on one page, if possible.

[Pity Puddles]

10. I'm actually in the same boat...

16 years for my dad's company...

Now I'm working on tweaking my resume and sending them out.

HR has pretty much been outsourced. You need recruiters. Start with Indeed.com or Ziprecruiter (I've been impressed with them)

[BannonsLiver]

12. I was laid off last month after 13 years with the same company

And seven more in the same line of work at other companies. First time since I was 16 that I haven’t had a job.

I’m still in my 40s so there’s time left to find another career, but after more than 20 years in the same industry (that is slowly dying) I find myself sort of lost. Fortunately my wife has a high paying job, we live debt free and have saved a lot of money over the years, and don’t have children, so there’s no immediate pressure to go out and get another job. Im fortunate. I joke it’s a soft retirement, which my wife rolls her eyes at. Some days I’m just enjoying the ride and others I worry about the future. It’s an interesting feeling. I wish you luck in your job search. I can certainly identify. I just redid my resume and had to get re-aquatinted with what the most recent trends are with resumes.

[GulfCoast66]

13. Focus on skills, not rolls.

Employers don’t hire because of what job you have had but what skills you bring them.

I have been with the same company, ironically for 31 years. I have looked into the best way to gain employment in the worse case scenario.

That said, age discrimination is real.

Good luck.

[Wellstone ruled]

17. Your post keeps things in a short focus.

Started my last Career at 51 and that was after having worked for three Companies that went to Bankruptcy Court in order to ditch their Employees and Pension Obligations only to reconstitute their Business's out of State under a new name.

Never carry any baggage into the interview,you might have a ton of hatred against the previous Employer,but keep it buried,you will be asked questions trying to get you to go sour on the Previous Employer. Have someone do practice Interviews with you,typical interview questions can be found on Google and even U tube.

Proud to say,did my last career in sales going from the worst to the first. And am proud to say,walked away under my terms with a nice fat bonus for my effort.

Keep it short,keep it simply,and good luck. Sell yourself,life skills do mean a lot.

[mshasta]

14. loyalty---

your'e are a very reliable individual

[TheBlackAdder]

15. Most colleges have career offices that help their alumni with resumes and interview training.

[ProudLib72]

16. List accomplishments

And if you aren't on LinkedIn, I suggest you get over there quickly! In fact, I have been using some ideas I gleaned from reading other people's LinkedIn profiles. Look for someone in a related field who seems to have their act together (maybe moving their way up every couple of years).

[aikoaiko]

18. this

[brooklynite]

19. Highlight specific projects you worked on....

...with description of your tasks and the value you added.

[dembotoz]

20. better advice here than anything i got...just knock em dead

i know you will

[Paula Sims]

21. You all are amazing - THANK YOU!!

I'll Google Skills based resumes and action items, review LinkedIN (which seems like Facebook for professionals). Anything else?

THANK YOU!!

[a la izquierda]

22. This has been helpful.

I’m trying to get out of the academy, and converting an academic cv to a resume is a bear.