One recurring question we get is “Should I include my age on a resume?” Some argue that it gives hiring managers and recruiters a better view of the candidate even before an interview, perhaps it shows vibrancy and youthfulness. Others worry that they may be considered too old and rejected.
With age bias still very real in many industries, it’s a valid question. And the answer? In most cases, no, you shouldn’t include your age or your date of birth on your resume. But let’s dig deeper into why that is, when age might be inferred anyway, and what you can do to stay competitive without hiding who you are.
Age Bias Is Real (But There Are Smarter Ways to Navigate It)
Discrimination based on age has been studied, documented, and experienced by countless professionals. A 2023 AARP survey found that nearly 78% of older workers either saw or experienced age discrimination in the workplace. Unfortunately, resumes often give subtle clues to a candidate’s age, even without a birth date.
So if the risk is there, why open yourself to such discrimination? Including your date of birth or graduation year might seem like a harmless detail, but it can trigger unconscious (or conscious) biases before you even get a call. Your best move is to keep the focus on your value, not your age.
Why You Should Leave Age Off Your Resume
There are a few good reasons to skip adding your age or date of birth to your resume:
1. It’s Not Required — and Might Even Be Illegal to Ask
In countries like the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia, asking for your age on a resume is either strongly discouraged or outright illegal under anti-discrimination laws. Employers aren’t supposed to base hiring decisions on age, so including it puts them in a risky position keeps you at a disadvantage.
2. It Can Be Used to Filter You Out Early
Unfortunately, some hiring managers or recruiters might make snap judgments based on age, assuming you’re either too inexperienced (if you’re young) or overqualified or outdated (if you’re older). Leaving your age off helps keep the focus where it should be: on your skills, experience, and potential.
3. It Doesn’t Help You Get the Job
There’s simply no benefit to adding your age on a resume. It doesn’t prove your qualifications or experience. In fact, it might date your resume unnecessarily, especially if you include early graduation dates or work history from decades ago.
But Won’t They Guess My Age Anyway?
Probably. Employers can often make an educated guess about your age based on things like:
- Graduation years
- Length of work history
- Early job titles or outdated technologies you mention
But that doesn’t mean you need to hand it to them directly. If you’re strategic, you can create a resume that highlights your value without drawing attention to your age.
Here’s how.
How to Write an Age-Neutral Resume That Still Tells Your Story
1. Remove Your Graduation Years (If You’re 40+)
If your degree is over 15 years old, you don’t need to include the year. Simply list the degree and institution:
B.A. in Business Administration – University of Chicago
2. Limit Your Work History to the Last 10–15 Years
You don’t need to include every job since your first one in 1985. Focus on the most recent and relevant experience that speaks to your current goals.
3. Use a Modern Resume Format
Make sure your resume design looks fresh and up-to-date. Avoid Times New Roman and clunky layouts. Opt for clean fonts, bullet points, and minimal fluff. This signals that you’re current and tech-savvy.
4. Show, Don’t Tell — Especially When It Comes to Tech
Rather than saying “I’m comfortable with technology,” prove it. List tools you’ve used recently, certifications you’ve earned, or modern platforms you’ve worked with. Example:
CRM Platforms: Salesforce, HubSpot | Collaboration Tools: Slack, Zoom, Trello
5. Focus on Impact, Not Just Tenure
Rather than listing a long timeline, highlight what you achieved in each role. Use metrics where possible:
Increased customer retention by 30% through improved onboarding systems.
For Younger Job Seekers: Should You Include Your Age?
Even if you’re early in your career, resist the urge to list your birth date. It might feel like a way to show energy or “freshness,” but age-based bias cuts both ways. Some employers may assume you’re inexperienced or immature. Instead of offering up your age, focus on internships, relevant coursework, or projects that show initiative and value.
What Recruiters Actually Care About in 2025
In today’s market, recruiters are scanning resumes for:
- Clear alignment with the job description
- Problem-solving ability
- Evidence of impact
- Adaptability to new tools and trends
They’re not asking, “How old is this person?” They’re asking, “Can they hit the ground running?”
So don’t give them any distractions. Keep your age out of it and make every bullet count.
What to Do Instead of Listing Your Age
- Include a headline that reflects your value
Example: Operations Manager | Process Optimization | Scaled Teams 3x in 2 Years - Add a short summary that highlights your unique strengths
Example: Experienced customer success leader with a track record of building support teams from scratch, improving retention by 45%, and training cross-functional staff in fast-paced SaaS environments. - Tailor every resume to the job
Generic resumes = wasted opportunity. You don’t need to mention your ag; what you need to do is show your alignment.
Stay Ahead, No Matter Your Age
Age doesn’t define your capability. But navigating the job market with confidence takes more than just editing your resume. That’s where Lightforth’s Auto-Apply feature comes in.
When you upload your resume, Lightforth analyzes your skills, experience, and strengths and finds remote, hybrid, and in-person roles that match your profile (regardless of how long you’ve been working). Then? It applies for you automatically. No guesswork. No late-night Googling.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional ready for your next chapter or a younger worker tired of being overlooked, Lightforth helps you bypass the bias and focus on the roles where you truly shine.
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions about adding your age to a resume.
Should you include the date of birth on your resume?
No. You should leave your date of birth off your resume. It’s not required, and including it can unintentionally lead to age discrimination. Employers are only interested in your skills, experience, and qualifications—not your age.
Should I include a summary in my resume in 2025?
Yes. A short, tailored summary at the top of your resume is helpful in 2025. It gives recruiters a quick snapshot of who you are, what you do, and what value you bring. Keep it clear, specific, and aligned with the job you’re applying for.
How do I update my resume in 2025?
Focus on relevance. Update your resume by removing outdated roles, highlighting recent achievements, adding new skills (especially digital or AI tools), and tailoring your experience to the job description. Use clean formatting and make sure it’s optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
How long should my resume be in 2025?
For most professionals, one page is ideal. Two pages are fine if you have over 10 years of experience or technical roles to list. Prioritize clarity and impact—don’t stuff it with every job you’ve ever had.