It’s shocking to learn that 73% of over 50 feel overlooked by employers in the UK which is why over two-thirds of workers believe itโs best to keep age off their CVs. Itโs no surprise that nearly half of mid-career professionals seeking a career change are struggling to secure new job opportunities. But how do you age-proof your CV?…
With many professionals considering a career change at the start of the New Year, the experts at online job search platform JobLeads have provided practical advice to help professionals tailor their CVs to avoid age bias.
How best to age-proof your CV
1. 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.
2. 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 Remove outdated technologies or tools, such as WordPerfect or Lotus Notes, and focus on modern competencies that are relevant to the role.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 resume’s language to match job descriptions and company culture.
3. Use ATS-friendly templates
Choose clean, simple CV templates compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Avoid text boxes, graphics, and images that ATS may not process effectively. Stick to a single-column, straightforward layout.
4. Age-proof your CV by modernising job titles and removing 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Update outdated titles to current industry standards.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.
5. 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.
6. 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 Avoid outdated fonts like Times New Roman, which can make your resume appear old-fashioned. Use single-spacing between sentences instead of double-spacing, to avoid typewriter-era formatting.
7. Leverage LinkedIn to optimize your CV for screening
Use LinkedIn to tailor your CV and boost your chances of passing the first screening, particularly with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Analyse job descriptions on LinkedIn to identify key skills and keywords that frequently appear. The “Skills” section and LinkedIn Premiumโs “How You Match” feature can help identify the competencies to highlight.
8. Omit references section and certifications
Skip the “References” section – employers typically ask for them later. Also, avoid attaching copies of certifications unless requested; mention them within the relevant sections of your CV instead.
9. 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.
10. Highlight modern engaging interests
Include hobbies or interests that are current, unique, and relevant to the role you’re applying for. For example, showcasing your passion for emerging technologies, sustainability, or volunteer work in your community can highlight your engagement with modern trends. This demonstrates that you’re adaptable, forward-thinking, and aligned with the values of todayโs workplace. Refrain from listing hobbies that may signal outdated generational trends (for example, CD collecting).
While these CV tips can help you navigate the job market with confidence,ย recognising signs of age-bias in a company can guide you in choosing a workplace that aligns with your values.
Be aware of signs of:
- Limited experience preferred: Phrases like โunder 3-5 years of experienceโ or โa fresh perspectiveโ may signal a preference for younger candidates.
- Youth-oriented benefits: Perks like gym memberships, gaming competitions, or happy hoursโwithout retirement planning or similar benefitsโcan hint at a culture focused on younger employees.
- Gen Z-inspired job titles: Terms like โDigital Native,โ โGrowth Hacker,โ or โRockstarโ suggest the company is targeting a younger, tech-savvy audience.
- Youth-centric job descriptions: Emphasis on skills or tools popular among younger generations, such as the latest apps or trends, may exclude seasoned professionals.
- Exclusionary language: Phrases like โrecent graduatesโ or โyoung dynamic teamโ are clear red flags that older candidates might not be the focus.
