In generations past, your age was an expected part of your resume. But do you put an age on a resume in today’s world? The short answer is no.
Despite changes in hiring designed to prevent employers from making hiring decisions based on age, your age can still make you a less-favorable candidate.
What you'll learn
- Why you should not include your age on a resume
- Strategies for hiding your age on your resume
Should you put your age on your resume?"?
You should not include your age on a resume because it can prevent you from being hired.
Although many employers have adjusted their hiring process to reduce bias based on age, hiring discrimination still exists in the workplace. For many, this bias is implicit, meaning it’s unintentional but inherent in people.
The exception to this rule is if you are applying for a position that requires you to include your name. Such a requirement can happen in countries without legislation designed to prevent hiring bias or in situations where your age is a relevant factor.
How to hide your age on a resume
It’s easy to leave your age off your resume, but hiding your age isn’t the only consideration. Many other typical resume elements unintentionally reveal your age.
Go with a simpler resume header
Choose a simple header that does not include too much personal information. Stick to your name, position, and contact information in a professional title at the top of your resume.
Check out these customizable resume templates with clean and straightforward headers for more ideas.
Don't put a photo on your resume
Skip the photo if you don’t want employers to know your age. Professional headshots might look great, but they can also result in hiring bias related to your age or other factors.
Your photo might not reflect your actual age. However, it’s impossible to know how your potential employer will view the image or what conclusions they will draw from it.
Don't list dates of graduation
Avoid including your graduation dates on your resume. By telling your employer the dates you graduated from college or other educational institutions, you are providing them with an approximate age for yourself.
Focus on accomplishments and skills
Shift your focus to your accomplishments and skills instead of years spent in your career or position. These skills and achievements make you a strong candidate, not simply your years of experience.
If you’re hesitant to remove your years of experience entirely, consider omitting them from your earliest positions. If these positions are no longer directly related to the jobs you’re applying for, cut them from the resume completely.
For more information on what to include on your resume, check out these resume examples before creating your own.
Takeaways: Should I put my age on my resume
It’s best to leave your age off your resume because it can prevent you from getting a job. You can hide your age on your resume by avoiding a personal photo and listing graduation dates.
Instead, focus on the accomplishments and skills that make you a strong hiring choice when you create your resume using our resume builder.
Make one that's truly you.
