Job Hunting Tip #8: Include The Years You Received Your Degree(s)

More and more frequently we are receiving resumes that exclude the year when one’s degree(s) were earned. I imagine that the primary reason candidates are omitting this key piece of information is that they do not want to bring attention to how old they are; however, omitting this information actually is bringing attention to this very fact. Employers understand that many candidates have had career changes and perhaps have less experience in the industry for which they are trying to land a job then the total number of years of work experience. At some point in time the employer is going to find out approximately how old you are when you interview. We have placed 35+ year-olds in analyst positions many times. If you have 10 years of related work experience and you are trying to land an entry level analyst position, no employer is going to hire you as they know that as soon as the market turns around you will be among the first to jump ship for a better salaried position.

List the year you received all degrees and embrace your age and experience. If you apply only for those positions that are in sync with your age and experience then you will be competitive.