The Goldilocks Principle & Resumes for Candidates over Age 45
Remember Goldilocks? She is the ever-curious child known for breaking and entering into the three bears’ home. She tested the bears’ beds and porridge in search of accommodations and dinner that was “just right.” She did not want a bed that was too soft or porridge that was too hot. A resume must follow the Goldilocks principle. In other words, a resume must be designed so the reader feels the candidate is “just right” for the position. Let’s tackle the issue of how much of work history is appropriate to include on a resume. What about dates? When should dates be applied and how precise must we be? We’ll use the Goldilocks Principle to answer these questions.
Too Little
Some candidates try to disguise their age by not showing any dates for their employment. For example, some candidates will write “7 years” instead of writing “2003 – 2010.” Another unsuccessful strategy is to show dates for recent years and then to create an “Early Experience” section with employer names and titles, omitting dates. This approach is interpreted as a ploy to hide early dates and disguise a candidate’s age. Additionally, recruiters and hiring employers may assume the dates go back further than they do. This ploy may backfire in that a 47-year-old candidate may be assumed to be 55 or older. Showing too little information is not a wise move.
Too Much Information
Then there are the candidates who insist upon showing their entire history, going back to their very first job. Never mind that the first job was in 1981. Immediately the screener does the math and concludes this candidate is approximately 55. The candidate argues that the position was with Lazard and at the time only one out of 500 candidates was hired. It bears repeating this position was held 32 years ago. Furthermore, and more importantly, recent experience is much more relevant than the early experience. There is another consideration in terms of career progression. If the position from the early history is more impressive (such as one with more responsibility or authority) and since that time the career has declined, the early position is a definite strike against the candidate rather than a boost. Be careful not to show too much information, particularly the information that can decrease your chances of success.
Just Right
As in the case of Goldilocks, there is a resume strategy for candidates over the age of 45 that is just right. It is quite simple and almost all experts agree on this approach. The most recent ten to fifteen years of experience is the most relevant in the eyes of the hiring manager or recruiter. A candidate’s recent accomplishments are the best demonstration of a candidate’s ability to succeed in future positions. Because this range of time on a resume is the current standard, it is not necessary to show more history that will weaken one’s marketability for a new job. Also, be careful not to show dates for college degrees or certifications as those dates are not necessary on a resume.
Keep in mind that a resume is a marketing document, not a job application. It’s important to select the appropriate information. A job application is quite different. On a job application, the candidate is required to answer questions fully and honestly. If you are at the point where you are completing an application, you are interviewing for the job, which means that your resume and other efforts have worked. Follow the Goldilocks Principle to craft a resume that is just right.