Lisa Johnson Mandell

Dear Lisa,

I was employed at my last job for  22 years running a collection department at a law firm before getting laid off during a down-sizing that started at the top.

How do I downplay my age on my resume when clearly with a B.A. and all that experience under my belt I am not twentysomething? I already know not to list my date of graduation.  Any other ideas?

Marcie

Dear Marcie –

Have you tried deleting any work experience that dates back more than 15 years? You might have had some terrific accomplishments back then, but let’s face it, we did things completely differently 15 years ago — before digital everything, the internet, emails, etc.  Much of that work will not be relevant to what you’re doing today. Fifteen years of experience plus a college degree would put you in your mid-thirties, if anyone cares and is doing the math. And you’re being completely honest, so don’t worry about it. Your age is nobody’s business but your own.