How to avoid age discrimination in a CV

Age discrimination, like any form of discrimination, is unlawful in the UK. However, research exists to show many job seekers feel they have been discriminated against whether through intent or unconscious bias. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help avoid any age discrimination in your CV.

Date of birth

There are many ways to avoid age discrimination in your CV. Perhaps the most obvious detail to leave off a CV is your date of birth. It is not necessary to include this yet still many people do. It is the single most likely point that could lead to any age discrimination in your CV and so should be left off entirely.

Do not date qualifications

Another quick fix is not to date your qualifications. Academic qualifications like degrees or A levels do not expire or have to be renewed so there is no need to date them. The only time you may wish to include dates is if you believe it will work in your favour or if a qualification has an expiry date and you need to show yours is still valid.

Summarise your early career

There is no legal requirement to state every job you have ever carried out in a CV. Some job seekers include dates of jobs they did 20 or more years ago. This is not necessary as it is extremely unlikely you would be asked about these at interview. You should focus the CV on the most recent years and can summarise the early part of a career or leave it out entirely. Just start the CV at a point in time you feel is relevant for the reader to understand. For example, at the end of the career history you could say something like ‘Early career in IT administration roles’ or whatever suits your vocation.

Do not include any personal information to avoid age discrimination in a CV

Just as you shouldn’t include your age, it is advisable not to include any personal information in a CV. Personal details including sex, marital status or religion are irrelevant to the assessment of your suitability to do a role. Only include information that relates to your jobs, qualifications and experience. You can include an interest’s section, but this should not contain personal details.

Your CV should be assessed purely on your ability to do the job

A CV should be a blank canvass for you to persuade the reader that you have what it takes to do the job you’re applying for. The CV should be targeted and aligned to these roles. Your achievements should include facts and figures to support.  If your CV is working as hard as it can for you, this should supersede any prejudice on the part of the reader. However, it is better not to give the reader any personal details that could lead to age discrimination in your CV in the first place.

This article is written by Neville Rose, Director of CV Writers. Please do connect with me via LinkedIn.

Check out our CV writing service with details of our packages that include LinkedIn profiles, cover letters and more. You can get things started with a Free CV review. I am also a qualified career counsellor and provide Career Counselling services for people looking to change career paths.