I was passed on for a role I could have done so well and so easily…I’d done exactly the same work in two previous iterations. I was told they needed someone who was more computer savvy and was suggested that I check with AARP.

16 Comments

1. AnonymousJuly 5,2024 at 12:47PM UTC

   Are you computer savvy? Was it on your resume what computer apps you worked with? If so, then the comment about checking with AARP screams of ageism. They are showing how they will treat you if they hire you, so I think you are better off without them, but not so much the reverse. This is truly their loss, not yours.

2. AyianJuly 5,2024 at 1:03PM UTC

   If you have the AARP comment in writing, I would consider an employment attorney. That's unlawful discrimination.

3. AnonymousJuly 5,2024 at 2:48PM UTC

   If you are really interested in pursuing this job, I suggest going back to the employer and ask for clarification, "what does more computer savvy mean?" and when you get the specifics that are relevant to the job, you can assess it better against your computer skill sets and experiences from the two previous jobs that you mentioned to demonstrate to them with examples how you've utilized these skills to get xyz done and can produce similar results in this job working with them.

   "More computer savvy" is a broad stroke that truly doesn't mean anything. However, depending on what they're looking for, what they've communicated with you, and what you've shared on the resume AND in the interviews, it could be a legitimate reason.

   All that said, their comment about you checking with AARP is uncalled for, ignorant.

   Just for this alone, I would not want to work there. Depending on what I want out of it, if I encounter a similar situation, I'd tell the employer how they're in the wrong and likely violate employment laws (I work in the HR field) with how they're conducting their candidate assessment.

4. Margie SutherlandJuly 5,2024 at 4:32PM UTC

   Um whoa. Age discrimination.

5. Krystin MorganJuly 5,2024 at 5:16PM UTC

   YIKES. After reading the first part of this, I was going to say that unfortunately it's the nature of today's job market—there are plenty of people who have done the exact job before, and most of the time only one will be hired.

   But then I read the last sentence, and...as I said...YIKES. That's definitely sounding like ageism.

6. AnonymousJuly 5,2024 at 5:17PM UTC

   Call EEOC 1800-669-4000

7. AnonymousJuly 5,2024 at 8:28PM UTC

   I agree with all the comments. Is this in writing or was it said verbally? If in writing, take it to HR. Get an employment attorney. One phone call and they can get it corrected pretty quickly. In the meantime, brush up the resume, and on it list your technical skills, such as MS Office Suite, any internet browsers, any systems you've used. Include any systems for virtual options like Zoom, TEAMs, etc. Do not let the crazy bat who told you to check with AARP to disarm you. But do make sure you follow up with your HR and let them know what was said to you.

8. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 6:25PM UTC

   So quick to jump to a lawyer.

   You don't know if it was any discrimination. AARP is NOT just for seniors.

9. Jennifer LaytonJuly 6,2024 at 2:06PM UTC

   AARP has been advertising their retooling courses. Anyone can join AARP. I've been a member since I was in my mid-to-late 30's. I understand the immediate jump to thinking age discrimination, but that may not be the case. The suggestion may have really been meant to be helpful.

   I encourage you to get curious about what the boss means by computer savy. Have a further discussion about the specific skills desired and then get curious about the AARP comment with them. Ask questions and explore potential biases. How they respond will tell you if they were trying to be helpful or if age discrimination could be at play.

10. AnonymousJuly 7,2024 at 7:19PM UTC

    It's for 50 plus I thought.

11. Jennifer LaytonJuly 8,2024 at 5:39PM UTC

    Nope, anyone can join.

12. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 5:34PM UTC

    Sounds like age bias to me. Why AARP? There are many companies/colleges offering computer courses.

13. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 6:28PM UTC

    Valid response that they need someone more computer saavy. So go research what AARP has to offer in the computer course realm and increase your computer knowledge. AARP is not only for 'older' or senior people. Anyone can join!

14. Leigh JonesJuly 7,2024 at 2:42PM UTC

    Anyone with $12 can join.

15. AnonymousJuly 7,2024 at 10:38PM UTC

    Honest question.Is it ageism if someone doesn’t know how to convert a word document to a PDF? Or how to put together a power point without help? These are both skills that bosses expect employees to be able to do on their own as part of the basic qualifications. What is the difference between someone who (hasn’t or refuses to) adapt to standard job requirements? can it be called ageism if the job requires the skill? Ageism implies all skills are equal and the candidate is passed over simply because they are older. Essentially, differences in skills are a valid reason to choose one candidate over another.

    Am I missing something?

    Still, I’d memorialize this conversation with HR.

16. AnonymousJuly 8,2024 at 7:38PM UTC

    What I take away from this post is how it made you feel. Not too good I take it.

    Although anyone can join AARP it is a known organization that promotes to those over 50. Otherwise, why didn't he just suggest you go to a local college to take computer courses? Or anything that wasn't a snarky comment. It's not about if AARP is for old people, it's what he said, how you received it and how it made you feel. Words can hurt.