Age stereotyping belies the facts

Should you leave your age out of a CV to try to thwart discrimination? Dr MARIE WILSON is associate professor of management at the University of Auckland, research director of the ICEHOUSE business accelerator and a veteran of 20 years in corporate management and small business.

Q. I am looking for employment and send in my complete CV, including my age (54).

In most instances I have not received an interview, but for one position I deleted my age and some of my old employment history, and then received an interview, the result of which I am still waiting to hear.

I feel this is slightly dishonest, but needs must. With the recent news about abolition of a retiring age but the necessity of earning to ensure a good level of living after the cessation of working, I find it a dilemma.

Do I leave out information and feel dishonest? Or stay honest and not gain employment at a young 54?

A. There is no requirement that you include your age in a CV, and unless there is a legitimate reason to request the information, employers shouldn't even ask.

Given the stereotypes that are aroused by age, I think it seldom works for you unless there is a very high-level position.

Experience of more than 15 years ago is less relevant in any event and can best be summarised in a brief paragraph that starts "before 198x, I worked in a series of positions in ... "

Research suggests that employers may assume that older workers are less technologically capable or will be more resistant to change, so you may want to highlight achievements in these areas in both your CV and interview.

Research suggests that older workers present fewer retention and performance management issues, generally, and aside from slightly slowed reaction times, perform as well or better than their younger counterparts.

Q. I have four properties in a country town, all bought with a legacy. I seem to have worked solidly for the last three years (having a load of fun, actually) so I consider myself to be self-employed in a small business involving painting, paperhanging, cleaning, gardening, debt control and the like.

The thing is, though, every time I have to fill out a form listing my job, I have a terrible time trying to decide what to put down.

I am retired from my earlier career as a schoolteacher. I am possibly a landlady, but I don't run a boarding house. Can you help with a title and/or a job description?

A. The term landlord isn't limited to males, but it sounds as if your role is broader than that anyway.

For a title I might suggest property development manager.

The title isn't as important as a single clear paragraph that states what you did.

You've given a pretty clear overview in your letter, but you don't need to mention that it is a legacy, and you would want to clear up which things you've done yourself and what you have overseen.

If you've started to create some income or substantially improved the value of the properties, you might want to include this as well.

Finish this section with a short list of the skills you have developed.

Given that this is a substantial change in your career, you might want to start your CV with a brief paragraph that gives an overview of your skills and accomplishments and helps a potential employer to see how your skills are enhanced by your varied background.

Good luck, and I hope your next challenge is as much fun.

* Email your questions for Dr Marie Wilson to answer.