Age discrimination payouts are on the rise with 600% jump reported and the employment rate for those aged 50 to 65 is currently just 69%. The figures call for an urgent action by the UK government to support older workers to increase employment in this age group over the next decade…
With searches for “jobs for over 50” soaring by 140% over the past months, experts at the online job search platform JobLeads have created a practical guide to help older professionals. There is great practical advice for how to update a CVs and boost their chances of landing a job.
How to age-proof your CV
Format and structure
- Keep your CV concise: Stick to a two-page format (unless the job requires detailed documentation). A shorter CV helps avoid signalling excessive experience that may trigger bias. Avoid including irrelevant personal information such as your date of birth, email address containing your birth year, or marital/parental status.2.
- Choose contemporary fonts and modern formatting: JobLeads advises selecting modern fonts like Calibri or Arial. Avoid outdated fonts like Times New Roman, which can make your CV look old-fashioned, and use single spacing between sentences to eliminate typewriter-era formatting.
- Use ATS-friendly templates: Choose clean, simple CV templates compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that are easy for both AI and hiring managers to read. Avoid text boxes, graphics, and images that ATS may not process effectively. Instead, opt for a single-column layout with clear section headings like โWork Experienceโ and โSkillsโ.
Experience and skills
- Tailor your career history to recent achievements: Focus on the most recent 5-10 years of your career, highlighting relevant roles and achievements. For earlier positions, provide only a brief mention without excessive detail, focusing on showcasing recent experiences that directly align with the job requirements and promote โup to dateโ skills.
- Modernise job titles and remove graduation dates: Update outdated titles to current industry standards. For example, replace “Data Entry Clerk” with “Data Specialist” or “Secretary” with “Administrative Assistant” to reflect more modern roles. Additionally, as suggested by JobLeads in their blog, exclude graduation dates unless specifically requested, focusing on the relevance of your education rather than when you completed it.
- Customise keywords and highlight relevant skills: Update your CV to feature current, in-demand skills. Remove outdated technologies or tools, such as WordPerfect or Lotus Notes, and focus on modern competencies that are relevant to the role. Tailor your CV’s language to match job descriptions and company culture.
Professionalism and personalisation
- Prove your cultural fit: In todayโs competitive job market, itโs essential to show that youโre not just qualified, but also a great cultural fit for the company. Highlight hobbies or interests that are current, unique, and relevant to the role you’re applying for. For instance, showcasing your passion for emerging technologies, sustainability, or community volunteer work reflects your engagement with modern trends and values.
- Replace objective statements with a professional summary: Ditch the traditional objective statement and instead include a professional summary that highlights your career level, expertise, and key accomplishments. This provides a more modern, concise introduction to your qualifications.
- Omit references section and certifications: Skip the “References” section – employers typically ask for them later. Avoid attaching copies of certifications unless requested; instead, reference them within the relevant sections of your CV.
New technologies
- Use LinkedIn and AI tools to strengthen your CV: Use LinkedInโs “How You Match” feature and the “Skills” section to analyse job descriptions and identify key skills and keywords. AI tools can further refine your CV, suggesting formatting tweaks and relevant keywords to improve ATS compatibility. However, itโs essential to apply your own judgment and ensure your CV stays authentic to your experience and voice.
Choosing the right workplace matters too!
While a strong CV can boost your chances, spotting potential age bias is just as important when evaluating job opportunities. Be mindful of subtle red flags, such as roles calling for โ3-5 years of experienceโ, buzzwords such as โDigital Nativeโ or โRockstarโ, and benefits aimed at younger staff. Phrases like โyoung teamโ or โrecent graduatesโ may signal a preference for youth over experience in that particular role.
You may be interested to read how to handle age bias in your role.
