I came across a mandatory field in a job application and I'd like to hear some perspective -- it's possible that I am mis-interpreting the employer's intention.

125 Comments

1. Barb HansenApril 22,2022 at 6:56PM UTC

   IMO: Of course that question is there to weed out "people we think are too old to work for us" :)

   Why does it matter to any employer when you started your post-secondary education?

   It should only matter if you have the required education to do that job you are applying for.

   Adding the start date and making it a required field are deliberate actions by company posting that job, and if it's illegal to ask when your education ended, it should be illegal to ask when your education started.

2. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 22,2022 at 7:32PM UTC

   This really pisses me off when I come across this because I also believe it is a back door way to find out how old someone is - which is, of course, illegal to ask.

   What I do is put something like 1900 in - whatever is the farthest back number it will let me enter.

3. AnonymousApril 22,2022 at 8:12PM UTC

   I always always lie and input a date of my choice. If they were to ever question it I would simply says it was a mistake

4. AnonymousApril 22,2022 at 9:30PM UTC

   Yep. No one ever brings it up.

5. JJApril 22,2022 at 9:05PM UTC

   I have never seen that but I would not answer and having that as a requirement would make me not want to work for them.

6. AnonymousApril 22,2022 at 10:25PM UTC

   If it's a required field, you can't simply not answer it. And you have to swear that everything is truthful, so putting in 01/01/1901 would be a lie.

7. AnonymousApril 22,2022 at 9:05PM UTC

   Ageism is a huge deal in the workforce and if someone says it isn’t then they either haven’t experienced it or is in denial. The only way that changes is for older workers to come together and enforce change. Additionally, After a while of being in the workforce, your college education info is irrelevant. It’s your experience that matters.

8. Rebecca AliApril 22,2022 at 10:14PM UTC

   It's absolutely not relevant. Many, many people postpone education and/or don't take a traditional path. It's basically anti-DEI and I would either ask them about it directly or skip it. I wouldn't be shy about sharing that feedback and letting them know how it's being perceived in the market. If they care, they'll update their form before they create problems for themselves. If they don't, then you've dodged a bad experience.

9. AnonymousApril 22,2022 at 10:24PM UTC

   I believe it is illegal, but I've seen it too.

10. Heather BinghamApril 23,2022 at 12:33AM UTC

    There are three big red flags here. Firstly, they want to know the ages of applicants. Secondly, they don't think the rules apply to them. Thirdly, they probably think they are being really smart with this workaround, when in truth it is rather pathetic and obvious.

    Of course, recruiters are not always representatives of organisational cultures, particularly if they are actually external. Still, I think you're right to be wary of them for asking this question. It isn't just ageism that is highlighted; my MSc took me five years to complete, due to problems with my mental health. Anyone who asks me for the dates is opening themselves up to disability discrimination. The rules are there for many good reasons.

11. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 23,2022 at 6:09AM UTC

    Why are you blaming this on recruiters?

    She didn't say anything about a recruiter asking her this question. She said this was a field in an online application.

12. Heather BinghamApril 23,2022 at 10:28AM UTC

    I used a small case "r" for the word. Anyone creating a job posting is a "recruiter". Had I used a capital letter to represent the professional group, I would understand the indignation perfectly, but you have jumped on something that isn't there.

13. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 23,2022 at 6:35PM UTC

    First of all, in your original comment, you didn't say anything about an application or a job posting. You said "recruiters are not always representatives of organisational cultures" and "I think you're right to be wary of them for asking this question."

    She didn't say anything about a recruiter asking her this question. She said this was a field in an online application.

    And you are still blaming recruiters only now you are throwing in a job posting. Which also has nothing to do with this. Job postings are not job applications nor do they ask questions.

    This question is a field in an on-line job application.

    Job applications are not created by recruiters. In most cases, they start out as templates provided by the technology company that developed the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) that the company is using. Those applications can then be customized (or not) by the Company. In many countries, there are legal requirements that job applications must follow. Any customization would be done with - depending on the company - among other groups, the Executive Team, Human Resources and definitely Legal.

    Talent Acquisition does not created job applications.

    A job search is tough, stressful and can wear folks down. There's enough incorrect information out there about the job search process confusing candidates as it is. Please don't add more.

14. LauriApril 23,2022 at 1:17AM UTC

    When did you graduate from college? While interview questions like this get asked during phone screens across the globe, it is technically an illegal interview question because it can often infer age. The Age Discrimination Act prevents employment discrimination based on age.

15. Crystal HowellApril 23,2022 at 8:22AM UTC

    I would be truthful, and ask them. I haven't seen that question. Experience matters, or use date of 99999999? Educate the start up, or go with established company, they don't know the rules. What else don't they know?

16. Cynthia (Van Syoc) KendallApril 23,2022 at 11:51AM UTC

    Unfortunately you see requests for educational dates or even DOB on a lot of applications. I turn 61 in May and just got a second interview yesterday with a company whom the interviewer says has figured out older workers are harder workers. No kidding!

17. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 23,2022 at 7:01PM UTC

    I'm not sure where you are geographically, but in the US it is illegal to ask someone their age. If you come across an application asking DOB, I would consider reporting them. Cause that's BS.

18. Cheryl NeasApril 24,2022 at 12:23PM UTC

    It’s an easy backdoor way to find out how old someone is but I also think there’s a possible less malevolent explanation that their ATS was installed with that field by default and no one bothered to think about how it could be discriminatory. I have come across this field being required most often in institutions where credentials are really important, like hospitals, so they probably find that it’s easier to verify the right John Smith. But who remembers the exact day they started college?

    It’s ridiculous to require regardless of the reason.

19. MelissaApril 24,2022 at 12:25PM UTC

    I’ve had large companies ask for my college transcript. And to be provided directly from college. I’m 50, started college as a single mother and didn’t finish. Ageism is discrimination and diversity doesn’t seem to include age for us experienced workers.

    I’ve also experienced issues with depression when tragic things happen & again mental health in the workplace seems to be fluff, not help, particularly when your a contractor, temp or freelancer.

    And no legal action for either of these issues.

    I agree, in your case enter 99999 if the online application allows it.

    Also, since it’s a startup, in FL HR laws don’t apply to companies with less than 50 employees.

    Good luck in your search! I’m starting a new job after searching, interviewing & getting to the final panel Zoom interviews just to be rejected, for 2 months (8 hours a day)!

    Wishing the best for you!!!

20. J CApril 24,2022 at 12:34PM UTC

    Start date can have nothing to do with age. I started my college career in my 50’s. So someone expecting a 25 yr old based on start date would be very disappointed

21. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 12:36PM UTC

    A lot of larger and very well
    known companies require year of graduation on their applications and ask for it in their career profiles in order to apply to their positions. It seems to be pretty standard across the board for every application I submitted during the past couple of years. I’m positive ageism is real and it got to the point I was shaving years off of my time at a past employer, just to get noticed. I even dropped my degree from many applications. It’s sad and honestly nothing is being done about it!

22. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 1:41PM UTC

    I fortunately have found it in very few cases but when I do I don't apply to that company.

23. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 12:38PM UTC

    Let’s try the benefit of the doubt and assume your company just wants to know how recent your education is. How up-to-date is your technology savvy, for example? I hold a technical degree myself and the field changes lightening quick. If you earned your degree in such a field a decade ago, your education may require you to take a few certificates to get you up to date. This field isn’t necessarily a sneaky way to find out how many candles are on your cake. Maybe they just want to know if you have the smarts to keep up.

24. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 1:40PM UTC

    If you're employed in technology now, unless your company is in a time warp, when you graduated from college does not show how tech savvy you are. Most true coders don't get their up to date experience from their college degree. Many don't even learn to code in college. There are recent grads who don't have the smarts to keep up so I doubt the end date of the Bachelor's degree would show this.

25. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 2:04PM UTC

    Thank you - this could me the missing link.

26. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 12:43PM UTC

    I don’t likely see the malicious nature. When I am looking at interns - I 100% want to know what level of field classes they’ve taken. A 2nd year student is much different than a 3rd/4th year college student.

27. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 12:52PM UTC

    How does what you say relate to the issue of dates? Someone in their 50s is not a college student.

28. Rena CromerApril 24,2022 at 1:11PM UTC

    I beg to differ. I know several people in their 50s just now going back and finishing their college degree.

29. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 1:13PM UTC

    Not true: I am 50 and currently in grad school.

    However, I am personally very wary of college start and end dates as a required field. It is a workaround to try to figure out how old someone is without actually asking outright.

30. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 1:38PM UTC

    When you put on a job application when you graduated from college they EASILY know your age when you apply. You don't just fill out the dates if you are in college now. It's a REQUIRED field that you have to complete when you enter your college degree, no matter when you graduated or if you're in school now.

31. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 1:48PM UTC

    I am also in my 50's working on a grad degree!

    If you can avoid putting dates in, do so! Sometimes an application will allow it!

32. Rachelle DeMunckApril 27,2022 at 11:18PM UTC

    I disagree. I am turning 51 and have plans to go back to school and obtain an additional degree.

33. Ruth RobbinsApril 24,2022 at 1:08PM UTC

    They want interns…students.

34. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 1:17PM UTC

    You do not get the problem here..... we are talking years of experience and not an jnternship

35. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 7:45PM UTC

    But the application is probably generic

36. Elizabeth HowardApril 24,2022 at 7:51PM UTC

    It's quite easy to phrase the question clearly (or even put a checkbox) if the person completed the degree or is still in school. There are often questions that ask what is the highest degree attained.

37. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 24,2022 at 8:05PM UTC

    Two separate things. You can know what level of field classes they've taken without needing to know the year of graduation.

    Year of graduation does not tell you what level of field classes taken.

38. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 1:00PM UTC

    This question is not fair because some people go back to school later in life and if it states I graduated in 2016 does that make someone think I'm 27??

39. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 2:08PM UTC

    Exactly but I guess that’s the beauty of attending college later. You could potentially fool an employer who feels entitled asking these illegal questions.

40. Mary KerdashaApril 24,2022 at 1:03PM UTC

    If you are interested in the position apply. If they are a company looking for only young workers, would you even want to ultimately work for them? It is either a mistake and you will get an interview or you were given an excellent reason to bypass this company. Find somewhere you are appreciated.

41. Amanda PerezApril 24,2022 at 1:17PM UTC

    I'm a small business. This feels more to me like a clueless question. Do they ask if / when you completed the degree, as well?

42. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 1:35PM UTC

    I 100% agree. I've actually contacted companies about this and they've been very glib in their responses, completely ignorning the issue.

43. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 1:39PM UTC

    I guess your choice is either apply or don’t apply.

44. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 2:13PM UTC

    No you out a more recent date ! Then when they ask for a background check you put the actual date. This is ageism

45. Jennifer GeorgeApril 24,2022 at 1:40PM UTC

    I’m located in Mississippi and this is on almost every application I’ve ever seen.

46. Amanda KApril 24,2022 at 3:35PM UTC

    States law, not federal.

    Your state may have different guidelines.

    She mentioned she lived in California and here it is not allowed.

47. GirlBossanova934974April 24,2022 at 1:41PM UTC

    It is what it is.........I have worked for a startup or 2. The problems you may face with a startups are usually 2 main things. One, they don't have a lot of established processes. Two, the management team may be rather green and not aware of what they can and cannot do from a legal perspective. In the case you have referenced, someone is NOT aware of what they're doing is a version of age discrimination whether they like it or not. Depending on the state in which you live in, the State Department of Labor might come knocking one day and it may be for many other reasons as well. I would say just end your job application and move on to another company. It is somewhat likely the minute someone at the startup figures out your age, your application will end anyways..........

48. Michelle S.April 24,2022 at 3:36PM UTC

    I don’t think you can positively say whether or not they are or are not aware of what they’re doing. I would love to take a rose colored view of this but, if you’re over a certain age, age discrimination is real and it happens on a daily basis. And being green is no excuse for not having all of your applications and business documents scanned by your lawyer, which is what most start ups I know of and I’ve been a part of, do. Only because it could take down your business all by itself.

49. Lisa MarieApril 24,2022 at 1:49PM UTC

    It could be a sneaky approach, and anyone who doesn't find a problem with that question, is either very naive or is part of the problem.

    Simply enter 01/01/1900 to complete the application. That's generally a software default date.

    If you do get interviewed and they specifically ask foecthst info, then you'll know that they deliberately asked the question.

    To give the benefit of the doubt, it could be the company doesn't know about *all the fields/questions* the application software asks (much like many people don't know all the questions asked on their company's satisfaction surveys sent out to customers).

    Hoping you'll find your next best opportunity sooner than you anticipate.

50. Grace BergeronApril 24,2022 at 2:02PM UTC

    What is the software default for desired salary?

    Thank you

51. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 4:47PM UTC

    I enter 0.00.....my prior salary is NONE of their business. They are only asking for prior salary so they can low ball an offer or get you to lower your salary requirements. Don't do it. I learned that the hard way.

52. Laurie WarlickApril 24,2022 at 4:06PM UTC

    Thanks for the tip. It will get you thru job apps but may look odd on ones resume on the job seeker sites who demand this discriminatory info

    I've been noticing this everywhere, even LI if I'm not mistaken. I went back to school to finish my degree around 12 years but I can't/won't provide my first school due to it showing my apparently offensive age.

53. Grace BergeronApril 24,2022 at 2:00PM UTC

    This question is used to *estimate* the age of the job applicant. Employers are not allowed to inquire about the actual age of the applicant(s); however, companies have become crafty.

    Good luck.

54. ReachingGoalsApril 24,2022 at 2:01PM UTC

    Could be age thing, but maybe not.

    More likely they need it for doing background check of college “proof”. My son had that issue when he applied for his last job. He couldn’t remember exactly so guesstimated the date. They came back later and said they couldn’t verify his college information and did he maybe have the date wrong? Yup, he had to look it up and all was well.

55. Michelle S.April 24,2022 at 3:34PM UTC

    This is not college proof. You ask if they went to college and completed college and then you ask for proof after offer. This isn’t proof.

56. ReachingGoalsApril 24,2022 at 7:00PM UTC

    Well, when he corrected the dates, they could verify and didn't ask to see his degree. His birthdate was on the application, so when he went to college really didn't matter.

57. Lorna Rose, J.D., M.S.April 24,2022 at 2:17PM UTC

    If “they can’t always afford HR folks of very long experience who anticipate how such a question may be viewed by candidates,” then they cant afford to be in business. Hiring processes that violate state & federal law don’t get a pass just because they’re too under-resourced to know the law.

58. Victoria RegoApril 24,2022 at 2:26PM UTC

    I have to agree, this is a sneaky approach to agism along with pre-recorded video interviews. There is no reason for these as they provide the potential employer with the opportunity to discriminate on various levels.

59. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 2:49PM UTC

    You are not misinterpreting this. It is akin to asking your age, which is illegal. Period. When I come across that on an application (as an over-50 as well), I put whatever generic number will move it on to the next question. Startups in particular are ageists.

60. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 2:56PM UTC

    When you are over 50 and unable to find a job in your field, this IS a "bigger battle" you are waging every single day on many applications just to perhaps get an interview for a chance to continue to make a decent living.

61. Kelly LeBlancApril 24,2022 at 3:04PM UTC

    Maybe it is, maybe it is not.

    Not everyone goes to college immediately after high school.

    I am going on 49 and just started a new job in March (after starting a new one in December). The first company did a background check, but it was a very basic check. The second company did a thorough check and as part of that they wanted to verify my education. Name of schools, years attended, degrees, etc. But I am Canadian and live in the US. I went to school in Canada. The background check company, even though I gave them contact info, was unable to confirm my education and I was asked to provide a copy of my degrees or transcripts. I got hired.

    With 25 years experience I did find checking my education was a little silly, but some companies still have this as a policy.

62. Michelle S.April 24,2022 at 3:33PM UTC

    yes, I agree with all of the above but in there was absolutely zero reason to request a start date other than to know your age. Because there is no reason.

63. Kelly LeBlancApril 24,2022 at 6:10PM UTC

    How do you think they are going to find your specific records without information to narrow the search? Name is not enough because, to be honest, you are not likely to be the only one to have attended that specific school with your name. There could be dozens or even hundreds of people with the same name over the history of the school.

    And, since you are talking about the 90s, those records were not electronic and it's very likely they have not been converted if you went to a large school. So any information that helps the school narrow the search is necessary. If you don't want to provide age, maybe there are other details you can provide. Do you remember your student ID? Some people keep their IDs.

    What kind of information did you include on your resume related to your work experience? Start and end dates? Did you include all your work history? Start date of your first professional job will closely correlate to the date you graduated.

64. Elizabeth HowardApril 24,2022 at 7:47PM UTC

    The current guidance is to only list the past 10-15 years of experience on a resume as anything older is likely irrelevant and it helps avoid ageism. I would venture to guess that most people in their 40s, 50s & beyond aren't including every job they've held since they entered the workforce.

65. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 24,2022 at 10:12PM UTC

    No one should be finding your college records during the application phase of the job search process.

    That is done if/when they make you an offer and are doing a background check.

66. Kelly LeBlancApril 24,2022 at 6:10PM UTC

    Also, they have your social security and other information that they could use to identify pretty much every detail about you if they wanted to. You providing the info just makes it easier for them.

67. MichelleApril 24,2022 at 3:10PM UTC

    I agree.

    They're trying to find out how old you are.

    I've come across applications like this as well and I refuse to complete them, because of it's illegality and it's none of their business.

68. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 3:20PM UTC

    In California, you can report this to DFEH.

69. Michelle S.April 24,2022 at 3:32PM UTC

    I would definitely feel confident to send a snapshot of the application to the labor board of your state ….

70. Sharon RosendahlApril 24,2022 at 3:37PM UTC

    While start date of college could be necessary for their background check you aren't there yet so they shouldn't be asking. I would enter an obviously fake date and finish the application. Companies that don't have an HR department full-time may have overlooked a default setting in the application and a start up may legitimately not have a full-time HR department to oversee this and are relying on some prefab application. If they push this topic at any point before job offer and the request to run a background then I would walk away.

71. Annetta MosesApril 24,2022 at 4:18PM UTC

    I have worked for companies that will complete background checks and verify references before making an offer. Usually the background check involves education verification including high school diploma or GED. The company knows the approximate age of people they hire.

    I work at a company that values experience. There are employees who are celebrated for 30 and 35 years of service. It is likely these employees are 50+ years old.

    It can be challenging to find a position if you are over 40 or 50. Look for companies that value experience as a benefit.

    I would fill in the field and apply.

    Good luck.

72. Ellen Smith FaganApril 24,2022 at 4:36PM UTC

    That line might indeed be ageist in its motive.

    But be real: I am working happily at over 70 and fit for it - busy and happy are mine but not without s a few “little bad moments” of growth on this topic.

    You are confronting on the new adventure of being over 50 in the world arena. It is NORMAL to experience ageism at times, but it’s fine, once you get the idea.

    I had such issues , with complications, at 50-ish, but once I worked thru it I was fine and got the art to the White House a month short of my 60th birthday.

    As someone told me “Breathhhe”.

73. Olivic SojoApril 24,2022 at 6:28PM UTC

    Hi Ellen, thanks for your comment.

    I am also in my early fifties and facing unusual rejections now that I am looking for a new job. Would you like to share with us how you overcome those “little bad moments” you mentioned as NORMAL?

    Btw, I don't think we need to normalize ageism or any ism for the matter. Not in this time living among more than three generations sharing the same interest, to the point where marketing segmentation is history.

74. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 7:51PM UTC

    Seriously? "Normalizing" ageism?? What "idea" are we supposed to get? That the HR millennials and younger can't be bothered interviewing or hiring us despite years of professional experience that they will likely never achieve? Perhaps that wouldn't be such as easy comment to make if you were me (or any number of us), over 50, and unable to find a full-time job in my field for nearly five years. It's great that you are 70+ and have work - be thankful you are employed and those little "ageism at times" annoyances do not have a detrimental impact on your health or financial wellbeing.

75. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 4:41PM UTC

    Just put in arbitrary numbers, like 00000/0000. I've done that for when a numeric number was needed for what my salary requirements where.

    If a company is insistent on this info, that means they want that info for something. If it's sinister, then you know the reason. If not, then you can discuss that in your interview, but don't let them rule you out of it. If they do rule you out because you put something like 000/000, then you don't need that employer.

76. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 5:36PM UTC

    Whether they want to know how “new” your newest degree is, it’s akin to making assumptions that aren’t on the up and up. I’m 43 and contemplated getting a different degree as a pivot. There is no good business strategy based in fair employment practices for them to ask for your degree dates.

    For a background check, technically you don’t consent until you make it through an interview and they ask you for all your names if you’ve legally used more than one.

77. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 6:07PM UTC

    I never looked at this through that perspective. Thank you for bringing this up. I see the college degree dates/fields on many applications nowadays but cannot say that they all require a start and end date. I always thought they wanted the dates to know when and if you have completed it. I will definitely keep this in mind for the future

78. Shelby CApril 24,2022 at 6:25PM UTC

    It isn't uncommon in fields that are heavily tech oriented and sales. It doesn't make it right, but it happens. They can also wait and meet you and then judge you on all sorts of things and not give you the position.

    I know we had clients that would ask for "AA" which was code for All American. They basically wanted someone that looked like they worked at Abercrombie & Fitch (before the embarrassing lawsuit). We didn't discriminate and wouldn't do it for them.

    There's great value in diversity and all sorts of experiences.

    You could always leave it blank.

79. Kirsten ElinApril 24,2022 at 7:33PM UTC

    Actually the problem is you can’t continue unless you add in the dates in some applications.

80. Jennifer FalandysApril 24,2022 at 6:26PM UTC

    I don't think it should be required to put down, but in this day and age, numbers seem to be the focus, even if you were to type your history into something like LinkedIn. I think it is silly and unnecessary at this point.

81. Me!April 24,2022 at 6:29PM UTC

    I have always assumed the request for education start date was a systems/platform limitation.

    I do not build systems but, it seems the education section of applicants tend to utilize the same set up/format as job history. It is standard to enter start and end date info on previous positions held.

    In the case of education start and end date, I enter the end date in both fields (as this is needed for verification later in the process).

    I think your point is valid as this does leave a path for age details that are not needed.

82. Olivic SojoApril 24,2022 at 6:31PM UTC

    You made a point with your assumption of dating your degree.

    Interesting!

83. Cherish BarApril 24,2022 at 6:49PM UTC

    I have long felt as you do about aging myself in response to that question. My degree is almost 30 years old, obviously it gives a prospective employer a good idea of my age, I don’t like it at all.

84. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 7:19PM UTC

    This is usually race, gender, disability, and veteran status. And Employment counselors suggest never disclosing on disability until you have the offer. It’s often a flat out lie that HR does not coordinate with the hiring team.

    I came across an application that claimed two things in the disclosure section related to veterans status and disability status:

    1. The information would be kept secret from the hiring team
    2. The information is required (this is the initial application phase) to complete because of they are a federal grantee.

    The fed’s make all that information opt-in. Once hired, regardless of grantee status once you have a certain number of employees race, gender, ethnicity and veteran’s status is required. The employer is supposed to allow people to voluntarily report disability at any time.

    The one gal’s tip to report the application to the state labor board, i need to find that application and do the same.

85. April MinerApril 24,2022 at 7:22PM UTC

    I don't view it as an ageism question. My "start date" for college was December 2011. I was 47 years old. I'm proud to have 21 years of work experience behind me before I started college.

86. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 7:38PM UTC

    While that is really great for you, being able to accomplish that later in life, you are in the minority when it comes to hiring and ageism.

87. LISA MCCARTNEYApril 24,2022 at 8:02PM UTC

    I personally can see the agism angle you see, but also not.
    Let explain the latter. There was a woman that graduated with her BA the same time I did, but it took her 14 years. She took one class at a time, since that is what she could afford.

    I graduated at 33 and had 12 credits transfer in. I worked extra hard and recieved a double BA. I started my MBA several years later and was 38 when I graduated, not the typical ages for either one.

    Maybe they are looking to see if you had started the process of school.?. Just my thoughts.

88. Ruth Ann GildeaApril 24,2022 at 8:10PM UTC

    On a recent job application, the question asked was the year one rec'd one's degree. It wouldn't allow me to put in zeros, so I put in the date I was submitting the application. This company also asked for my Social Security number on the application. I put in arbitrary numbers as I had to respond or I could not go to the next question. As I am over 60 there is no way I would respond

89. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 10:04PM UTC

    I've had the SS# and DOB come up too. I immediately stop with the application. I once continued only to be slammed with creepy callers from all over the world, spam email, social media hacked, etc. It's not a real application. RUN!

90. Ruth Ann GildeaApril 24,2022 at 8:11PM UTC

    continued. .. to those questions. The second one is probably illegal,

    I got the job anyway.

91. Lori CasoApril 24,2022 at 8:37PM UTC

    I’m 58 and just went back to school - lol, wouldn’t they be surprised to meet THIS Freshman ?

92. Tabitha CameronApril 24,2022 at 9:54PM UTC

    Type 01/01/1900

93. AnonymousApril 25,2022 at 12:09PM UTC

    that's what I was going to say

94. KathrynApril 24,2022 at 11:32PM UTC

    Yes it is a work around but I always put 2022(or current year) and then put in how ever many years of experience when asked. If I get to interview I have never been asked

95. AnonymousApril 24,2022 at 11:58PM UTC

    This is screaming ageism…Please don’t work for a company that requires a start and end date for your college degree…you earned it…good for you! That’s what matters!

96. Liz MilneApril 25,2022 at 1:11AM UTC

    Ha! I started my degree two weeks before my fortieth birthday, so that would backfire for them!

97. Joanna PoeApril 25,2022 at 2:00AM UTC

    They could possibly justify this by claiming that it's to find out if you're still in school, but you should just put something really recent and upload a relevant resume. Mandatory fields are lame and often ignored in favor of good cover letters and experience from the resume.

98. Heather MoffittApril 25,2022 at 3:52AM UTC

    I know some companies can't divide their apply flows out for different purposes due to technology limitations and this being a field necessary for university students being considered for different internships/programs ends up being visible for all applicants.

99. Bradford McCormickApril 25,2022 at 7:51AM UTC

    Haven't you answered your own question? Is it worth hiring a lawyer for peobably a pointless situation? Or maybe you can turn a profit in court but not likely?

    Maybe they have already told you something: You do not want to work in their dishonorable place? If they sneak one thing, what next?

100. Bradford McCormickApril 25,2022 at 7:54AM UTC

     Second thought: This is a start up? What are startups noted for? Volitility. If it was General Motors back in the old days they might be looking for employees who would collect their 25 year club awards. But a startup is fighting a battle today and may not be around tomorrow so shouldn't a start up ***especially*** not care about your age as long as you can contribute to today's efforts to make it in the market?

101. Cynthia (Van Syoc) KendallApril 25,2022 at 10:49PM UTC

     Unusual to see a man in here, but you have a keen perspective on the start up situation. One I have never considered. At nearly 61, I am now inclined to take a look at some of these start ups!

102. AnonymousApril 25,2022 at 10:23AM UTC

     I just applied for a permanent position in a company I've been working for as a contractor for over 5 years. The permanent position is actually my current position. It actually asked for my GRADUATION DATE for each of my post-high school education entries, right down to the MONTH and DAY as well as year. I'm in my 60's and the day and month of my first graduation ceremony from 43 years ago isn't first and foremost on my mind anymore! Plus, they had the mandatory red asterisk by each of them, so I HAD to answer. I just approximated. Good to know now that that's illegal to ask an applicant. On the 'up side,' I was offered the position.

103. AnonymousApril 25,2022 at 11:04AM UTC

     With a start-up, it might have been a clueless mistake, but it’s hard to tell. If you really want the job you might proceed anyway, but I wouldn’t hold your breath waiting for an interview. It’s hard to accept this when you’re hungry, but the uphill battle of fighting ageism on a daily basis is exhausting. Enlightened employers are out there. Good luck with your search.

104. Doris AppelbaumApril 25,2022 at 11:38PM UTC

     The uphill battle of fighting ageism on a daily basis is exhausting. Don't give up. Age discrimination is illegal.

105. MottaApril 25,2022 at 3:38PM UTC

     My current job they asked both start date and end date of my degree, to the exact date.
     3rd party verification services often ask those as well for their verifications

     Edit: I went back and checked. For my current, the HireRight employment verification service requested my start and end date of my degree.
     However, please note, my degree is a foreign degree. Maybe they asked in order to confirm it was not a fraud degree.

106. AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 6:14PM UTC

     Hi Motta,

     Hmmm, maybe it's a State regulation, you cannot ask graduation dates in CA.

107. MottaApril 27,2022 at 2:52AM UTC

     I went back and checked, the HireRight employment verification service requested my start and end date of my degree.

     However, please note, my degree is a foreign degree. Maybe they asked in order to confirm it was not a fraud degree.

108. Sharon ScottApril 25,2022 at 4:15PM UTC

     I’ve seen this asked on multiple applications. I think it has more to do with getting data they need to verify your degree… at least I hope. Over 50 here too and I just landed an amazing job so it’s definitely possible! ?

109. MichelleApril 25,2022 at 6:07PM UTC

     I disagree. If they're interested in interviewing and hiring you, they'll ask you for a picture of your degree or diploma.

110. AnonymousApril 25,2022 at 8:09PM UTC

     In 30 years of working in three states, I have NEVER had an employer/possible employer ask for a picture of my degree or diploma! Who does that??

111. Doris AppelbaumApril 25,2022 at 11:36PM UTC

     I have been employed in five states. I have NEVER had an employer/possible employer ask for a picture of my degree or diploma!

112. Elizabeth WetterlingJanuary 7,2023 at 5:22AM UTC

     Interesting. We had to provide a picture of my daughter’s HS diploma when she applied for a position within the military. It may have been because we homeschooled. Not sure. I’m about ready to enter the workforce after 20 years myself. I was getting concerned since I haven’t a clue where my HS or college diplomas are.

113. Grace BergeronApril 25,2022 at 6:13PM UTC

     I do not agree with this. Employers will certify your degree at the time of the background check. No need to ask during the application process.

     Employers are disingenuous with this question.

114. Krystin MorganApril 25,2022 at 5:20PM UTC

     I imagine this might be a system limitation (as in the system requires it, but it isn't something the company actually cares about) - but *why* the system requires it is a great question.

115. AnonymousApril 25,2022 at 6:02PM UTC

     I am the original poster of this question. I was invited to interview, which I was surprised, given the start date of my college degree! I plan to ask their intention for that question, so I will post.

     Thank you so much everyone for your good input.

116. Grace BergeronApril 25,2022 at 6:11PM UTC

     Thank you/. I look forward to reading their reply

117. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 25,2022 at 6:21PM UTC

     GOOD LUCK!

118. Bridget HarringtonApril 25,2022 at 7:19PM UTC

     I've gotten around those fields by typing a period (.) in the space and hitting "enter." The period fills the field; something is there.
     If you are going to require me to answer an irrelevant question, I am going to fill the field with an irrelevant answer. I also started college 10 years after I graduated high school, so the real answer in my case would backfire for those who insisted on real data. It has never caused me a problem as far as getting interviews, nor was I ever asked about it.

119. Robyn McCabria KelsoApril 26,2022 at 12:13PM UTC

     That is an odd thing. Never heard of it, but in my industry college is required (teaching) so maybe that's why.

120. Karen GongawareApril 26,2022 at 4:18PM UTC

     Ask your State labor and industry board if legal or not. Start date is a sneaky end run around age. Not that they can't tell when you interview! I wouldn't answer it. Put the dot in and call it a day.

121. AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 6:11PM UTC

     Hi Karen,

     It was mandatory so I would have had to input 1/1/1900 or the like!

122. AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 6:10PM UTC

     Hi all! I'm the original poster. I had the interview with the hiring manager. I didn't ask for intent of the mandatory degree start-date, really no reason as from the onset of the video chat, I did not care for his arrogant vibe.

     Since they didn't include the territory in the job description, this territory is across the country so the interview was a waste of time.

     I had already contacted the State Fair Housing & Labor Board about this. The company is IL-based.

     Thanks for all your good input!

123. Jan GuidoMay 3,2022 at 5:13PM UTC

     It may be - have seen the same. It is software written by young people who just havent thought that it could be a 'thing; I just put it to get into the queue.

     Use your cover letter to drive it and experience for the last 10 or so years.

     They will have to ask you for more context.

     I wish I knew the truth but this is my first thoughts

124. AnonymousJune 9,2025 at 9:27PM UTC

     Not sure if it is actually ageism. There are many adult learners in the world today. Maybe 35 years ago would be a time when we had to list our colleges and they were truthful, but with so many applicants lying on applications, ageism is most likely the furthest thing from the potential employer's request for info.

     Apply and see what happens.

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