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The Proper Date Format To Use on Your Resume

Not sure how to format dates on your resume? In this guide, we cover the most common resume date formats, essential tips, and how to navigate text alignment.

2 years ago   •   6 min read

Sometimes, the smallest details can be the most complicated. Like: How are you supposed to format dates on a resume?

The good (and bad) news is, there’s more than one way to correctly format resume dates. As long as your resume dates are clear and consistent, you’re off to a good start. Below, we’ll explain how to write dates on a resume, how to format resume dates in Word and Google Docs , what format recruiters (and Applicant Tracking Systems ) prefer, and what not to do when listing dates on your resume.

Ready? Let’s dive right in!

List of acceptable resume date formats

Any of the date formats below are fine to use on a resume — as long as you use them consistently.

It’s okay to format dates on your resume as:

• Month and year (full or abbreviated)
• Season and year

Avoid listing dates on your resume as:

• Day, month and year
• Mixed format — choose one and stick to it

Here are some examples of correct resume date formats. These are appropriate to use in your work experience , education , or any other section of your resume.

Work experience and other date formats

• 2018 – 2021
• 06/2018 – 06/2021
• 06-2018 – 06-2021
• 06/18 – 06/21
• June 2018 – June 2021
• Jun 2018 – Jun 2021
• Summer 2018 – Fall 2021

Graduation date formats

• January 2019
• Expected Fall 2024
• Expected September 2024
• Expected Sep 2024
• Expected 09/2023

How to write dates on a resume: Essential tips

Do: include the month and year.

The best resume date format is month and year. This is the format preferred by most recruiters, so if you’re undecided, stick with this.

DON’T: Include exact start and end dates

Exact dates are unnecessary on a resume. The only time you’ll need to include days is if you’re filling out an application form that explicitly asks for that information. In every other case, listing months is specific enough.

DO: Use a date format ATS can read

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) have an easier time reading your resume when you include the month and year. The preferred ATS resume date format is Sep 2018 – Jun 2020 or 07/2020 – 09/2022.

DO: Use dashes and hyphens correctly

The best way to separate dates on your resume is with a hyphen or en dash, not with a word like “to” or “until.” And always leave a space between the dates and any dashes or hyphens, e.g. 2016 – 2019, not 2016-2019.

DO: Align your resume dates

For a clean look, always right align any dates on your resume. This avoids having too many details crowding together and taking focus away from the most important information, like your job title and company. (Scroll down for an easy-to-follow guide on how to do this.)

DO: List short dates and abbreviations

Writing out the full month or year is fine, but it’s not necessary. Keep in mind when using abbreviations:

• To abbreviate months, use the first three letters without a period , e.g. Sep 2018 rather than Sept. 2018.
• Using short dates for years is generally fine, but if you’re concerned that 05/10 – 06/12 might be confusing, it’s safest to list dates as MM/YYYY, e.g. 05/2010.

DON’T: List start dates for your education

Start and end dates are for your work experience and similar sections (like volunteering or internships ). When listing degrees or other qualifications, you only need to include your graduation date — and it’s even okay to leave this off if it’s been 8+ years.

DO: List overlapping jobs

If you have jobs that overlap on your resume — whether it’s a short overlap, simultaneous part-time jobs, or side gigs that you worked alongside a full-time position — it’s okay to list both.

• To keep it chronological, list the job that started last on top. For example, if you’re currently working two jobs — one that started in March and one that started in April — list the job that started in April first.
• If you want to emphasize one role over another, it’s okay to list the more relevant job first if they had similar start dates. Alternatively, you could list less relevant positions in an “additional experience” section .

DO: Use the same resume date format consistently

There is no one right or wrong way to format dates on your resume — as long as you’re consistent. This means:

• Don’t switch between date formats. Never list one job as 2 014 – 2019 and the next as Dec 2019 – Mar 2020.
• Use the same format in every section of your resume. If you list dates in your work experience section as 10/2017 – 04/2019, don’t list your graduation date as September 2016.
• Use abbreviations consistently . Don’t write January 2018 on one part of your resume and Jan 18 in another.
• Be consistent with the details — using either a short hyphen or a longer en dash to separate dates is fine, but choose one and use it throughout.

DON’T: List only the year if it’s misleading

It’s okay to leave months off your resume, especially if you’re listing older positions or if you were in a previous role for several years. On the other hand, if you worked somewhere from December 2018 – February 2019, don’t list 2018 – 2019 to deceive recruiters into thinking you were there for 1-2 years.

DON’T: Leave dates off your resume entirely

Using a functional or skills-based resume format — one that leaves off dates entirely — is a bad idea for a few reasons:

• Recruiters hate it because they can’t easily find the information they need — that is, exactly how much experience you have in similar roles.
• ATS can’t read it properly, so it may get rejected before it hits the hiring manager’s desk.
• It’s usually used by people who are trying to hide something ( like a large resume gap ), so it immediately raises red flags.

DO: Know when to break the rules

Like anything in life, there are some times when the rules don’t apply. Specifically, it is sometimes okay to mix date formats. For example:

• If you graduated some time ago, you can list your graduation date as the year only and still use months in your work experience section.
• If you have an extensive career history and want to briefly include much older positions, you can list those with just the years and newer (or shorter) positions with the year and month.

DO: Leave it to the professionals

Wish there was an easy way to check that your resume uses the correct date format? There is! Score My Resume will scan your resume for consistent, easily understood date formats in addition to checking your bullet points , keywords , and overall readability.

How to align dates on your resume

How to align dates on a resume: general tips.

Use tabs to quickly right align dates on your resume. Don’t use spaces — this is unnecessarily time-consuming and will result in dates that are almost — but not quite — perfectly aligned.

If you want to get your resume dates perfectly aligned every time, here’s how to do that in Google Docs and Microsoft Word .

How to align dates on a resume in Google Docs

• Make sure that “View -> Show ruler” is checked.
• Click on the ruler above your document where you want to text to stop.
• In the pop-up window, click “Add right tab-stop.”
• Type your left-aligned text then hit the tab key.
• Type your date — it should be neatly aligned to the right of your document.

How to align dates on a resume in Microsoft Word

• Go to the “Home” tab.
• Set your text as “Align to left.”
• Click the arrow icon on the bottom left of your paragraph section and choose “Line spacing options.”
• Alternatively, select “Format -> Paragraph.”
• Click the “Tabs” button in the bottom left-hand corner.
• Under “Tab stops,” type where you want your tab to end — in a standard document, this should be around 6.2 inches.
• Under “Alignment,” click “Right.”
• Select “OK.”
• In your document, type your normal (left-aligned) text then hit the tab key to enter your dates.

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• Resume Tips

To Disclose Age on Resumes: A Definitive Guide - Yes or No?

Get to grips with best practice on including age or date of birth on a resume

Sixty is the new 50, and 50 is the new 40. Age is just a number, after all. Well… that’s what the older generations say! And they would, wouldn’t they? Because being a more mature worker can have its downsides, as well as its upsides.

But do you want to reveal all by adding your age or date of birth on a resume?

How do you address your age on a resume?

Most people understand that, in 2024, it’s illegal to discriminate against job candidates based on certain facts, such as your age, the color of your skin, or your gender. The USA’s Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) was passed to protect workers, over the age of 40, from any workplace discrimination. It prohibits employers from hiring, firing, or promoting workers simply based on their age. The reason for this is to minimize any damaging effects that long-term unemployment might have on older employees.

Of course, it wasn’t always that way. Decades ago, before the first age discrimination laws were passed in the US, there was nothing to prevent employers and hiring managers from considering a candidate’s age, and potentially not hiring someone simply because they were deemed “too old.” Since that time, several laws have been passed to limit that discriminatory practice.

But we’re all well aware that often discrimination isn’t a conscious thing. Some organizations continue to employ discriminatory practices during the hiring process, without really realizing it. Normally, this discrimination occurs during the resume process, and especially when candidates include their age or date of birth on a resume.

So this begs the question: while job candidates should be as forthcoming as possible, does it mean that they should include information on their age or date of birth on their resumes?

Should you include your age or date of birth on a resume?

The short answer here is no . 

You don’t need to include your age or date of birth on a resume if you’re applying for jobs in the US or Canada — in fact, it’s viewed as damning if you do, as it opens you up to more scrutiny than you probably want.

However, if you’re looking to work internationally , there are some countries that require you to include your date of birth on job search documents. These include some European countries, such as Germany, France, and Spain, as well as countries across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

In this article, we’ll examine the impact of including personal characteristics, such as age or date of birth on a resume, and explain why it’s not a good idea when applying for roles within the US and Canada.

If you’re planning on applying for jobs overseas, check the details of the specific country you’re aiming for to see if it’s necessary to include a date of birth on your resume.

Legal safeguards can’t protect you from unconscious bias

Unconscious bias is defined as a form of prejudice or stereotyping that people have in the unconscious part of their brains, so it’s outside their conscious control. These often don’t match their conscious beliefs or attitudes. Unconscious bias affects how people perceive and treat others, based on factors such as age, race, gender, ethnicity, and ability.

So, how do you address your age or date of birth on a resume — if at all? We know that there are laws that protect job seekers against conscious age discrimination , but they can’t protect against unconscious bias.

Employers often favor younger workers for their energy, potential longevity, and innovative approach to problem-solving. This is especially true in industries such as technology, and other dynamic sectors that are constantly diversifying. Older workers are often perceived as less flexible, less dynamic, and less able to keep up with rapidly changing technologies and evolving work practices. While those perceptions may not be based in reality, they exist all the same.

And that could harm you if your age or date of birth on your resume identifies you as an older worker.

Since you need an interview to land most jobs, you must ensure that your resume offers no details that might invite unintentional or unconscious bias. That means leaving out personal factors such as your age or date of birth.

By omitting this information, you can achieve a number of important goals:

Your resume will be more focused on relevant details which demonstrates that you’re the right candidate for the position.

You can avoid a potential negative perception and thus gain a better chance of landing an interview.

By omitting your age or date of birth on your resume, you can ensure that the potential employer or hiring manager focuses on your achievements and qualifications instead.

Gain more insight into how to leverage your resume with our blog that cites resume tips for older workers .

How do you avoid ageism on a resume?

Of course, there’s more to it than omitting your age or date of birth on your resume in order to hide personal information that could set you up to be discriminated against. After all, there are other obvious clues that employers might use to deduce how old you are. These are:

Including the year you graduated provides a reasonable estimate of your age, assuming you weren’t a mature student or took a whole load of gap years!

Writing something along the lines of “A versatile Regional Manager with 30 years of work experience,” in the professional summary .

Listing every single job you’ve ever had, including dates, going back to the 1980s.

You need to carefully consider how you list every bit of information within your resume.

To avoid leaving a trail of breadcrumbs that leads a prospective employer right to your age, take the following steps:

1. Remove your graduation year

To do that effectively, only include the name of the course you took, the name of the educational establishment, and any relevant achievements .

2. Remove dates of certifications

This also includes any awards or other honors you’ve achieved.

3. Shorten your career history

Include no more than 10-15 years of work experience on your resume . The reality is that your earliest employment history and experience is often less relevant anyway. Chances are that you used systems that are now outdated or dealt with technologies that are less applicable in today’s economy. By keeping the career section up-to-date, you can better ensure that it’s more relevant to employer needs right now.

4. Don’t include dates from earlier roles

For any relevant experience that’s earlier than 15 years ago, include a section titled “Additional Experience” and simply list those positions without any corresponding dates.

5. Include details on your technological know-how

Just make sure that you’re listing only relevant technical prowess and that you are actually familiar with this type of technology.

Is it necessary to add personal details to a resume?

While we’ve discovered that adding your age or date of birth on a resume is a real no-no, what about other personal details, such as your gender, a photo , or marital status?

All of these are seen as outdated to include on a US or Canadian resume, as again, they open you up to be discriminated against. Plus, what you look like has no bearing on how well you can perform your job tasks (unless you’re aiming to be a model!)

Increase your chances of securing an interview

As an older and experienced worker, you have much to offer today’s employers. Unfortunately, age bias is a real problem that often prevents qualified older workers from being considered for employment. 

By proactively eliminating age or date of birth from your resume, you can minimize your chances of being denied the chance for an interview, due to irrelevant personal details and discriminatory reasons. And that will help increase your odds of landing a job.

Using ZipJob’s free resume review tool will advise you on putting your age or date of birth on your resume. All you need to do is upload your resume and let the experts take over. Then, you can use this advice to improve your job search documents. 

Best of luck!

Recommended reading:

Career Change at 40: Everything You Need to Know

Resume vs. CV: Key Distinctions by Experts

13 Must-Have Job Search Apps - Find Your Dream Job Today

Elizabeth Openshaw, Editor & Content Writer, Elizabeth Openshaw, Editor & Content Writer

Elizabeth Openshaw is an Elite CV Consultant with over 12 years of experience based in Brighton, UK, with an English degree and an addiction to Wordle! She is a former Journalist of 17 years with the claim to fame that she interviewed three times Grand Slam winner and former World No.1 tennis player, Andy Murray, when he was just 14 years old. You can connect with her at Elizabeth Openshaw | LinkedIn .

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• Career Blog

Should You Include Your Age or Date of Birth on a Resume?

In today’s competitive job market, crafting a strong resume is crucial to landing job interviews and ultimately securing employment. One important decision that job seekers must make is whether or not to include their age or date of birth on their resume. While some job seekers may feel that including this information is necessary, others may have reservations about doing so. In this article, we will explore the topic of whether or not to include your age or date of birth on your resume, and discuss the importance of addressing this topic in your job application.

Brief Overview of the Topic

The inclusion of age-related information on a resume has been a longstanding debate in the professional world. Some argue that it is important to include this information so that potential employers can properly gauge a candidate’s experience level and determine if they are a good fit for the role. Others argue that including age-related information can lead to age discrimination and bias, which can ultimately harm a candidate’s chances of landing a job.

Importance of Addressing this Topic in a Resume

As age discrimination and bias continue to be a prevalent issue in the job market, it is crucial for job seekers to carefully consider whether or not to include their age or date of birth on their resume. Including this information can potentially open the door to discrimination based on age, which can significantly impact a candidate’s ability to secure job interviews and ultimately land employment.

Legal Considerations

In the hiring process, employers must comply with anti-discrimination laws that protect job seekers from being unfairly treated due to their gender, race, religion, age, or disability. Age discrimination, in particular, is a growing concern for older workers who worry that they are being passed over for jobs due to their age.

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) was passed in 1967 to prevent employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants who are 40 years of age or older. Under this law, it is illegal to use age as a determining factor in hiring, promotion, or termination decisions. It is also illegal to harass an individual because of their age, such as by making derogatory comments or jokes.

As a job seeker, it is important to be aware of your rights under these anti-discrimination laws. You can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) if you believe that you have been the victim of age discrimination.

Another legal consideration for job seekers is the concept of “at-will” employment. In most states in the United States, including California, employment is considered to be “at-will,” which means that either the employer or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, or for no reason at all. The only exceptions are when the termination is based on discriminatory reasons, such as age or gender.

Employers are not required to provide a reason for terminating an at-will employee, and as a job seeker, you should be aware that your employment is not guaranteed for any particular length of time. This highlights the importance of making a good impression during the hiring process and maintaining a positive relationship with your employer once you are hired.

Anti-discrimination laws protect job seekers and employees from being unfairly treated due to their age, gender, race, religion, or disability. Job seekers should be aware of their rights under these laws, and if they believe that they have been the victim of discrimination, they can file a complaint with the EEOC. It is also important to understand that most employment is considered to be “at-will,” which means that there is no guarantee of job security.

Pros and Cons of Including Age or Date of Birth

When it comes to including personal information on your resume, the decision to include your age or date of birth can be a tricky one. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages to consider:

Advantages of Including Age or Date of Birth

Shows compliance with legal requirements: In some industries or countries, it may be mandatory to include your age or date of birth on your resume. By including this information, you show that you are aware of and compliant with the relevant laws and regulations.

Displays experience: If you have many years of experience in your field, including your age or date of birth may work in your favor by demonstrating that you have been working in your industry for a long time.

Highlights specific skills: Depending on your age or generational grouping, including your age or date of birth may emphasize certain skills or qualities that are often associated with people of your age group.

Disadvantages of Including Age or Date of Birth

Discrimination risk: Unfortunately, age discrimination is still a common issue in many industries. By including your age or date of birth, you may be giving potential employers the opportunity to make assumptions about your qualifications or abilities based solely on your age.

Irrelevant information: Unless your age has a direct impact on your qualifications or experience for a specific job, including this information may be seen as irrelevant or unnecessary by potential employers.

Privacy concerns: In general, it is not necessary to provide personal information that is not directly related to your qualifications or experience. By including your age or date of birth, you may be opening the door to questions or comments about your personal life.

Identifying Potential Employers’ Preferences

Ultimately, the decision about whether to include your age or date of birth on your resume will depend on the preferences of potential employers. Researching and understanding the culture and hiring practices of specific companies or industries can help you make an informed decision.

For example, some organizations may prioritize diversity and inclusion and prefer resumes that do not include personal information such as age or date of birth. On the other hand, some industries such as entertainment or modeling may require this information as it is relevant to their specific fields.

Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the potential advantages and disadvantages of including your age or date of birth on your resume, and to research the preferences of potential employers to make an informed choice.

Alternatives to Including Age or Date of Birth

As a seasoned copywriter and subject matter expert, I understand the importance of showcasing my potential through my professional experience and qualifications. Rather than including my age or date of birth on my resume, I opt to focus on my skills and achievements to highlight what I have to offer.

One effective alternative to including age or date of birth is to highlight soft skills. Communication, problem-solving, and teamwork are just a few examples of skills that employers value highly. By showcasing these skills on your resume, you demonstrate your potential to be an asset to the team regardless of your age or date of birth.

Another alternative is to emphasize accomplishments. Instead of focusing on when you were born, focus on what you have achieved throughout your career. Did you increase sales by 20%? Did you lead a successful project? These accomplishments demonstrate your abilities and potential value to potential employers.

There are many alternatives to including age or date of birth on a resume. By highlighting your professional experience, qualifications, soft skills, and achievements, you can demonstrate your potential to be a valuable asset to any organization. Don’t let your age or date of birth define you – let your skills and accomplishments speak for themselves.

Circumstances When Including Age or Date of Birth is Necessary

There are certain circumstances when including your age or date of birth on your resume is necessary. Here are two such situations:

1. Professional experience demonstrates relevance to the job applied for

If your professional experience is extensive and directly relevant to the job you are applying for, then including your age or date of birth may be necessary. This is because it can provide context for your level of experience, and can demonstrate that you have been working in your field for a significant amount of time. This may be particularly relevant for more senior roles, where years of experience are highly valued.

2. When the employer requires it in the job application process

Some employers require job applicants to include their age or date of birth as part of the job application process. This may be because they need to ensure that candidates meet certain age requirements, or because they need to comply with legal or industry-specific regulations.

In such cases, it is important to follow the employer’s instructions carefully and include the information they have requested. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected outright.

It is important to carefully consider whether including your age or date of birth on your resume is necessary or appropriate for the job you are applying for. While there may be some situations where it is necessary, in many cases it is not relevant and could potentially harm your chances of being selected for an interview or job offer.

How to Handle Age-Related Questions During the Interview Process

Age-related questions during the interview process can be a tricky situation for both the interviewer and the interviewee. On one hand, employers want to ensure that they are hiring qualified candidates, but asking questions about age can be considered discriminatory in some situations. In this section, we will discuss the legal considerations, do’s and don’ts of answering age-related questions, and tips for handling age-related questions during the interview process.

Before we dive into how to handle age-related questions during the interview process, it’s important to understand the legal considerations. According to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967, employers are not allowed to discriminate against job applicants based on their age. This means that employers are prohibited from asking age-related questions during the hiring process.

Do’s and Don’ts of Answering Age-Related Questions

If you are asked an age-related question during the interview process, it’s important to know what to do and what not to do. Here are some do’s and don’ts:

• Politely redirect the conversation: If you are asked an age-related question, politely redirect the conversation to focus on your qualifications and experience.
• Answer with confidence and honesty: If you are comfortable answering the question, answer with confidence and honesty. Remember, it’s illegal for employers to discriminate based on age.
• Discuss your experience: Focus on your relevant job experience and qualifications as opposed to your age.
• Lie about your age: It’s not a good idea to lie about your age during the interview process. If you are caught, it can damage your credibility.
• Get defensive: If you are asked an age-related question, it’s important not to get defensive or angry. Stay calm and redirect the conversation.

Tips for Handling Age-Related Questions

Here are some tips for handling age-related questions during the interview process:

• Be prepared: Research the company’s hiring policies beforehand to ensure that you know your rights.
• Practice your responses: If you think you might be asked age-related questions, practice your responses ahead of time.
• Focus on your experience: Whenever possible, focus on your relevant job experience and qualifications as opposed to your age.
• Keep the conversation positive: Stay positive and professional throughout the interview process, even if you are asked age-related questions.
• Consult with a professional: If you are unsure about how to handle age-related questions, consider consulting with a legal professional.

Handling age-related questions during the interview process can be challenging, but it’s important to know your rights and how to handle these situations professionally. Remember to focus on your qualifications and experience, stay positive and professional, and seek legal advice if needed.

Best Practices and Tips for Writing Age-Neutral Resumes

When it comes to writing a resume, it’s important to focus on your skills and experience rather than your age. Age discrimination can occur in the hiring process, and employers are not allowed to ask about your age or date of birth. However, some candidates may inadvertently reveal their age through the language they use in their resume. Here are some guidelines and tips for writing an age-neutral resume:

Guidelines for writing an age-neutral resume

• Focus on your skills and accomplishments rather than your age. Use bullet points to highlight your achievements and showcase your experience in a succinct manner.
• Avoid sharing unnecessary information that could reveal your age, such as the year you graduated from college or high school.
• Don’t include a photo of yourself on your resume, as this can also reveal your age.

Tips for avoiding age-related buzzwords and phrases

• Avoid using phrases such as “seasoned,” “experienced,” or “veteran” as these can imply age and length of time in the workforce. Instead, focus on your accomplishments and skills to showcase your experience.
• Use current industry terminology and avoid outdated language that may date you.
• Instead of mentioning your years of experience, highlight the results you have achieved in your career, such as increased sales, revenue, or productivity.
• Avoid using acronyms or terms that were popular in the past, as this can indicate how long you’ve been in the workforce.

It’s important to write an age-neutral resume to avoid age discrimination in the hiring process. By focusing on your skills, accomplishments, and current industry language, you can showcase your experience without revealing your age. Remember, your resume is all about promoting your qualifications and potential, so make sure to keep the focus on your strengths and what you can bring to the table.

How to Address Age-Related Bias After an Interview

Age-related bias can be a sensitive issue in the workplace, and even more so during a job interview. Candidates may experience discrimination based on their age, whether it’s real or perceived. It’s important for job seekers to know how to identify age-related bias and discrimination and take appropriate steps to address it.

Identifying bias and discrimination

Job seekers may experience age-related bias in a variety of ways during an interview. Some common examples of age bias include:

• Questions about retirement plans or pension eligibility
• Comments about being “overqualified” for certain positions
• Inappropriate comments about a candidate’s age or generation
• Unwillingness to train or learn new skills due to concerns about age
• Stereotypes about older workers being slow or resistant to change

It’s important for job seekers to recognize these signs of age bias and discrimination so that they can take steps to address them if necessary.

Steps to take after experiencing bias and discrimination

If a candidate experiences age bias or discrimination during an interview, there are several steps they can take to address it. These include:

Address the issue directly: If an interviewer makes a comment or asks a question that is based on age, the candidate can politely address the issue and assert their value as a qualified candidate. For example, they could say, “While I appreciate the concern about my age, I assure you that my experience and skills are current and relevant to this position.”

Follow up with the interviewer: It’s worth reaching out to the interviewer after the interview to express any concerns and clarify any misunderstandings. The candidate can also use this opportunity to reiterate their interest in the position.

Seek support from a mentor or career coach: If the candidate is still feeling uneasy about their interview experience, they can seek advice and support from a mentor, career coach, or other professional who can provide guidance on how to handle the situation.

Consider reporting the incident: In some cases, age bias and discrimination may warrant reporting to HR or the organization’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) office. Candidates should gather any evidence or documentation they have, and consult with a legal professional before taking any action.

Reporting and seeking help

If a candidate decides to report age bias and discrimination to HR or the EEO office, they should be prepared to provide detailed documentation of the incident, including any witnesses or evidence. It’s important to remain calm and professional throughout the process, and avoid engaging in any retaliatory behavior.

Candidates can also seek support and resources through organizations such as AARP and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). These organizations offer guidance and advice on how to handle issues related to age bias and discrimination in the workplace.

While age-related bias and discrimination during an interview can be challenging to address, job seekers should not let it discourage them from pursuing their career goals.

Examples of Age-Neutral Resumes

When it comes to creating a resume, age can be a sensitive issue. Many job seekers wonder whether they should include their birth year or graduation dates on their resumes. However, omitting this information can be a wise decision, as it helps to create an age-neutral resume. Below are some real-life examples of age-neutral resumes, along with an analysis of what makes them successful.

Example 1: Mark Smith

Mark Smith is a sales professional with over 20 years of experience in the industry. His resume includes relevant achievements and skills, but does not mention his age.

What makes this resume age-neutral is that it focuses on accomplishments and qualifications rather than on age or experience. It highlights Mark’s successful track record rather than the number of years he has been in the workforce.

Example 2: Jane Doe

Jane Doe is a marketing manager with over 15 years of experience. Her resume showcases her skills, experience, and accomplishments but leaves out her age.

What makes this resume successful is the use of action verbs and quantifiable achievements that demonstrate her competency in the field. The focus is on the impact she has made throughout her career rather than on how long she has been in the industry.

Example 3: Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson is a technology project manager with 10 years of experience. His resume is well-structured and easy to read, and does not include his age.

What makes this resume successful is the emphasis on his skills and experience, as well as the use of keywords that align with the job description. The focus is on what he can bring to the table rather than on his age or the number of years he has spent in the field.

These examples of age-neutral resumes demonstrate that focusing on qualifications, achievements, and skills is more important than listing one’s age or number of years of experience. By creating an age-neutral resume, job seekers can increase their chances of landing a job by showing their competency and suitability for the role rather than their age.

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How to (Painlessly) Format Dates on Your Resume

3 key takeaways

• Why you should include dates in all relevant sections of your resume
• How to format the dates on your resume
• How to use Teal’s AI Resume Builder to ensure consistency and clarity

Can you imagine reading a history book without any dates? You’d have no context about whether the moon landing happened before or after the Second World War. 

The same is true for your resume. The dates on a resume help employers better understand your career journey and how your work history has contributed to your current qualifications. 

Put simply, recruiters want to know what happened and when. But it can be tough to figure out the right resume date format to give employers those important details. This guide is here to help with all of the information (and examples) you need to ace your job search. 

Why date formatting matters on your resume

Your resume dates might feel like an inconsequential detail when applying for a job , but your date formatting carries a surprising amount of weight. When the formatting is clear and consistent, you can:

• Provide clarity and prevent confusion: When the date format on your resume is clear and concise, hiring managers can quickly understand the order of your experiences, what happened when, and how things overlap or line up—without having to approach you with questions. ‍
• Appear polished and professional: Disorganized dates make you look sloppy. Taking the time to refine your formatting and ensure consistency shows that you gave your resume the energy and attention it deserved, rather than throwing something together. 
• ‍ Make easier updates: Simple date formatting makes it easy to revisit your document and change the end date when you wrap up a job or experience. You don’t have to search for information or find the right way to present it. All it takes is a simple update to start and end dates.

The date format in your resume isn’t an insignificant afterthought—both content and design play an important role. That doesn’t have to mean a ton of extra hassle for you, though. The formatting features in Teal’s AI Resume Builder can help make consistency and clarity a breeze. 

4 different date formats for your resume

Now for the most important part: figuring out how to write dates on a resume. There are a few different ways you can approach this. Let’s take a look at the details of each. 

1. Numeric Date Range

Example: 11/2021 - 12/2023

When it comes to your resume, the month-year format is the most common. In most cases, employers usually don’t need the specific start day for a job, so using the numeric date range of month and year is more than sufficient. 

You have a few options for how to display this information (either as digits, written out, or abbreviations). One of those options isn’t inherently better than the other. The most important thing is to choose one approach and then stick with it through your entire document.

• It’s more compact than spelling out months, which saves space on your document. 
• If you have a lot of different jobs and experiences, too many digits can be visually messy or overwhelming.
• Different countries have different norms for listing months and years, which can cause confusion if you’re applying for global jobs.

2. Written Date Range

Example: November 2021 - December 2023

This format gives the same information as the format above, with one notable difference: you spell out the month rather than using numbers. Another variation of this approach abbreviates the names of the months (e.g., “Nov 2021 - Dec 2023”). 

You can go either route. But again, the most important thing is consistency. 

• This format can make your document appear more formal compared to using digits.
• Spelling or abbreviating the months eliminates any potential confusion that could arise from date-ordering norms. 
• Whether you go with abbreviations or the complete spelling, this information will take up more space on your document. 

3. Numeric Full Date Range

Example: 11/08/2021 - 12/31/2023

This format goes beyond just the month and year and includes the specific day that an experience began and ended. You could use the other approaches in combination with this one—like spelling or abbreviating the months rather than using numbers.

Typically, recruiters don’t need specific days. However, there might be certain circumstances when that level of detail is helpful, such as:

• Indicating the exact day your current job will wrap up (although availability and start date conversations are usually better suited for job interviews)
• Listing the exact day an important industry certification or qualification will begin or expire
• Highlighting the exact day of an impressive award or other achievement

If none of the above applies, then you can usually opt for simply including the month and year. 

• It provides additional clarity and detail for qualifications or experiences that hinge on a specific date. 
• This format takes up the most space on your document and can make your resume look crowded.
• It’s more detail than the hiring manager likely needs.
• Again, different countries have different norms about whether the day goes after the month or vice versa. 

4. Year Only Range

Example: 2012 - 2014

In general, your resume should only include professional experiences from the past 10 to 15 years. Going back much further than that often means including unnecessary, irrelevant, and outdated information.

However, if there’s something from way back in your history that you feel you have to include (such as when you achieved a professional credential or received an award), then skipping the month and providing the year is more than enough detail. 

• This format saves space on your document.
• It’s adequate detail for relevant experiences that happened more than a decade ago. 
• It’s not quite enough detail for current experiences—those should also include the month. 

When it comes to choosing the best resume date format, the default is to include the month and the year (in whatever style feels right on your resume).

It’s easy to preview all of your options with Teal’s AI Resume Builder . Within the “Design” menu, use the dropdown to select the visual style of your dates. Your resume dates will automatically update on your document so you can see what style looks best with your content. 

For more on resume formats, check out our guide on the best resume format to have . 

How to list dates for ongoing and overlapping jobs

Some experiences are easy to assign dates to, but others—like overlapping or ongoing jobs—can be a little trickier. Here’s how to handle each of those scenarios. 

Listing overlapping jobs

Knowing how to list overlapping jobs on your resume might seem like a puzzle, but it’s surprisingly straightforward. 

If you’re using a chronological resume template or format (which is the most common approach), then all of your jobs should be listed in reverse chronological order. Your most recent job will appear at the top and then move back through your history as you move down the document. 

When you’ve held two different jobs at the same time, then they should still go in reverse chronological order, but with the one you started most recently at the top. Here’s what that might look like: 

Maple Tech | Milwaukee, WI

Customer Support Specialist | Apr 2022 - Present 

• Achievement-based bullet point

Paddy’s Pub | Milwaukee, WI

Event Planner | November 2021 - October 2023

Listing ongoing jobs 

For positions that you currently hold, you don’t list an end date. Instead, you’ll list your resume dates to present. That means that you put your start date (month and year) like you normally would and then simply write “present” as the end date. Here’s an example:

Pye, Inc. | Milwaukee, WI

Customer Success Manager | September 2022 - Present 

This is quick and easy to do with Teal’s AI Resume Builder . As you add or edit each work experience, just check the box for “I am currently in this position,” and Teal will automatically list “present” on your document rather than an end date. 

And if you’re starting a new job soon, you can put that information on your resume too. Learn how to write an incoming job on your resume . 

Aligning dates on your resume

One of the most frustrating parts of putting the dates on your resume isn’t actually figuring out the months and years—it’s aligning and formatting them correctly. That process usually involves watching in horror as all of your content bounces around and transforms into a jumbled mess. 

Take a deep breath. Here’s how to align dates on a resume (without all of the frantic clicking and cursing). 

How to right align dates on a resume using:

Microsoft Word

When using a Microsoft Word resume template , If your date appears on its own line on your document, highlight the dates and then press the “right align” button in the upper menu.

But if your date appears on a line with other information, the above step will align the entire line to the right. In those cases, use the spacebar to separate your date information from your other content and push it over to the right of your document. 

Google Docs

When using a Google Docs resume template , it's important to note that Google Docs functions almost identically to Microsoft Word in this regard. Either highlight the text and select “right align” from the menu bar or use the spacebar to push your dates over toward the right margin. 

You might need to do some adjusting to make sure your dates are all even down the right side of the document. 

The above tips will eventually get the job done, but they can still be a pain. With Teal’s AI Resume Builder , you don’t have to endure any clunky manual adjustments of your margins, spacing, or any other formatting elements.

4 common mistakes to avoid when formatting dates on your resume 

You have the lowdown on how to list dates on a resume. That’s enough to get you started. But as you work on and refine your document, keep an eye out for these common mistakes that can easily creep in.

1. Guessing or lying about dates

Digging through old emails or documents to find the right dates can be a hassle. However, it’s important to take the time to do so, rather than taking your best guess or flat-out lying about a date.

Remember that employers can easily check and verify the information on your resume. The last thing you want is to appear untrustworthy or dishonest simply because you were too rushed to double-check a date. 

2. Mixing up formatting

This is worth one more mention: consistency is key. When you choose the date format, stick with it throughout your entire document. That prevents confusion and also makes your document look neat and polished. 

3. Forgetting to make updates

Did a job or other professional experience come to a close? You need to add the end date. Is one of your roles or experiences now outdated? It’s a good idea to remove it from your resume. 

While your resume dates might seem like they should stay stagnant, that’s not always the case. If it’s been a while since you’ve knocked the dust off your resume, now’s a good time to comb through it to make any necessary date updates before you send it off. 

4. Neglecting to switch verb tense

Here’s one more small change that’s easy to overlook: If you update the end date of a position from “present” to an actual date, then you also need to change the verb tense for your bullet points. 

Only current jobs should use the present tense (like “manage” and “oversee”). That means, when you end a position, you can’t just change the date. You need to go through your bullets and swap them to the past tense as well (“managed” and “oversaw”). 

While you’re at it with these updates, ensure your resume is perfect by knowing how to write availability on your resume . 

Dates, digits, and details: You’re on your way to flawless formatting

The dates on your resume might seem like a trivial detail, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. These little nuggets of information help potential employers understand your career story and how all of your roles, achievements, and experiences fit together. 

That means your resume dates deserve just as much time and attention as any other aspect of your document. Use this article as your guide and Teal’s AI Resume Builder as your companion to help you design, format, and customize your resume in a way that’s professional, polished, and painless. 

Ready to create your best resume (without any headaches and hassles)? Get started with Teal for free today . 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i ensure consistency when formatting dates on my resume in google docs, what is the best way to handle overlapping dates for multiple positions on a resume, is it acceptable to abbreviate months when listing dates on my resume.

Kat Boogaard

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