We all know age discrimination is illegal, but employers still ask questions that can determine your age.

Anonymous

October 17,2021 at 2:58PM UTC

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We all know age discrimination is illegal, but employers still ask questions that can determine your age. I know I'm being sidelined for my age. Why? What are the real reasons employers don't want to hire older, more experienced workers, even if a job seeker is willing to accept the lower pay rates for a job requiring less experience?

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Lorna Rose, J.D., M.S.October 17,2021 at 4:26PM UTC
There's gotta be a million reasons why, all depending on the specific circumstances, but these are the three reasons I have heard most often regarding this issue:
1. Older workers will not respect the authority of their superiors who are younger than them.
2. Older workers are harder to train on new methods, technologies, etc. and they will adapt too slowly to be productive.
3. Older workers are more prone to health issues, family responsibilities, etc. that will reduce their ability to be as productive as the employer would like.
I am so sorry you are experiencing this. It's wildly unfair and wrong and all of the other things.
AnonymousOctober 17,2021 at 4:52PM UTC
Lower pay, less push back on unreasonable demands, will work 60 hours per week, is more naive, ....the list goes on.
TroyOctober 17,2021 at 5:33PM UTC
You know Anonymous, I wish I knew the answer to your question. I am what is considered a experienced seasoned worker, and you would think when you sprinkle seasoned professionals in the mix with young professionals, you will have a compilation of diverse thinkers, which can be good for business. I wonder if companies are less likely to hire more experienced seasoned workers because they feel as if those workers would be set in their ways and it would require more effort to help mold them versus a young professional. Food for thought. Great conversation starter, I am eager to read what others may think.
Tomilyn RichardsOctober 18,2021 at 12:30PM UTC
That is so crappy you feel that way. I think many times it is exactly what you mentioned... some more experienced folks require higher wages that the more junior roles can't afford. I never assume and always try to ask first to clarify that the candidate knows they are applying to a lesser experienced role and therefor the compensation would be less. I would say 50% of the time, the candidates are not willing to look at a lower salary which is really the only hurdle. Hiring people that have a ton of experience is a benefit to a team in my opinion... it just all has to flush out and make sense for both sides!!
Cynthia Armistead NewmanOctober 19,2021 at 5:17PM UTC
FWIW, it took me four years to find my current job. I'm sure ageism was a large part of that. I did, however, find a good opportunity with a wonderful firm. Hang in there!