Including the year of graduation on a resume is a common practice that has evolved over time. It provides potential employers with a quick reference point for assessing a candidate’s experience level. For example, recent graduates often include their graduation date to highlight their newly acquired skills and knowledge. Experienced professionals, however, may choose to omit or strategically include this information depending on their career goals and the specific job market.
This seemingly small detail can significantly impact how a resume is perceived. It offers employers context, helping them understand the timeline of a candidate’s career progression. Historically, including the graduation date was standard practice. However, as concerns about age discrimination have risen, the practice has become less universal. Providing this information allows recruiters to quickly gauge the length of professional experience and potentially infer the candidate’s age. While beneficial in some cases, it can also lead to unconscious bias. Therefore, carefully considering whether to include it is crucial.
