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Resume Formats That Work Best for Retirees Rejoining the Workforce

We’ve gathered the best tips for creating a resume format for a retired person that highlights your strongest skills and valuable experience. You’ll be ready to start making a smooth transition back into the workforce in no time!

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by Gabriela Hernandez  CPRW, Career Advice Writer 

If you’re retired and wish to rejoin the workforce, you’re not alone! Many retired individuals decide they would like extra income or a job to fill their time.

Whatever your reasons for hitting the job market again, you should join the competition with a stellar resume for retired seniors that features valuable skills you possess—and employers want.

We will help you create a personalized resume in minutes, so you can confidently say you’re applying with a top-of-the-line, modern resume that showcases your expertise. Just follow a few easy steps in our Resume Builder.

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If you want to try writing your resume from scratch, we’ll teach you everything there is to know about making an impressive retiree resume.

What Is a Retiree Resume and Why Do You Need One?

A retiree resume is a resume designed to highlight the unique strengths and experience of someone who has retired but wishes to re-enter the workforce. It not only showcases decades of skills and accomplishments but also helps address any common employer concerns about hiring retired workers.

A strong retiree resume tells a clear, concise story: you spent many years building valuable experience, took a break for retirement, and now want a job—whether to supplement your income, stay active, or stay connected to your community.

The Best Resume Format for a Retired Person

You may find many resources guaranteeing that there is just one resume format all retired job seekers should use.

However, the truth is that the way your resume should look can vary for every job seeker. Your ideal resume format depends on several factors, including the amount of time you’ve been out of the workforce, your years of experience, and the type of job you’re applying for.

You can write a resume in the chronological, functional, or combination format, which you can learn more about in our resume formats guide.

 

  • Benefits applicants with 15+ years of relevant experience
  • Focuses on accomplishments in the work history section
  • Should be used by retirees returning to work in the same industry as before
  • Is ideal for applicants with little to no relevant experience or gaps in their work history
  • Focuses on skills and minimizes work history
  • Should be used by retirees applying for work outside their career industry
  • Is great for career changers or applicants who have been out of the workforce for a while
  • Features some relevant experience but spotlights skills
  • Should be used by retirees who have changed industries

 

Which is the best resume format for a retired person? A chronological resume is a good choice if you recently retired from a job and are looking for work in your previous industry. However, a functional resume is the best format if you’ve been out of work for a while or took time off in the middle of your career.

Sections to Include in a Retired Person’s Resume

Once you’ve decided on your most appropriate retiree resume format, you can begin by writing the five essential resume sections: contact information, resume summary, work experience, skills, and education. Let’s start!

Free Resume Template for a Retired Person

You can use this free retirement resume sample by copying and pasting it into Word or Google Docs and following the instructions on each section to write your resume.

Resume Samples for a Retired Person

These resumes for seniors returning to work will provide you with a clear idea of how your resume should be formatted for various job titles. If you see one you like, click and edit it with your information inside our Resume Builder.

A Cover Letter That Helps
Retiree Applicants

To increase the chances of an employer hiring you, retired workers should include a cover letter that explains your desire to return to the workforce and why you’re the right person for the job.

Here’s why a cover letter is a great companion to your resume:

  • Features additional accomplishments you couldn’t fit into your resume
  • Gives you a chance to narrate your career history
  • Provides more context for your achievements
  • Lets you highlight even more skills and qualifications

Ready to build a complete job application? Take advantage of our Cover Letter Generator, which generates a personalized cover letter in minutes.

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Key Takeaways

  • Choose the resume format for your unique retiree situation.
  • Include a header with your contact information and an updated email address.
  • List your work experience in reverse chronological order.
  • Mention skills, qualifications, and experiences that are relevant to the position.
  • Avoid mentioning your graduation dates in your education section.
  • Consider custom sections to feature additional achievements.
  • Tailor your resume for each job application.
  • Use a modern yet simple resume template.
  • Complement your resume with a retiree cover letter.

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About the Author

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Gabriela Hernandez CPRW, Career Advice Writer

Gabriela is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. She focuses on helping job seekers improve their professional resumes to highlight their unique skills and experience. Gabriela holds a B.A. in journalism from the University of Puerto Rico and offers more than four years of specialized experience helping candidates navigate the complexities of today’s online job market, with a strong focus on resume optimization and effective self-presentation.

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