Resume

Being retired is not something every senior enjoys or can afford. Some people find their lives to be monotonous and unfulfilled once they stop working and quickly All Posts get bored with this new lifestyle. Others face financial difficulties and decide to get back to work to increase their monthly income. Whatever your reason for seeking re-employment after retirement is, we’re here to help you out.

Getting back on the job market can be tough, especially if you’ve been out of the game for some time. But, one thing’s for sure- you’ll need to write a killer resume to get the attention of hiring managers. And, one of the most important segments of your resume is your summary statement. If you don’t know what it is or how to write it, just keep reading.

Here are 4 steps to write a brilliant retiree resume summary statement.

What is a Resume Summary Statement?

Let’s start by clarifying what a resume summary statement is. This is the part of your resume that usually comes first and helps you to make a great first impression.

A resume summary statement is:

  •  a short paragraph at the beginning of a person’s resume that features their professional experience, skills, expertise, and potential. 

Simply put, this paragraph briefly describes who you are as a potential employee and what you may bring to the table.

What Is The Purpose of a Resume Summary Statement?

The main purpose of a resume summary statement is to set you apart from all the other candidates. If your hiring managers are reading hundreds of resumes every day- which they are, you need to find a way to get them to read through your entire resume.

You only have one chance and your resume summary statement is the perfect opportunity to grab their attention. Even if you order CV writing, it may be the best idea that you write this part on your own, to ensure it has your stamp on it.

4 Steps For Writing a Retiree Resume Summary Statement

Now that you understand what a resume statement is and why you need one, it’s time to learn how to write it like a professional. The 4 essential steps we’re sharing below will help you impress the hiring managers and get back on the job market easily.

Relate it to The Job Description

While looking for a new job, you’ll read through dozens of job offers and openings. Each job description will differ in what they’re looking for in an employee and what are the key qualifications they expect from you.

You’ll need to write a new resume summary statement for each new job that you apply to.

Make sure that you mention:

  • the exact skills the job description defines
  • the values they’re looking for in an employee
  • the things they expect you to bring to the table

Naturally, you won’t be using the same terminology and same words, but try building your summary statement around the job description. This will make you seem like a relevant potential candidate.

Define Your Value

You only have a couple of lines of text to define your value and key strengths. You need to seize this opportunity and briefly define what sets you apart from the rest. 

Make sure to cover:

This part shouldn’t be more than 1-2 sentences long. You don’t want to oversell yourself. But, you should definitely focus on the fact that you have years of experience behind you and turn your retirement status into an advantage.

Address Your “Comeback”

As a retiree, you’ll certainly be sticking from the crowd and might be considered as the odd one. But, you shouldn’t treat your retirement status as the elephant in the room. Instead, dedicate one sentence of the summary statement to:

  • explaining why you’re looking for a job after retirement
  • what your years of life and working experience can bring to the table
  • how this makes you a strong candidate
  • your passion for the job

Your retirement and age seniority are an advantage, so make sure you present them that way in the resume.

Avoid Empty Words

Your retiree resume summary statement needs to be brief but powerful. Every word needs to make a significant contribution and add up to the overall impression you’re trying to make.

Therefore, avoid empty words that take up your space but don’t say much about you. Make sure you don’t use words and phrases such as:

  • highly-motivated 
  • results-oriented
  • team player
  • dedicated worker
  • ambitious

These adjectives are meaningless to the hiring managers. Plus, they’ve heard them a thousand times already.

Also, avoid phrases such as:

  • With that being said, …
  • Consequently…
  • With that in mind…
  • In conclusion…

Remember, you’re not writing an essay. Keep your resume summary statement up to 6 sentences long, and make each sentence impactful and meaningful.

Final Thoughts

Writing a retiree resume summary statement is a challenge, but it’s necessary for nailing that job you want. You need to make it informative and unique, by telling a personal story that helps the hiring managers get to know you instantly.

Hopefully, the 4 steps for writing a retiree resume summary statement will help you get that job interview and prove your value.  

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