Author: April Ogden, Founder and CEO, It’s Your Outcome

Job searching after 40 can feel like fighting an uphill battle. You know you have the skills, the experience, and the know-how, but somehow, the job market doesn’t seem to see it. It’s easy to feel overlooked or even discouraged. 

 

But here’s the truth: your age isn’t a barrier—it’s your edge. All it takes is the right personal brand to show employers what you’re truly capable of. 

 

Over the past year, I’ve worked with over 200 professionals just like you to secure roles by building strong personal brands. Whether you feel out of touch or skeptical about whether this advice works, I’ll guide you step-by-step to create a brand that highlights your value and gets results. 

 

What Does Ageism Look Like in Personal Branding? 

 

Ageism in personal branding can show up in ways you might not even realize. Here are a few common examples: 

 

1. Résumé overload: Listing decades of experience or every job you’ve ever had might seem thorough, but it can actually distract from your most relevant skills. 

 

1. Outdated LinkedIn profiles: If your LinkedIn hasn’t been touched in years, it might give the impression that you’re disconnected. 

 

1. Language that emphasizes age over value: Phrases like “30+ years of experience” can shift the focus to your age instead of your impact. 

 

If any of these apply to you, don’t worry. You don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Start with small, focused changes, and you’ll see how quickly your brand begins to reflect the professional you are today. 

 

Ageism-Proofing Your Personal Brand 

 

1. Focus on Relevant, Current Skills

 

Your personal brand should highlight what matters to employers today. Think about the last 10–15 years of your career—those roles and achievements will be the most relevant. 

 

Showcase your impact with quantifiable results and outcomes. Employers want to see how you’ve driven success, not just what you’ve done. For example: 

 

Instead of: “Managed a team of sales associates.” 

 

Try: “Led a team of 15 sales associates, increasing regional revenue by 25% in 12 months.” 

 

If you feel you lack strong, measurable achievements, focus on areas where you’ve contributed to growth, efficiency, or innovation. For example: 

 

“Streamlined processes across departments, saving the company $200K annually.” 

 

“Designed and executed training programs, increasing employee retention by 15%.” 

 

Research shows that age-diverse teams are 33% more likely to outperform less diverse ones. Employers are starting to see this value, so highlight how your expertise contributes to team success. 

 

For more tips on résumé improvements, check out my blog on 

 

6 Outdated Résumé Mistakes to Avoid if You’re 40+ and Job Hunting. 

 

2. Refresh Your LinkedIn Profile

 

Think of LinkedIn as your digital first impression. Here’s how to make it count: 

 

1. Update your photo. If you don’t have a professional headshot, don’t worry—you can still create a polished look without spending a fortune. When it came time for my own LinkedIn profile picture, I just didn’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a studio photo. So, I grabbed my camera and my husband, and we went to our neighborhood park. The result? A professional-looking photo with natural lighting and a clean background. Check out my profile picture to see how simple it can be! 

 

Quick Tips for Creating a Great LinkedIn Photo: 

 

1. Choose a simple background: A plain wall or an outdoor spot with minimal distractions works well. 

 

1. Use natural lighting: Shoot in daylight or near a window for soft, even lighting. Avoid harsh shadows. 

 

1. Dress professionally: Stick to solid colors and simple patterns that reflect your industry. 

 

1. Frame it well: Keep your face and shoulders visible, and aim for a confident, friendly expression. 

 

You don’t need expensive equipment—your smartphone is enough with the right setup. 

 

1. Rewrite your headline. Instead of just listing your title, focus on your strengths. For example: 

 

Instead of: “Project Manager at XYZ Corp.” 

 

Try: “Driving operational success through strategic leadership and innovation.” 

 

1. Engage weekly. Start small—comment on industry posts, share an article, or write a short post about a recent trend. Even a few minutes a week can show you’re active and engaged. 

 

A client of mine had never posted on LinkedIn before. We started with small steps—updating her profile photo and sharing one post a week. Within two months, she was contacted by three recruiters and landed an interview for a role she wanted. 

 

3. Show You’re Adaptable

 

Employers value candidates who can embrace change. Here’s how to show you’ve got that covered: 

 

1. Highlight examples of learning new systems or leading through change.  

 

Example: “Implemented a new CRM system, improving sales tracking and reducing inefficiencies by 30%.” 

 

1. Take a short online course in a relevant skill, such as project management tools or analytics software. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera are affordable and flexible. 

 

Even if you’re not tech-savvy, employers want to see that you’re willing to learn and adapt. Focus on showcasing your mindset for growth. 

 

What If This Feels Like Fluff? 

 

If you’re thinking, “This sounds great, but does it actually work?”—the answer is yes. 

 

Last year alone, I helped over 200 professionals secure employment using the strategies in this blog. One client came to me with no recent experience, no LinkedIn activity, and low confidence. By focusing on one step at a time—modernizing her résumé, refreshing her LinkedIn profile, and practicing how to talk about her value—she landed a role that paid more than she expected. 

 

Remember: you don’t need to do everything overnight. Start with one action—whether it’s updating your résumé or commenting on a LinkedIn post. Those small changes add up quickly. 

 

Don’t Forget the Interview 

 

Your personal brand doesn’t end with your résumé and LinkedIn profile. It carries into the interview. Here’s how to stand out: 

 

Use specific stories to illustrate your achievements. Employers remember examples, not generic claims. 

 

Example: Instead of saying, “I’m a strong problem-solver,” share a story like:  

 

“In my previous role, I noticed inefficiencies in our inventory system. I collaborated with our IT team to implement a new software solution, which reduced errors by 40% and saved $100K annually.” 

 

Your Ageism-Proof Personal Brand Checklist 

 

Here’s a quick checklist to save and use as a guide: 

 

✅ Focus your résumé on the last 10–15 years of experience. 

 

✅ Remove outdated jargon or unnecessary details (e.g., older roles). 

 

✅ Highlight quantifiable results and strong outcomes. 

 

✅ Update your LinkedIn profile with a professional photo and headline. 

 

✅ Engage weekly on LinkedIn—comment, post, or share articles. 

 

✅ Showcase adaptability and tech skills in your résumé and interviews. 

 

Confidence in Your Brand 

 

Your personal brand is more than just a résumé or LinkedIn profile—it’s the story you tell about what makes you unique. 

 

Yes, ageism exists, but that doesn’t mean your age is a disadvantage. In fact, it’s often your secret weapon. Every skill you’ve honed, every problem you’ve solved, and every person you’ve mentored has prepared you for this moment. Believe in your ability to thrive and show the world what you’re capable of. 

 

Take action today. Update your LinkedIn profile, share your expertise, and step confidently into your next opportunity. Remember: You’re not just competing—you’re showing why you’re the solution they’ve been looking for. 

 

P.S. 

 

If this article helped you, save it, bookmark it, or share it with someone who’s ready to reframe their personal brand. And if you’re looking for more tailored advice, connect with me on LinkedIn or explore my blog for additional resources, like 

 

6 Outdated Résumé Mistakes to Avoid if You’re 40+ and Job Hunting. 

 

Together, we can turn your age into your biggest advantage.