The UK’s high living costs are causing many to seek better-paid jobs or contemplate a return to work. However, for people of a certain age, discrimination makes it far from easy. Although common sense dictates that the most skilled and suitable applicant should be given the position, it doesn’t always work that way, and many, particularly those aged over 50, are finding themselves overlooked. Presenting the best Curriculum Vitae (CV) possible is vital, and the below guide will tell you how to create one.

Recently conducted research has revealed that nearly 37% of UK employees are contemplating a career change in 2025, with over four million workers actively seeking new opportunities. However, despite the UK facing a significant skills shortage, 1/3rd of workers aged over 50 still fear that age discrimination will limit their job prospects, which has resulted in many not applying altogether.¹,²

Fortunately, we can call upon the experts at the online job search platform JobLeads for practical, easy-to-follow advice on putting together a CV and boosting confidence when applying for a job.

Ten Tips to Age-Proof your CV and Optimise your Job Search

Tailor Your Career History to Recent Achievements
Focus on the most recent 5-10 years of your career, highlighting relevant roles and achievements. For earlier positions, provide only a brief mention without excessive detail, focusing on showcasing recent experiences that directly align with the job requirements and promote ‘up to date’ skills.

Customise Keywords and Highlight Relevant Skills
Update your CV to feature current, in-demand skills. Remove outdated technologies or tools, such as WordPerfect or Lotus Notes, and focus on modern competencies that are relevant to the role. Tailor your resume’s language to match job descriptions and company culture.

Use ATS-friendly Templates
Choose clean, simple CV templates compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Avoid text boxes, graphics, and images that ATS may not process effectively. Stick to a single-column, straightforward layout.

Modernise Job Titles and Remove Graduation Dates
Update outdated titles to current industry standards. For example, replace “Data Entry Clerk” with “Data Specialist” or “Secretary” with “Administrative Assistant” to reflect more modern roles.

Additionally, as suggested by JobLeads in their blog, exclude graduation dates unless specifically requested, focusing on the relevance of your education rather than when you completed it.

Keep Your CV Concise
Stick to a two-page format (unless the job requires detailed documentation). A shorter CV helps avoid signalling excessive experience that may trigger bias. Avoid including irrelevant personal information such as your date of birth, email address containing your birth year, or marital/parental status.

Choose Contemporary Fonts and Modern Formatting
JobLeads advises selecting modern fonts like Calibri or Arial. Avoid outdated fonts like Times New Roman, which can make your resume appear old-fashioned. Use single-spacing between sentences instead of double-spacing to avoid typewriter-era formatting.

Leverage LinkedIn to Optimise Your CV for Screening
Use LinkedIn to tailor your CV and boost your chances of passing the first screening, particularly with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Analyse job descriptions on LinkedIn to identify key skills and keywords that frequently appear.

The “Skills” section and LinkedIn Premium’s “How You Match” feature can help identify the competencies to highlight.

Omit the References Section and Certifications
Skip the “References” section – employers typically ask for them later. Also, avoid attaching copies of certifications unless requested; mention them within the relevant sections of your CV instead.

Replace Objective Statements with a Professional Summary
Ditch the traditional objective statement and include a professional summary highlighting your career level, expertise, and key accomplishments. It provides a more modern, concise introduction to your qualifications.

Highlight Modern, Engaging Interests
Include current hobbies or interests that unique, and relevant to the role you’re applying for. For example, showcasing your passion for emerging technologies, sustainability, or volunteer work in your community can highlight your engagement with modern trends. It will demonstrate that you’re adaptable, forward-thinking, and aligned with the values of today’s workplace.

Refrain from listing hobbies that may signal outdated generational trends (for example, CD collecting).

While these CV tips can help you navigate the job market with confidence, recognising signs of age bias in a company can guide you in choosing a workplace that aligns with your values.

Be aware of signs of:

Limited experience preferred: Phrases like “under 3-5 years of experience” or “a fresh perspective” may signal a preference for younger candidates.

Youth-oriented benefits: Perks like gym memberships, gaming competitions, or happy hours—without retirement planning or similar benefits—can hint at a culture focused on younger employees.

Gen Z-inspired job titles: Terms like “Digital Native,” “Growth Hacker,” or “Rockstar” suggest the company is targeting a younger, tech-savvy audience.

Youth-centric job descriptions: Emphasis on skills or tools popular among younger generations, such as the latest apps or trends, may exclude seasoned professionals.

Exclusionary language: Phrases like “recent graduates” or “young, dynamic team” are clear red flags that older candidates might not be the focus.

References:

¹ – Elizabeth Michael | Why Are So Many UK Employees Considering a Career Change in 2025?

² – Facilitate | Ageism sees ‘millions overlooked for job roles’