When a job search takes longer than anticipated it is not unusual to wonder if there is some form of discrimination at play, particularly age discrimination. Job seekers ask all the time if they should eliminate the year they graduated from college on their resume to downplay their age. There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It's fine to send out some resumes without the year of graduation to test the market.
Many job applicants are unsure of how and when to use references.
You will need approximately three professional references when offered a position. Professional references are colleagues, supervisors, clients, or teachers - anyone that can comment on your ability to perform in work or scholastic settings. Friends and relatives are not appropriate references. If you have lots of options for references, choose the ones that can comment on the type of position you are seeking. Get permission from these individuals before using them for references.