Today, I found myself reflecting on my job search strategies, particularly regarding how I present my work experience. At 54 years old, I've made the decision to scrub my LinkedIn profile of any jobs older than the last ten years. This approach seems necessary to combat ageism in the hiring process. I only include older roles when applying for positions at the Department of Defense, where I have relevant experience from my past jobs. I'm wrestling with whether I should also limit the experiences I share during interviews to just the last decade or two. I mean, when they see me in person, my age is pretty apparent, so is it worth trying to hide it? On the bright side, I often get mistaken for being younger, which has led to some awkward moments, like when people assume my adult daughter is my partner. I've read mixed advice from others in similar situations. Some suggest that for senior roles, it's essential to list 10-15 years of experience, while others recommend focusing on the last 2-5 years for entry-level positions. It seems that the industry and specific company expectations can vary widely. I also considered the advice of a career coach I consulted after being laid off two and a half years ago. They suggested omitting anything older than 5-7 years, even for senior positions, as the skills required have likely changed. It's a tricky balance to strike, and I want to present myself as the best candidate without falling into age-related biases.