How a Résumé Tweak Overcame Ageism in Tech Hiring

After two decades in the software industry, a seasoned account executive found herself navigating the modern job market for the first time in years. Despite her extensive experience, the initial response from potential employers was dishearteningly silent.

Her breakthrough came not from a new certification or networking event, but from a strategic overhaul of her résumé. By removing her photo and trimming decades of work history, she transformed her application from overlooked to in-demand, landing a new role in a competitive tech landscape.

The career shift began with a significant downsizing event. Software executive Amy Lovett, 54, was laid off from her position as an account executive in July after 20 years with the company. The decision, she noted, was a payroll consideration as the company reduced its workforce.

Following a brief period to reassess her career goals, Lovett began her job search in earnest by September. She meticulously customized her résumé for each application, believing specificity was key to getting noticed. However, despite her efforts, the initial phase was frustrating.

"I got some responses, but I didn't get any interviews."

Her original application package included a professional photo and a comprehensive list of her work history, which she later realized was hindering her progress.

The turning point arrived after a consultation with a career advisor. The recommendation was clear: remove visual identifiers and dates that could trigger unconscious bias. Lovett took decisive action to modernize her presentation.

She implemented several key changes to her application materials:

• Removed her professional photograph entirely
• Deleted specific dates from older positions
• Shortened her work history to focus on the last 20 years
• Used bullet points for earlier career milestones

The impact was immediate and profound. Ageism was a factor in her search, particularly within SaaS companies populated by younger graduates. Once the potential for bias was minimized, the market response shifted dramatically.

Following the résumé adjustments, the volume of communication from recruiters and hiring managers increased significantly. Lovett described the shift as "night and day," noting that she was suddenly fielding calls from interested companies two to three times per week.

This surge in activity provided a crucial psychological boost. Instead of feeling sidelined by the industry, she felt validated in her skills and experience. The increased demand restored her confidence, confirming that her expertise was indeed valuable in the current market.

"I felt there was a bigger demand out there than I initially thought, which gave me more confidence."

She maintained a rigorous schedule, treating the job search as a full-time occupation. To manage the influx of information and opportunities, she utilized a detailed spreadsheet to track every application and interaction.

Alongside the résumé changes, Lovett integrated modern tools into her workflow. She utilized Artificial Intelligence (AI) to streamline the application process, though she was careful not to let it replace her personal voice.

She avoided generating entire résumés with AI, noting that the output often lacked a human touch. Instead, she used AI to compare her existing résumé against job descriptions, helping her shorten and tailor her cover letters more efficiently.

• Used AI to speed up the customization process
• Ensured all written materials sounded authentic
• Focused on personalization for every application

This blend of strategic résumé editing and technological assistance proved to be the winning formula for her job search.

Her persistence and strategic adjustments culminated in a successful job offer. The call came unexpectedly while she was away from her phone, leaving a moment of suspense as she returned the message.

When she connected with the hiring team, the feedback was definitive. The company waived the final interview round and extended a formal offer for the position. This outcome underscores the effectiveness of adapting application strategies to overcome modern hiring barriers.

For professionals navigating a career transition, Lovett's experience highlights the importance of presentation and the willingness to embrace new tools. By focusing on recent, relevant experience and removing potential points of bias, she successfully turned a challenging layoff into a new career opportunity.