Writing a CV after 50: how to make experience work for you

Long experience is an asset: judgement, calm under pressure, knowing how to get things done. A good CV makes that obvious, and stops anyone guessing your age before they've seen what you can do.

Leave out what you don't need

• Date of birth and age. You never need to include them.
• Photos, marital status and nationality.
• Graduation and school-leaving years. List the qualification without the year.
• Your full address. Your town is enough.

Go back about 10 to 15 years in detail

Describe your recent roles properly, with what you did and what changed because of you. Older roles can go in a short "Earlier career" line, for example: "Earlier roles in retail management with Boots and WHSmith."

Show your skills are current

• Name the tools and systems you use now, such as Microsoft 365, Xero, Teams or the booking system you know.
• Mention recent training or courses, however short.
• Use today's job titles where your old title meant the same thing.

Lead with what you're great at

Start with a short profile: what you do best, the experience behind it, and the work you want next. If you want something calmer or more flexible than before, say so positively.

Your rights

Under the Equality Act 2010, age is a protected characteristic. Employers must not discriminate against you because of your age when deciding who to interview or hire, and job adverts shouldn't ask for things like "young" or "recent graduate" unless there's a lawful reason. Acas has free guidance if you think you've been treated unfairly.

How KindHire helps

Our CV builder leaves out personal details and old dates by default. On KindHire, employers see your skills before anything else, and employers who post jobs directly on KindHire promise to reply to everyone.