Level up your CV: Combating ageism in today’s job market

Ageism, the unfair treatment of individuals based on their age, can be a significant barrier in the job search and workplace. While certain practices are legally prohibited, unconscious bias can still creep in, affecting individuals of all ages.

The fight against ageism in the workplace is ongoing, with subtle biases sometimes creeping into the recruitment process. While you cannot control the actions of others, you can strategically manage your application materials and online presence to minimise potential age-related bias:

The job search can be daunting for anyone, but experienced individuals often face an additional hurdle: ageism. While illegal, unconscious biases can still disadvantage older workers in the selection process. However, there are proactive steps you can take to minimise the impact of ageism and showcase your valuable skills and experience.

Create an age-neutral CV:

  • Focus on skills and achievements, not chronology. Highlight your most relevant and/or transferrable skills and accomplishments for the target job, emphasising quantifiable results and contributions. Quantify your achievements using numbers, percentages, and specific examples to showcase your impact.
  • Tailor your CV to each target job, emphasising the skills most relevant to that position. Write a skills section to match the keywords mentioned in the job description.
  • Condense your experience section to showcase the most relevant and recent work within the past 20 years. Briefly summarise older positions with a focus on key achievements and transferable skills.
  • Use a functional or combination CV format, which prioritises skills over employment history, allowing you to present your most relevant qualifications upfront. Remember that this may not be the best format if the potential employer uses Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
  • List recent experience first. Highlight your most recent and relevant experience, focusing on projects that demonstrate your current abilities and adaptability.
  • Highlight transferable skills. Emphasise transferable skills gained throughout your career, such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. These skills are valuable across industries and age groups.
  • Omit dates of education. While some employers may request educational details, consider excluding graduation dates from your CV to avoid age giveaways. List your degree and institution without the start or completion years.
  • Ditch dates for earlier positions and instead focus on the number of years of experience and highlight ongoing professional development activities.
  • Use a professional email address that doesn’t reveal your age (for example, jsmith74 @ email.com). Opt for a simple combination of your first, middle, and last name/initials (for example, johnlsmith @ email.com) or your occupation (for instance, jsmithengineer@email.com). Avoid nicknames or informal handles (for example, johnboy74 @ email.com) and create an email address especially for your job search.

References:

  • Listing your references on your CV or stating that “references are available upon request” is outdated. However, you should pre-brief your references and highlight specific projects or skills you want them to emphasise when they are contacted further along in the recruitment process.

Optimising for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS):

  • Modernise your format. Tailor your CV to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) by using keywords from the job description and formatting your CV in a clear, concise, and easily readable structure.
  • Use a clear and concise format by using simple, easy-to-read fonts, clear headings, and bullet points to ensure your CV is easily readable by ATS software. Avoid fancy formatting or graphics that might be misinterpreted.
  • Use relevant keywords strategically. ATS software scans CVs for keywords mentioned in the job description. Include relevant keywords naturally throughout your CV, ensuring they accurately reflect your skills and experience.
  • Use keyword-rich summaries and concise bullet points to optimise your CV for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan for specific terms.
  • Consider a separate skills-based document. Create a separate document highlighting your key skills and experience using keywords from the job description. This document can be uploaded as an “other document” or converted to a plain text format compatible with ATS.

Building a professional online presence:

  • Curate your social media profiles. Review your social media profiles and ensure they project a professional image. Consider adjusting privacy settings to restrict access to personal details or potentially inappropriate content.

Network strategies:

  • Attend industry events, connect with professionals online. Leverage professional networks and online platforms like LinkedIn to connect with potential employers and showcase your expertise. Building professional relationships can open doors to positions that might not be publicly advertised.
  • Engage in industry discussions, share relevant articles, and participate in online communities to stay visible and build your professional brand.
  • Prepare for age-related interview questions. Practice answering questions about your career gaps or extensive experience in a way that emphasises your continued relevance and value. Focus on highlighting your skills, adaptability, and desire to learn and grow.
  • Research and understand your legal rights against age discrimination in your region. If you suspect age-related bias during the hiring process, utilise available resources and consider seeking legal counsel if necessary.

Combating ageism in the workplace:

  • Advocate for Age-Neutral Practices. If you encounter ageist behaviour, speak up respectfully but firmly. Share resources and data highlighting the value of diverse workforces with your employer or colleagues.
  • Embrace Learning and Development. Continuously update your skills through online courses, professional development opportunities, or certifications. Demonstrate your eagerness to learn and adapt to new technologies and trends.

Note:

Ageism is a complex issue; these strategies alone cannot guarantee a discrimination-free job search. However, by presenting your skills and experience in an age-neutral way, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job based on your qualifications, not your age.

By staying informed proactive, and highlighting your strengths, you can confidently navigate the job market and secure the opportunities you deserve, regardless of your age.