How to Avoid Giving Away Your Age on a CV

When writing your CV, it is important to present yourself in the strongest and most professional light. Unfortunately, ageism is still a very real issue in the workplace, so taking care to make your CV age-neutral can help you avoid unnecessary bias. Here are five key tips to keep your age off the page.

1. Leave Out Your Date of Birth
There is no requirement to include your date of birth on a UK CV. In fact, most employers will see this as irrelevant information. Removing it avoids giving recruiters an immediate clue about your age.

2. Do Not List Every Job Beyond 20 Years Ago
Your career history should focus on the most recent and relevant experience. Anything beyond 10 or 15 years can be summarised under a section titled ‘Relevant Earlier Career’ or simply omitted if no longer applicable. This approach helps keep the CV concise while avoiding unnecessary details that date you.

3. Remove Education Dates
Dates attached to your qualifications, especially if they go back decades, can be a clear giveaway. Unless the date works in your favour or is essential (such as for very recent or time-sensitive qualifications), it is better to leave it off.

4. Do Not Include O Levels
O Levels no longer exist in today’s education system and including them can instantly signal your age. Focus instead on higher-level qualifications or relevant certifications that demonstrate your up-to-date knowledge.

5. Avoid Mentioning ‘30 Years of Experience’ in Your Profile
While you might be proud of your lengthy career, stating the number of years can unintentionally raise red flags. It is often more powerful to focus on the depth of your expertise and the value you bring, rather than simply the amount of time you have been working.

Is This Overly Cautious?
Some may wonder if all these steps are necessary, but given how common age-related discrimination remains, I strongly recommend following them. You may need to hold back on mentioning long-ago achievements or decades of experience, but it will ultimately help you stay competitive.

Back in 2006, just before the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations came into effect, I was working in an investment bank and took part in many discussions around age discrimination. It is remarkable – and troubling – that nearly two decades later we are still facing these challenges, and arguably the situation has worsened, particularly for those over 45. Speaking personally, as someone now aged 52, I often wonder how I would fare in today’s job market if I needed to apply for a traditional role.

Making Your CV Age-Neutral
To protect yourself, making your CV age-neutral is essential. In some countries, including a date of birth is expected, but in the UK it is perfectly acceptable to leave it off. Creating a ‘Relevant Earlier Career’ section allows you to summarise older roles without needing to date every single job. Leaving dates off your qualifications can also remove unnecessary clues.

The mention of long experience, such as “with 30 years in the industry,” deserves extra thought. As I often say to clients, how long does it really take to become excellent at your job? Is the person with 25 years of experience necessarily better than the one with 15? Experience does not automatically equal talent. Rather than relying on the number of years, focus on your achievements, capabilities, and the value you bring to the table.

Staying Modern and Relevant
In addition to making your CV age-neutral, it is vital to show that you are current and in touch with the modern world. This includes using a modern CV format and avoiding old-fashioned touches like listing referees at the end. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is well presented, even if you have previously dismissed social media as irrelevant. A sharp, professional online presence can counteract assumptions about your age.

Photos can also give away more than you might intend. I would recommend leaving a photo off your CV altogether and seeking expert help to ensure your LinkedIn profile photo is as polished and age-neutral as possible.

Final Thoughts
Age should never be a barrier, but we know that it often is. Do not let employers judge you unfairly. Make your CV age-neutral, highlight your strengths and track record, and remind them that there is plenty of life in the old dog yet. By focusing on your value, you give yourself the best possible chance to shine, regardless of the number on your birth certificate.