Is a Graduation Date Necessary on a Resume?
Hiring managers love the math of graduation dates. It’s an easy way to figure out your age.
To be clear, you should never list your graduation date, unless it’s within the last 10 years or will be obtained within the next 2 years. As long as you have dates for your experience, your candidacy will not be dismissed simply for leaving out a graduation date.
Recruiters may tell you to include the graduation date and to “just be direct and honest about your age” but they don’t have as much to lose. You do. Everyone limits him or herself through stereotypes — which originate as part of basic survival skills. People generalize and categorize to make their life easier (and in some cases safer). And we all miss out on great opportunities by holding to these beliefs.
Recruiters succeed because of their talent in matchmaking, which is why they’ll encourage you to include your age (so that you can find an employer who prefers hiring older workers and a true-love match can be found). Just remember, that some employers may need a little more help in seeing the match. Oftentimes older workers’ enthusiasm, loyalty, and work ethic far exceed that of the younger competition but it’s only in the interview where these attributes can truly shine.
As long as your skills are updated, your mind is open, your ego is checked, and your health is satisfactory–you’ll win the employer over in the long run.
