CV Writing Tips: Is Including Your Date Of Birth Or Age Necessary?

By Elizabeth Benu

Martha Kanyi is a 31 year old Administration professional. She has been job searching for the past six months without any success. She argues that her age might be the problem.

“Sometimes I apply for a job that requires 6 years experience yet I have 8 years experience. I think that most employers disqualify me because of my age. That begs the question; is it really necessary to include my date of birth or age in my CV? Does its presence or absence affect my application?” she asks in an email

Many candidates would share Martha’s concern; age discrimination whether you are experienced or fresh out of college. Conversely, failure to include your age would still not settle well with your conscience after sending the application.

So, what should you do?

“Age can be an asset or liability when it comes to job applications,” says Florence Mukunya, a Career Advisor at Corporate Staffing Services.

She demonstrate this by giving this scenario, “If you are 26 years old and applying for a post advertised for a 1-3 year experienced Accountant , the fact that you are 25 years old is an asset. However, if you are 40 years old and applying for the same job, your age is a liability.”

She adds that some job descriptions will guide you on what to include in your CV.

“If the job description requires someone aged between 20-26 years then ensure that you include your age or date of birth. If it is requested age discrimination should not be a problem to a job seeker,” she explains further.

Why are recruiters keen to know the age of an applicant? I ask

“A job that needs someone dynamic and energetic or outgoing would need an employee young in age. On the other hand a managerial position that needs a lot of experience will require a person in their late 30’s or early 40’s,” Ms. Mukunya explains.

She also adds that an employer is also keen on not employing someone underage or someone who will retire soon.

Is it possible that the employer will not know the age of a candidate if such details are omitted? I probe further

“Majority of employers can easily work out your age. This is usually done by looking at your education background and work experience. The age might not be accurate but a recruiter has a range they can work with,” she explains.

Harry Urschel, a technology recruiter with more than 20 years experience, says that leaving out your age may bring more frustrations upon you.

“If your CV created an impression that you are someone in their 30’s, and when you show up you’re clearly someone in their 50’s, the HR will feel like they’ve somehow been deceived. You will be starting your interview ‘in the hole’ having to overcome the perception that you were trying to put something over on them. Compared to other candidates that they perceive to be more forthright, it may be an obstacle you can’t get past,” he says.

So, which is the best way to go?

Ms. Mukunya recommends that, “Include your age or date of Birth in your CV. You can either include it in your “Personal Profile” and/or on your personal details. For example, say “An innovative IT professional with over 3 years experience” or simply put down your date of birth as it is ‘23/02/1991’.”

“Emphasize the most relevant parts of your CV, and minimize least relevant information while still acknowledging your entire career history and presenting it in an honest way,” Ms. Mukunya concludes.

Contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke for any CV related queries.

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