Ageism.... does it really happen? I think it does.

32 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 5,2025 at 11:03PM UTC

   no advice here, just solidarity. I think I am going through this as well. Many of the people I'm interviewing with in the leadership positions are 10-15 years younger than me and have way less experience obviously. It's demoralizing in a lot of ways. But being out of work and under-employed for 2 years I've been applying to jobs at a higher, same and lower level than my last FT career position, and still nothing.

   Younger workers are cheaper, they have less need for work life balance and family benefits. There's also a perception, especially in tech related fields that younger people just "get it" more, that older workers are not as trained or up on current tech or best practices which isn't necessarily true.

   The thing is, middle manager, senior, and leadership positions of where we "should" be at this age are not very plentiful, there are way more mid-senior and entry level jobs.

   Actually I guess I do have some advice. It can't hurt to address the gap head on. I'd try different approaches and see what gets you the best results, keep track of what moved the needle for you as far as responses. It's hard to say because I believe that most companies don't even read cover letters, but some definitely do and want them. It's hard to know what will be ignored and when.

   I started taking the first 10 years off my resume, even though it included a director and people manager level position which ppl look for sometimes, but I don't think it's actually helped get more responses looking at the numbers. Maybe better quality / more serious responses?

2. AnonymousApril 6,2025 at 12:45PM UTC

   While ageism might exist, there are a lot of jobs out there that need seasoned employees. Get certifications that support your skills so you keep current and relevant and join job seekers networks. Any jobs that you have been rejected only means not yet. Yours is coming.

3. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 7,2025 at 5:25AM UTC

   Ageism is, unfortunately, a for-real thing.

   No one should be able to know your age from your resume. It's SOP these days that anything over 10 or 15 years experience gets lopped off the resume - maybe 20 years if you're very senior and the extra years shows career progression and is applicable to the position you're applying for.

   Regarding contract positions, I suggest you put "Contract completed" after the dates for that position. For the family emergency, I recommend you put the dates and "Family Leave".

   Since most cover letters go unread, I would not recommend relying on those to get that information to those who should see it.

4. Jeanne TepperApril 9,2025 at 12:36PM UTC

   I have limited my resume to the last 10 years, but when I apply online a lot of companies ask me for my year of graduating college. So… My advice would be to work your contacts from your contract jobs. They are already familiar with you and k ow the quality of your work.

5. AnonymousApril 7,2025 at 12:23PM UTC

   Yes, ageism is alive and well in most of our businesses, especially corporate America!

6. GirlBossanova934974April 7,2025 at 1:30PM UTC

   All contract jobs on your resume should clearly spell out they were contract jobs. Ageism is alive and very well BUT in my view, a 2 year gap on your resume is a bigger issue than age. Right now, employers are being beyond picky with candidates. In a lot of cases, they are blindly putting in job qualification requirements, not realizing that they are sabotaging the candidate pool.

7. AnonymousApril 7,2025 at 2:24PM UTC

   It is blatant now with managers outright asking how old candidates are.

   I was a recent candidate & was asked how long do you plan to keep working & then outright how old are you?

   It’s disgusting but that garbage comes from the top down.

8. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 7,2025 at 6:29PM UTC

   It does not necessarily come from the top down. Not all companies train their hiring managers well. Not all follow the rules.

   Depending on where you're located, that question may be illegal:

   https://www.aarp.org/work/job-search/employers-age-job-applications/#:~:text=At%20least%20three%20other%20states,questions%20during%20the%20hiring%20process.

9. AnonymousApril 8,2025 at 7:55PM UTC

   Sorry but I disagree. When CEOs blatantly ask for “runway” potential they know darn well it’s code for age.

   it’s not training. It’s I know I’m not supposed to ask but I will anyway.

10. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 9,2025 at 5:46AM UTC

    "Runway" potential? What in the world are you talking about.

11. AnonymousApril 11,2025 at 8:19PM UTC

    Lie lol

12. misskelleypApril 7,2025 at 3:48PM UTC

    I would add to that excellent advice that as you get older it's helpful to really work your network when job hunting. See a job ad? Look at the company and see if you or someone you know knows someone there - get a personal recommendation to get past the barriers. Look your best, stay current with tech, etc. Ageism is definitely real.

13. Colleen HansonApril 8,2025 at 4:36PM UTC

    I was shocked when a friend told me that they recently received a response to a job application that said "Due to your age, you are not a candidate for this position. Our age range for this position is 18-40." He is 41 years old. I thought that this was illegal and encouraged him to contact an attorney, which he did. The attorney told him that due to the new DEI regulations, or lack thereof, a lawsuit would be fruitless. What a shame. I predict this type of discrimination will only start getting worse, unfortunately.

14. AnonymousApril 9,2025 at 12:37PM UTC

    Is this in the USA? If so, that lawyer is definitely incorrect. There are still laws about discriminating against protected classes, which do include age (reference ADEA.. https://www.eoc.com). There are a few jobs which are excluded from this but not many.

15. AnonymousApril 11,2025 at 4:27PM UTC

    Smh. Guess the difference is now we know. It’s rough out there. Ageism has existed for a long time and unfortunately it’s hard to prove and it’s going to get worse. It’s so companies don’t have to pay people.

16. Grace BergeronApril 9,2025 at 12:26PM UTC

    Yes, ageism is real. ageism is getting worst by each day.

    I have attached an article that may be helpfil on this subject matter.

    https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizelting/2025/01/30/workplace-ageism-is-hurting-employees-and-businesses-alike/

17. AnonymousMay 6,2025 at 12:46PM UTC

    I believe so many of these comments are spot on, however I also believe there are tons of opportunities for older nurses. At 64 i landed a great job and had 4 other offers on the table. While working in previous jobs I did see blatant signs of ageism that I tried to let roll of my back. Comments about being able to keep up when I was working circles around younger nurses. Hopefully people will find organizations that respect us for our knowledge and experience and be willing to pay what we're worth!!

18. Cal ThixtonApril 9,2025 at 12:31PM UTC

    Agism is very real with a resume that seems too long and college dates showing my age. When interviewed, all seems to go well, but then a generic email saying thanks but moving on with other candidates better aligned or a call from the recruiter who does not know what to say, but denies agism. Applied yesterday to a position and decided instead of trying to play modest, went ahead and explained some of my projects over the years that all have done well. Hoping my bragging doesn't kill me, but staying in my lane is not working either, so back to agism which seems hard to counter. Sad to say, but even Fairygodboss did it to me once as well.

19. AnonymousApril 9,2025 at 1:05PM UTC

    Ageism is real, however it is possible that you could do a few things to prevent it during the hiring process. For example, shortening your resume to the most recent experience (~10 /12 years), removing graduation dates from your resume, and removing or minimizing any other information that would give away your age. There are some good articles out there on how to optimize for the resume algorithm as well. I know people who have been hired or are valued at their jobs, regardless of their age, so don't give up hope. Good luck!

20. AnonymousApril 9,2025 at 2:42PM UTC

    you can do all the things that u suggested with regards to eliminating age from resume. However, once u get an interview and conversation starts 2 things happen they notice ur older and with all ur experience the younger interviewer gets intimidated and wants someone who doesn’t threaten them- sad but true

21. Cynthia Armistead NewmanApril 9,2025 at 12:34PM UTC

    Ageism not only exists, it is particularly bad for women. I've seen studies in the past showing that it affects us by the time we're in our 30s! I'm 58 and hoping to stick with my (very good) employer for a LONG time.

22. AnonymousApril 9,2025 at 12:47PM UTC

    It will probably be in your best interest to stay with your very good employer at age 58 for sure. I got laid off at age 52, and I was extremely surprised about how long it took me to find a job, 14 months to be exact. I have an engineering degree, I have a master's degree with a concentration in leadership and project management, and I have a MBA. I also have a lot of good work experience. I thought I would be out of work for for a month tops. No one hired me for FOURTEEN MONTHS even though I looked for and applied to jobs almost everyday. I didn't just aimlessly apply. I ensured that I was qualified and I tailored my resume to reflect my skills for each job. I even started removing experience on my resume to try to avoid showing my age. By God's grace and mercy, I was able to stay afloat. It's horrible to lose a job over 50 because ageism certainly exists. A lot of corporations also try to push out older workers even though they are performing well. I got a leading rating and a bonus, which is the highest you can get before I was laid off. They appreciated me so much that they laid me off. I have documentation that I save the company millions of dollars and help generate revenue. Corporations continue to get away with ageism. In the current environment, I expect it to get worse.

23. AnonymousApril 9,2025 at 12:51PM UTC

    It absolutely does exist, and we have to be very aware of our own internalized ageism. So if we’re ever in a position of hiring, we do not do the same thing. I am 60 and building a company where when I start hiring, I will give heavy preference to women over 50.

24. AnonymousApril 9,2025 at 1:12PM UTC

    Absolutely! People are naturally going to want a younger and cheaper employee. I’m now 60, and have been trying to move into a new position at this large university I’m employed. It’s difficult to even receive and interview invite.

25. AnonymousApril 11,2025 at 8:18PM UTC

    Yeah, I’m not sure it’s always that they want cheaper. I’ve been passed over for jobs that pay nothing and I’ve got the experience out the wazoo. They just want younger people.

26. AnonymousApril 9,2025 at 1:18PM UTC

    ? Ageism. I just knocked a 2 interview series out of the ball park and got the call saying went in another direction. The hiring manager was at least 10 years younger than me (probably more)

    The role was also more junior to what I had been doing so that may have had something to do with it. I can't be sure it was ageism. Maybe someone better came along. But I know it had nothing to do with a bad interview or my qualifications..I am getting passed over for jobs I would have gotten in my 30s. Only reason given is went in another direction and zero feedback other than I was great. I am 47 but don't look over 35 tho. However my experience and personality don't say I am 35.

27. AnonymousApril 9,2025 at 2:13PM UTC

    Ageism! I am in my 50s and even when I get an interview I am passed over. These are jobs I would have easily gotten before. Maybe I’m “over qualified” but I really need a stable job. I didn’t plan for it to be so hard to find a job at this stage and I don’t know what to do for the next 10 years before I retire.

28. Dolores DuncanApril 11,2025 at 1:16PM UTC

    Try retail. It's no where near as much as you are accustomed to making, but it's a good stop gap. I was fortunate to land a "Lead Cashier" position at my local Ace Hardware which is less than 5 minutes from my house. I took a substational pay cut, but I make it up in the cost of gas for my commute.

    I also suggest checking AARP for guidance and inspiration

29. Kathy KenneyApril 9,2025 at 6:08PM UTC

    Unfortunately, it is real. I've removed my earlier experience to help get around this. As others have mentioned, quite often the people we would report to are quite a bit younger than us (60s). I didn't believe it existed until dealing with third-party recruiters (of course they are trying to do right by their client). Three times in two weeks I was asked by a recruiter if I was going to retire in a year or be around for the next 10 as succession planning was their clients' focus. It really stinks as I have solid experience, a strong track record, and leadership teams who will attest to my capabilities. The best I can tell you is to persevere. The right position for you all is out there - it just takes a bit longer once you pass a certain age. On the plus side, many of our government officials work well into their 80s-90s. It doesn't mean we are washed up once we hit 50/60. Believe in yourself!

30. Karen KelemenApril 10,2025 at 3:00PM UTC

    Yes, it's real. I am also 'seasoned', and am not offered internal opportunities younger co-workers get. And yet - I get the praise. It's frustrating and insulting.

31. AnonymousApril 12,2025 at 9:26PM UTC

    In my late 50's recently laid off myself, I've been dealing with the same issue. It's subtle but yes ageism exists. Contract jobs and family emergencies are understandable with explanation so I would definitely include this in your cover letter. I have included job gaps, part time jobs as well as time off in mine. As long as you're clear and transparent there should be no issues.

32. maria roseApril 12,2025 at 11:19PM UTC

    Part of the ageism being experienced has nothing to do with anyone’s qualifications for the job position but more to do with companies going back to the old standby philosophy that labor costs should be paid lower than necessary because someone will be desperate enough to accept a low ball salary offer. So don’t be discouraged if you’re not getting offers that match your qualifications to an appropriate salary.