10 Cover Letter Tips for Older Workers

Why Cover Letters Matter for Older Workers

Job searching in your fifties or sixties comes with both advantages and challenges. You bring decades of experience and deep industry knowledge. However, some employers may (consciously or not) question your fit with younger coworkers and your skill set’s relevance.

Writing a cover letter that’s modern and strategic is crucial for older job seekers. While age discrimination is illegal, many mature job seekers feel their age has been a barrier in the hiring process. A well-crafted cover letter gives you the chance to address concerns proactively and highlight the value you bring to today’s workforce.

A compelling letter helps you highlight the accomplishments that matter most rather than try to cover your entire career. With the help of our Cover Letter Generator, you’ll be able to write a cover letter that positions your experience as a strength, not a setback.

Key Cover Letter Tips for Older Workers

As you work on your cover letter, ensure you’re keeping these tips in mind for a standout application that shows recruiters your age shouldn’t be a reason not to hire you.

1. Tailor your cover letter for each job.

Customizing your cover letter for each job application might seem like a lot of work, but it’s key to capturing the hiring manager’s attention. Besides, you don’t need to write a brand new letter from scratch each time you apply for a job. These are some easy edits you can make to your letter to ensure you’re meeting the job requirements.

• Include the company’s details in your cover letter header.
• Mention the specific role or company you’re applying for.
• Change up your skills to reflect the required qualifications.
• Highlight accomplishments that reflect you can meet the company’s needs.
• Research the company to match their culture and values.

2. Emphasize your most recent and relevant accomplishments.

Highlighting your most recent accomplishments gives employers the clearest picture of who you are today as a professional. While your long career history is valuable, hiring managers are most interested in what you’ve done lately, especially work that aligns with the role you're applying for.

Rather than listing only the achievements you’re most proud of, focus on those that demonstrate the specific skills, training, and experience the employer is looking for.

3. Highlight your adaptability and up-to-date skills.

In today’s quickly-evolving workforce, employers value candidates who can keep up. Use your cover letter to show that you’re as adaptable as you are experienced. Share examples that demonstrate your willingness to learn new systems, tools, or processes; for instance:

• Recently completed online training or certifications
• Familiarity with tools like Zoom, Google Workspace, or industry software
• Experience collaborating in remote or hybrid teams
• Times you helped implement or adapt to change in the workplace

These details help counter age-related assumptions and position you as a flexible, forward-thinking candidate.

4. Keep your letter focused on one or two qualifications.

Your cover letter isn’t meant to recap your entire resume. Instead of listing everything you’ve done, choose one or two key qualifications that closely match the job and build your letter around them.

Ask yourself: What strengths make me a great fit for this specific role? Then, briefly explain how you’ve used those skills to deliver results. Keeping your message focused helps employers quickly see the value you bring, and makes your letter more memorable.

PRO TIP

Pinpoint a core skill listed in the job ad, and in your cover letter, share a couple of accomplishments that demonstrate how you've applied it to achieve results.

5. Address employment gaps with confidence.

If you’ve taken time away from the workforce—whether for health reasons, a career change or even retirement—it’s better to address it briefly in your cover letter than ignore it altogether. Employers appreciate honesty and context, especially when it’s paired with a clear explanation of how you’re ready to contribute now.

Keep it positive and focused on what you want to achieve in the future. You might mention any relevant skills you developed during your time away, such as volunteer work, courses, or consulting. Then, pivot quickly to why you're a strong fit for the role today.

For example:

6. Reassure employers of your work ethic and attitude.

For older workers, showcasing a strong work ethic and a team-oriented attitude can help combat stereotypes about being rigid and difficult to work with. Use your cover letter to show that you’re reliable and genuinely excited about contributing.

Share a brief example that illustrates your dedication, such as going above and beyond for a project or mentoring junior colleagues.

Phrases you might include:

• “I take pride in being dependable and results-driven…”
• “I enjoy collaborating across teams and learning from others…”
• “I’m excited to contribute my experience while continuing to grow…”

7. Show how you fit into the organization’s culture.

Cultural fit matters just as much as skills, especially for older workers who may be joining multigenerational teams. Use your cover letter to show that you’ve done your research and understand the company’s values, work style, and mission.

Look at the job posting and company website for clues. Do they emphasize collaboration, innovation, community impact, or continuous learning? Tie those values to your own experiences to demonstrate you’ll mesh well with the team.

For example:

8. Make your cover letter one-page long.

Hiring managers receive dozens of applications per job, so if you want to make their job easier (and score brownie points), keep your cover letter short and concise. Your letter should be one page long and ideally three to four paragraphs that get straight to the point.

PRO TIP

Avoid time spent formatting your template or struggling with writer’s block, use these short cover letter examples to wow employers and land a job.

9. Pay attention to the tone and terminology you use.

The language in your cover letter should sound confident and aligned with today’s workplace. Avoid overly formal or outdated phrases like “Dear Sir or Madam” or “I am writing to express my sincerest interest.” Instead, aim for a conversational yet professional tone that feels natural and engaging.

Also, be mindful of the terminology you use. Refer to tools and industry practices in a way that shows you're up to date. Using relevant, modern language reassures employers that you’ll fit in with a younger or multigenerational team.

10. Use a fresh and modern cover letter template.

Presentation matters when you're trying to stand out in a competitive job market as an older job seeker. Using a clean, modern cover letter template instantly signals to employers that you're up to date and professional. Outdated designs, cluttered formatting, or hard-to-read fonts can unintentionally make you seem behind the times.

A well-designed template helps structure your letter for readability, making it easier for hiring managers to scan your key points quickly. Look for layouts with clear headings, balanced white space, and contemporary fonts.

PRO TIP

Need help getting started? Check out our cover letter templates designed to help your application look polished and current—no design skills required.

Cover Letter Mistakes Older Workers Should Avoid

Even with decades of experience, a few missteps in your cover letter can hurt your chances of getting hired. Here are common cover letter mistakes older workers should watch out for, and how to avoid them:

Cover Letter for a Retired Person Going to Work

Use this sample cover letter for a retired person returning to work as inspiration when writing your own. Click on it to customize your letter with your unique skills and accomplishments.

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