Compare courses from top Australian unis, TAFEs and other training organisations.
Don’t let your resume date you as a dinosaur! Gone are the days when resumes were just a dry list of duties for every job you’ve ever had. If you want to be a contender in these competitive times, you have to modernise the way you approach companies.
Jun 15,2025
Age is just a number—but when it comes to job applications, your resume and cover letter need to show that you’re current, capable, and confident. If you’re a mature-age job seeker, modernising your application can help you compete with younger candidates and highlight the wealth of value you bring to an employer.
Here’s how to give your job search documents a professional refresh—and position yourself as a forward-thinking, job-ready contender.
Today’s resumes need to do more than list past duties. Hiring managers and recruitment software alike are scanning for results, achievements, and strengths. So rather than just stating what you were responsible for, highlight the impact of your work:
Even experience outside of formal employment—such as community leadership or parenting—can demonstrate in-demand soft skills like multitasking, empathy, and time management.
Unfortunately, ageism still exists in the job market. To keep your application focused on your strengths rather than your age, follow these simple tweaks:
Tip: Tailor your resume with each application so it aligns with the job ad and reflects what the employer is seeking.
Many organisations use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes before a human ever sees them. To make sure your application is found and flagged as relevant:
Remember: ATS doesn’t “read between the lines,” so spelling and phrasing matter.
Swap out the old-fashioned “Career Objective” for a punchy Professional Summary at the top of your resume. In 3–4 lines, showcase your experience, expertise, and value. For example:
Senior HR Manager with 20+ years’ experience leading workforce transformation projects across health, education, and government. Proven record in boosting retention, improving staff engagement, and embedding cultural change.
This sets the tone and helps recruiters see what you offer, fast.
Need help structuring it? Explore our free resume templates and step-by-step resume guide.
Your cover letter is your chance to connect. It’s not just a summary of your resume—it should reflect your personality, enthusiasm, and what you’ll bring to the business.
Here’s how to craft one that stands out:
Want more help? Read our guide to writing a compelling cover letter or browse our sample letters for inspiration.
Being a mature-age candidate is a strength—not a setback. You’ve got experience, problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence, and resilience. The goal is to package that experience in a way that’s modern, relevant, and tailored to each opportunity.
Update your documents, stay confident, and be proud of what you bring to the table.
Next step: Brush up on interview tips for mature-age workers.
Josie Chun shares engaging articles on career choices, workplace skills, and educational trends at Career FAQs.