Your very first introduction to a future employer is usually through a single sheet of paper meant to capture your entire career: the resume. Now, inasmuch as most industries appreciate older applicants because of the experience they bring, some don’t even look their way.
Not because they lack the know-how, but simply because they use older or outdated resume formats that modern trackers skip. This piece will take you through how to highlight what really matters in today’s diverse work culture.
But before we get into how to improve your CV at 62, here are a fact about the current job hiring market:
Many Resumes Never Reach Human Eyes
Research results from a 2022 publication by Rodriguez 90% of Fortune 500 companies utilize Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) to filter resumes before recruiters review them. These systems scan for keywords tied to the job posting, such as “growth,” “insight,” or “engagement.” Miss them, and your resume may not even appear on the recruiter’s screen.
Keywords Are The New Resume Currency
LinkedIn’s 2025 Future of Recruiting Report emphasizes the growing importance of keyword alignment in resumes. It’s no longer enough to describe what you’ve done—you must speak the software’s language.
What does this mean? It means you have to adapt your phrasing. If the ad asks for “administrative coordination,” echo that instead of writing “office support.” These subtle word choices don’t dilute your experience; they increase your chances of being seen by the right people.
Confidence Still Matters
Emma Cantrill, founder of Intelligent Profile, reminded job seekers that older professionals often undersell their accomplishments. “Women our age are not good at blowing our own trumpet,” she admitted in an interview. Yet, confidence on paper is proof of impact.
Highlighting achievements, whether it’s leading a project or streamlining a process, creates a track record that employers can trust. Done right, it reassures both the software and the hiring manager that you deliver value.
Practical Fixes That Work
Elle Bradshaw, founder of Oxford CV Writer, points out another overlooked issue: formatting. ATS systems often can’t read PDFs, graphics-heavy resumes, or zipped files. A simple Word document in a standard font can mean the difference between being read or rejected.
It’s a technical detail, but a vital one. The most compelling achievements mean little if the system can’t open your file. Before sending out applications, double-check the basics.
Quick Checklist: Resume Refresh At 62
Here’s a handy list that combines proven expert advice into actionable steps:
- Use a plain Word document format, avoiding PDFs or fancy templates.
- Mirror job ad keywords exactly where they match your skills.
- Focus on the last 10–15 years of your career; keep earlier roles brief.
- Add a short personal profile at the top to frame your story.
- Emphasize measurable achievements—think numbers, results, impact.
- Keep it to two pages maximum, clear and easy to skim.
Blending Human Touch With Tech Reality
Experts agree that while AI-friendly wording matters, authenticity counts just as much. Recruiters can spot resumes stuffed with generic buzzwords. Your goal is to strike a balance: meet the system’s criteria while still sounding like yourself.
Employers are searching for people, not robots—so let your professional story shine through in a format that clears the digital gates.
Your age isn’t the barrier; the resume format is. Once you adapt your approach, you’ll discover opportunities waiting on the other side of the algorithm.
