I recently applied and interviewed for a position that matched my experience and background perfectly.

Anonymous

March 30,2023 at 11:49PM UTC

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I recently applied and interviewed for a position that matched my experience and background perfectly. During the interview I was asked how many years I think I have left to work because they wanted longevity. They hired a younger person who, as far as I know, has no direct experience in that specific position. I'm 54. Is that discrimination?

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AnonymousMarch 31,2023 at 12:43AM UTC
yes, but they will never admit it. If confronted, they will say that person possesses a skill that perhaps you don't have, or they excluded more passion and excitement for the role. They will make something up because they can.
AnonymousMarch 31,2023 at 1:10AM UTC
I am sorry this occurred, I applied, and while I was hired, it can feel terrible to be passed over. I too, am in my 50’s , had no experience in this field . It took months…and I interviewed for several positions (all below my pay grade and education level).
My advice; Apply again, practice your interviewing with different people and look over your references to see if you chose the best candidates. I wish you the best of luck. Once you get your foot in the door, you can move around easily.
AnonymousMarch 31,2023 at 1:27AM UTC
That’s terrible.
Age discrimination is real. I was in the job market last year for 6 months at age 53 and was finally hired for a great role. Interviewing has a performance aspect to it. Don’t be too honest/earnest. You need to spin some things — I’m not advocating dishonesty, but rather putting your best foot forward and spinning it to show how you meet their specific needs. Having answers ready for these difficult questions. I was terrible at this at first but got better. You can do it! Good luck!
AnonymousMarch 31,2023 at 2:00AM UTC
Yes that is age discrimination
Andrew PlotnikowMarch 31,2023 at 2:02AM UTC
Yes, sort of. If they specifically said that, indeed discrimination.
AnonymousMarch 31,2023 at 1:55PM UTC
The exact words were 'how many years do you think you have left to work?' When he saw I was taken aback, he followed up with, 'well, I can't ask your age'.
I asked if I looked that old, laughed, and answered that I hadn't considered it, since I assumed I'd be in the workforce at least 20 more years
AnonymousApril 2,2023 at 1:39AM UTC
Sounds like he knew it was an illegal question.
AnonymousMarch 31,2023 at 10:24AM UTC
Not necessarily.. and, impossible to prove. They will simply state that they felt the other person had a better fit. Not worth wasting your time thinking about it.
AnonymousMarch 31,2023 at 12:41PM UTC
During the interview when they asked that is so very wrong. I also don't believe there would be enough proof for discrimination. Also, why put in the energy, move on. That wasn't your next journey, use that energy towards the position that is waiting for you. Move on, Move Up. You Got This!
Paulla Fetzek, MSEdMarch 31,2023 at 12:43PM UTC
Ageism is a disgusting practice that continues to happen far too often. It is illegal, but proving it, sadly, is difficult. The company could simply say, "We found someone else".
Under NO circumstance can an interviewer ask you "how many years" you have. Many people continue to work well beyond "standard" retirement. And there are people who manage to retire far earlier than the "standard" age.
I'm sorry you didn't get the job - but also glad. That's a toxic company right off the gate. As one who's turning 56 this year, my empathy is with you.
AnonymousMarch 31,2023 at 1:20PM UTC
While the question was inappropriate, my answer would probably be, "for as long as you provide a position that challenges me, I continue to grow and feel like a valued contributor to your business." Depending on the tone of the question, I might have ended the interview right there and walked out and never looked back. Consider yourself lucky. Companies today demand complete loyalty from their employees while not returning any. Longevity is a thing of the past. They are stuck in the wrong century. Few people are spending decades with the same company any more.
AnonymousApril 1,2023 at 2:52PM UTC
That is a great answer to an inappropriate longevity question! Thank you! I will save it in case I need to use it in the future.
AnonymousMarch 31,2023 at 2:34PM UTC
Yikes! Ageism is certainly a thing and that employer is not hiding it! I was recently passed on after several interviews and a presentation with a startup. The interviewers were all late 20s, I’m 55. I checked their website for their eeoc statement. It included no discrimination against “race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status” but they conveniently left out age!
AnonymousMarch 31,2023 at 7:17PM UTC
WOWWW!
joel davisApril 1,2023 at 1:10PM UTC
Just because they left it out of "their" EEOC doesnt me that that excludes it from federal law!
AnonymousApril 1,2023 at 9:20PM UTC
Agreed! There were several other red flags in the final interview and presentation that I may post separately. I found it odd though that “age” was left out.
Copied/pasted from their equal opportunity statement:
We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status
AnonymousMarch 31,2023 at 5:00PM UTC
I would say it is. I'd definitely leave interview feedback on their Glassdoor page and be interested to see how they respond to that.
Also, being in HR, I'm amazed at how many candidates volunteer their ages, etc. in an interview. Like first thing in the interview.
AnonymousMarch 31,2023 at 7:14PM UTC
It sure the hell is! Good luck proving it but I would still contact EEOC
AnonymousMarch 31,2023 at 7:16PM UTC
The minute they asked me that I would have started recording the interview and asked again or type in the meeting chat why they asked you that so you had it in writing. Never give your age to anyone - it’s against the law
AnonymousApril 2,2023 at 4:15PM UTC
That was brilliant advice. The beauty of virtual interviewing. But if that person was on the ball, they would realize what they said was not kosher and somehow ask another question.
T MNApril 1,2023 at 12:21PM UTC
I would respond, 20 - 30 years. You can quit or retire at anytime.
AnonymousApril 1,2023 at 12:33PM UTC
It truly sounds like ageism. In addition, they probably hired the younger person to pay less. So sorry you had to experience this. Moving forward review companies values and mission statements and only apply to the companies that align with your values.
Alina Easterday CallahanApril 1,2023 at 12:44PM UTC
In the US ages 40 through 70 is a protected class. https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/discrimination/agedisc
So yes, this does sound like illegal age discrimination.
joel davisApril 1,2023 at 1:09PM UTC
I honestly saw a few topics with labor and wage lawyers discussing this. If you can get a written or typed explanation as to why you didnt get the job, you know, for your "unemployment claim" and there isnt a solid reason why they chose they chose the younger person, you could actually take them to court of this. The protected classes doesnt just include active employment, it covers potential hires as well. That's why you're NOT EVEN SUPPOSED to ask the age, ask the sex, if they have kids, or even reliable transportation! And etc.
AnonymousApril 1,2023 at 4:58PM UTC
that's a pretty rude and inappropriate question . who knows if it's discrimination? it could be that the younger candidate was able to be paid less, so they were willing to forgo experience. You can't prove anything, but I wouldn't want to work there anyway.
Kerry HoganApril 1,2023 at 6:13PM UTC
You absolutely should not be asked that question. It was a direct way of finding out your age. It is definitely age discrimination. I was asked once if I had kids which was completely inappropriate. The next statement was about how much overtime would be expected. I'm sorry I was too young and inexperienced to push back. You'll be more prepared if you run across this line of questioning again, and will be able to deflect it.
AnonymousApril 1,2023 at 8:50PM UTC
You’re a beautiful woman (I m certain), your interviewer knows this but also knows that you’re not a 30-40 year old. Interviewers/agencies/companies, etc. find ways to ask about age, children, marital status, etc. to fit their own criteria, it’s not ‘kosher’ but they do it just the same. If you’re hired, that’s great; if not keep looking for work and know that this happens more times than not. Good Luck!
AnonymousApril 2,2023 at 6:17AM UTC
Most employers also consider 40 old. Think you meant 20-30. It is 40 and over that receive age discrimination protection.
Kelley LambApril 1,2023 at 9:33PM UTC
You better believe it! Usually they don't ask that question but just discriminate quietly if they are biased against older workers.
AnonymousApril 2,2023 at 6:01PM UTC
I would say that you should broach that subject with an employment attorney and to also consider filing a formal complaint with the state you live in. There is a list of illegal questions including ones that bait you about your age. That was definitely a bait question. I am not sure how you responded but for me I would have said. I am looking for long term employment with my next employer and want a company that I can grow it. Short simple and does not directly address the question. As for them hiring someone more junior often times companies do fish with a job description that is looking for someone experienced but during the interview process they might change their mind and hire someone more junior because of budget, culture fit or other. It's not likely that a complaint will get you that job and frankly that company clearly would not value your experience but I do still think you need to address it for your own sanity.
AnonymousApril 3,2023 at 12:53PM UTC
Wow, I'm shocked they had the nerve to ask you this. That sounds like ageism. The younger person could be a job hopper and quit in a month. What a short sighted question. I'm sorry this happened to you.