The Pongo Blog
Graduation Date on Your Resume: Yes or No?
April 29, 2010 (12:01PM) by Rick Saia, CPRW
Since our blog went live more than two years ago, we've advised that older job seekers who are worried about revealing their age on their resumes shouldn't divulge the year they received their college degrees or high school diplomas. If you're over 40, we recommend that you state the name and location of your school and—if you graduated from college—your major. Your graduation date and grade point average are irrelevant at this point, and might even detract from the first impression you make.
Employers, of course, could be courting legal trouble if they asked for your graduation date since it can be interpreted as age bias. If they're interested in you, they may ask for your graduation date so they can verify it with the school. But if they don't hire you, it may be hard to prove that age bias was the deciding factor. The employer could always cite other reasons, such as a better combination of skills and experience with another candidate, or a strong recommendation from someone they trust.
Not everyone who writes on the web about job-search issues believes you should omit your graduation date from your resume. The issue, in fact, has spawned a bit of a debate. One blogger says leaving off the date is a "mistake" and claims one CEO "won't even speak with a candidate" who omits the date.
Where do you stand? Do you think that by omitting the graduation date from your resume, you're sending a message that you're trying to hide something or that you lack the confidence to admit your age?
Or, do you believe that omitting the graduation date is a smart way to market the best qualities that can maximize your chances of being called in for an interview.
Vote in our poll and feel free to comment on this issue.
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Some people tend to hide these precious dates when making their resumes but for me, I should put them in there completely. By indicating the graduate date, employers will see the experience you have and your capability.
Posted by: advance web | April 30, 2010 at 2:42 AM | Quote This Comment
I think it's a moot point anymore; if they want to find out your age it's very easy these days to access that kind of data on the internet. I did a search on myself and pulled up a site that lists my age, and my immediate family and spouse and ex-spouse and their ages! All for free.
Posted by: Annie | April 30, 2010 at 7:49 PM | Quote This Comment
And here's another thought to add to the debate: leaving off dates is pretty much a "telling" indication that you are over 40! Maybe there should be a standard then that EVERYONE, young & old, leave off dates and that would level the field for everyone!
Posted by: Annie | April 30, 2010 at 7:52 PM | Quote This Comment
i'm looking for a job right now and i've never once considered taking my graduation dates off my resume. high school '83. college '87. they'll find out how old i am eventually.
Posted by: Jerry | April 30, 2010 at 7:57 PM | Quote This Comment
@ advance web, Annie and Jerry -- Thanks very much for your comments. They prove that there are at least two schools of thought on this issue, and this post might change my thinking on this topic.
Posted by: Rick Saia, CPRW | May 03, 2010 at 2:34 PM | Quote This Comment
It's easy to say it doesn't matter when you've graduated in the 80's. When people see you've graduated in the 60's they think you'll bring your walker to the interview. Yet, if age weren't an immediate negative, the interview may surprise the employer to see how capable, energetic and experienced some of us in our 60's can be. I know they would appreciate the work ethics of people of this age.
Posted by: vivian kirkbride | May 28, 2010 at 10:15 AM | Quote This Comment
@ Vivian -- Agree with what you say. But sometimes, saving money wins out over hiring someone with strong work ethic. And the employer may emerge the bigger loser for it.
Posted by: Rick Saia, CPRW | May 28, 2010 at 1:50 PM | Quote This Comment