Ageism - How would they know?

91 Comments

1. AnonymousNovember 17,2025 at 12:18AM UTC

   Usually via titles held and accomplishments. Someone who can cut an org's costs by 35+% is not junior or even mid. It could also be by appearance. Knock on wood, people think I'm 40, but I'm 20 years older than that. I let them believe what they want to believe.

2. AnonymousNovember 17,2025 at 1:18AM UTC

   They look you up on the Internet. Whitepages.com lists your age, residence, and relatives.

3. AnonymousNovember 17,2025 at 5:34AM UTC

   Which employer is that obtuse and has that much time on their hands?

4. AnonymousNovember 18,2025 at 10:48AM UTC

   Unfortunately, many of them apparently fit this description. If employers wanted to be efficient, they would schedule interviews within a week of a vacancy being available, do a second round of interviews if needed, and actually hire someone within a month, but some of them clearly don't do things the easy way; getting a lower-middle class job can involve upwards of four interviews and many months, at which time they ghost many of the applicants, then surprise someone with an offer ten months later when she has already given up on that position and has taken a job somewhere else. It would be great if we could all be more aware of our own biases, and even the nicest people have some, in order to deliberately see past the bias and give someone a fair chance. However, some people don't see a problem with their biases and would be glad to throw out all applications where they can tell by the photo or dates on the resume that the person is probably over 50, or they can tell by the name that the person is likely Hispanic, or they can tell by the name that chances are this person might be Black. There has actually been research in which employers reacted to IDENTICAL resumes differently when only the person's name was changed. When people have had their resume professionally done and their Linked In profile is professional, they apply for positions they are highly qualified for, but hear crickets instead of employers calling, you have to realize ageism and other forms of discrimination actually happen.

5. AnonymousNovember 17,2025 at 2:52AM UTC

   Many online applications ask for dates of attendance, not only for college but for high school. My guess is that some algorithms automatically throw out applications where the year starts with a 19 instead of a 20. That's one way. One's profile photo may lead to various kinds of discrimination; employers can see not only your approximate age(yes, this varies, but even with Botox, hair color, etc. a 60 year old does not look 20) but might make inferences as to your weight, discriminate based on race, see that you're wearing a hijab, a cross, or a star of David and potentially discriminate if they don't like your religion, and so on. The Internet makes a lot of good things possible, but also makes it easier to not even give you a chance at a job if someone has already made up their mind about what demographic they want to hire or avoid.

6. AnonymousNovember 18,2025 at 8:32AM UTC

   I agree and don't have my photo on LinkedIn either. However, I suppose being discriminated against may not be totally bad at the pre-hiring point. Would you want to work for a company that despised your demographic - age, religion, etc.?

   I have a friend who was hired because she was a "triple minority" - Woman, over 40, and Hispanic (checked all the boxes) and she was frozen out of many aspects of even the necessary training for her position. Not a happy situation.

   If you are older - I am 75 - really old! - look for a situation where they value what you bring.

   Better yet, look for some contract work where they could care less if you are 100 (!) - as long as you have the skills. Think about all of the "bottom line" benefits your experience can bring to a company - revenue earned, expenses trimmed, processes made more efficient, customers served, etc. - all of what you could not have offered at 20 or 30. Then target companies where this would matter most. For contract work, the companies are often fairly desperate and once they discover how "wonderful" you are, may be willing to pay for your services on a more consistent basis.

7. AnonymousNovember 17,2025 at 1:42PM UTC

   This is a great question. Are there any HR professionals or hiring managers that can provide insight? You can post anonymously so as not to identify yourself.

8. AnonymousNovember 17,2025 at 1:58PM UTC

   Yes LinkedIn especially which is there to help you network and find a job, but can count against you. During a few interviews employers viewed my LinkedIn and based on the number of years I worked told me I seemed too seasoned for the role and didn’t offer me the job because they were looking for someone less ambitious and experienced. I pulled off a lot of the detail and experience made sure they’re is no indication of age and I found a job rather quickly after also dumbing down my profile. I now show a very limited view of my linkedin details.

9. AnonymousNovember 17,2025 at 4:44PM UTC

   Ageism is real. I'm now 60. When I was in my mid-40's I was told by a company in Charlotte they wanted someone moldable, aka younger. It's illegal to hire based on age, but companies do it. I too removed my earlier years of experience and my date of graduation, however, as I went back to college my grad year doesn't align with the typical age of a person who graduated at that year which is a life saver. I work with hundreds of employers and all seek early talent, though some who are close to my age or older are looking at my resume for advice. Congrats to you on your new job! I wish more people would hire seasoned workers.

10. Dr. Patty GrossNovember 17,2025 at 4:39PM UTC

    All of the above, plus any dates that are on the resume, including graduation dates for degrees. Depending on the industry, especially for IT, it may also include the type of experience. Therefore, any outdated experience should be removed (i.e., for IT professionals, do not include any languages related to older systems unless they are specific skills required by the job description).

11. AnonymousNovember 17,2025 at 9:21PM UTC

    I look younger for my age and have no graduation dates on my resume. They figure it out based on experience. Obviously I didn't start my career as a Director but that's as far back as my LinkedIn and resume go.

12. EileenKGNovember 18,2025 at 5:56AM UTC

    Many job applications require picture ID as proof of identity either in the application or in person interview which has your birthday listed.

13. Kari HadleyNovember 18,2025 at 1:12PM UTC

    I've applied for thousands of jobs over my career and have never once been asked for a picture ID until I'm in the final stages of hiring, and certainly not in the job application (BTW -- I wouldn't supply something like that or my social security number until they were going to hire me)

14. Jos WallerNovember 18,2025 at 3:31PM UTC

    No way, not at application stage. That would be a red flag for me

15. Eileen JoyceNovember 19,2025 at 5:42PM UTC

    Yes in Asia or some European nations. But not in the US generally.

16. Mary PattersonNovember 18,2025 at 1:13PM UTC

    People are stupid for the most part and look for some folks like themselves always playing shitshow games. They should not care about the age of a qualified candidate as long as they can get their job done effectively efficiently proficiently and professionally!! Do you know what I always see on every single temporary project management assignment given? Slothful lazy people riding payroll that should have never been hired in the first place or folks complaining like children making everyone most miserable because they are lazy! They will all eventually bring their own company to ruins if you ask me! I’m shocked they have lasted this long. Always hiring temporary employees to help bail them out for pennies on a dollar!! Sad sacks of horse manure as my grandmother used to say!! So what does age have to do with qualifications or work ethics?

17. Dorothy RosenerNovember 18,2025 at 4:46PM UTC

    Yes this project manager contract roles ask for skills that are developed over years… but they want to pay someone like they just graduated college most of the time.

18. AnonymousNovember 18,2025 at 1:21PM UTC

    Graduation dates and length of time at previous employers. So basically, math.

19. Dorothy RosenerNovember 18,2025 at 4:44PM UTC

    I hope no one who is afraid of ageism puts their graduation dates on their resume!

20. AnonymousDecember 13,2025 at 4:25PM UTC

    Some job applications require this detail and also length of time at a job. I realize u may not list EVERY role but timelines must align for background check purposes.

21. AnonymousNovember 18,2025 at 1:26PM UTC

    I am 57 and never thought about my age until I started working in my current role under a manager who is 12 years younger than me. I don't have gray hair yet and I stay pretty healthy, so I have not felt like I am old. However, my manager has enjoyed making digs at my age, saying things like "your age is showing" if I forgot something. Yes, I know this is discriminatory, but frankly, no one CARES. It's supposed to be a JOKE (I had mentioned this to her manager when discussing my concerns about needing more work, so he said that she was just joking). I started becoming self conscious about my age working here. She makes fun of me in other ways and has commented that in my prior role I was only paid well because of the state that I lived in. On top of that, she doesn't give me quality work to do, so it has become a very bad environment. I was hired in 2023 and showed experience on my resume from 2008 onward. Also, in personal conversations (which I now avoid) I am sure I mentioned my age. I have learned here to be extremely careful about revealing my age, because I need to work and am nowhere close to retirement. I have been searching for a new role and I noticed that the much younger interviewers do not want to hire me, but I have been considered by people who seem to be in their 40s+. Maybe I look like I'm in my 40s since my hair isn't gray. Ageism DOES exist and I am seeing it.

22. RebecaNovember 18,2025 at 1:54PM UTC

    I’m sorry you experienced that. I never experienced the generation gap until I worked at a nonprofit where the majority of the employees were millennials and gen z. Looking back at my experience, I should have filed an age discrimination suit.

23. Jos WallerNovember 18,2025 at 3:28PM UTC

    Good luck with your search. You manager sounds awful so leave with your head held high.

24. Dorothy RosenerNovember 18,2025 at 4:44PM UTC

    your managers boss is totally unaware. If your boss joked about your race, gender, or your weight would that be appropriate? Some people need their head examined. You should report them both.

25. AnonymousNovember 18,2025 at 1:27PM UTC

    Don't people list the dates of employment on their resumes anymore? Even if you leave off the first 10 years or so, they would know that you have done that based on graduation date and the employment listings on your resume starting with not-so-entry-level positions.

26. AnonymousNovember 18,2025 at 2:09PM UTC

    Resumes should never show graduation date if it older than 10 years. Linkedin Profile should not list graduation dates. You are correct, if you graduated from college in 1995 people will assume you are 51 even if you only show 15 years of work on your resume. So rule of thumb 15 years if history on your resume and no dates next to your colleges/degrees. If you just recently completed you degree especially a Masters or higher in the last 10 years go ahead and add that date, they will think it is great you worked will in school and will see you as relevant.

    But face it the moment you walk in the door, they will know just about how old you are based on your manners, dress, looks, etc

27. AnonymousNovember 18,2025 at 1:30PM UTC

    I was in a situation where it was assumed I'd transition from contract to staff, was told to fill out a bunch of forms, no problem, but then asked to provide a photo of my driver's license, and that was the end of the application process for me.

28. AnonymousNovember 18,2025 at 2:33PM UTC

    I'm sorry that happened to you. That should not have happened.

29. AnonymousNovember 18,2025 at 1:39PM UTC

    Google someone. Very easy to find out their age.

30. AnonymousNovember 18,2025 at 1:47PM UTC

    Some applications ask for the years you attended university. They can be optional, but damned if you respond or not respond.

    Also, if you work with younger colleagues keep the cultural references in check. I used to work at a nonprofit and I would get these blank looks or eyes rolling when I referred to TV series like Seinfeld or anything that was older than five years. I actually had someone say in a very snippy tone, “That’s not in our demographic.” Most of the time, I would bite my tongue and not say anything. In other words, don’t overshare. It will bite you in the ass as it did with me.

31. AnonymousNovember 18,2025 at 2:11PM UTC

    Resumes should never show graduation date if it older than 10 years. Linkedin Profile should not list graduation dates. You are correct, if you graduated from college in 1995 people will assume you are 51 even if you only show 15 years of work on your resume. So rule of thumb 15 years if history on your resume and no dates next to your colleges/degrees. If you just recently completed you degree especially a Masters or higher in the last 10 years go ahead and add that date, they will think it is great you worked will in school and will see you as relevant.

32. AnonymousNovember 18,2025 at 2:59PM UTC

    As I've read all the other comments I have to agree with some of the posts. Ageism is well known and I personally feel it shouldn't be that way but it is. I've seen it happen with my previously employer where the parent company pushed out about 9 of my former colleagues for their age. Age shouldn't be a factor because if you can do the job than why get rid of someone or looked them over for their age. Now days most companies want people who are much younger but they fail to realize these young adults aren't going to stay with the companies for long since they aren't knowledgeable enough.

33. AnonymousNovember 18,2025 at 4:39PM UTC

    employers are worried about hiring ppl who are going to retire on them but fail to realize if a young hire normally won’t last more the. stays for 3 years. Meanwhile someone in their 50s or 60s will stay for 5-10 years !

34. Dr. Patty GrossNovember 19,2025 at 2:06PM UTC

    People don't care about retiring on them anymore, unless they are less than five years away. They are more concerned about a health issue that could result in a prolonged furlough or FMLA leave. This is statistically more possible the older one is.

35. AnonymousNovember 20,2025 at 8:21AM UTC

    It's mostly because older employees cost more due to medical issues and are less tech saavy. Sad, but true.

36. AnonymousNovember 18,2025 at 3:03PM UTC

    don't mention kids (and kids ages), years married (anniversary dates). You can get within a few years if you know that. It usually comes up in casual conversation - do you have plans this weekend? anything fun for the holidays? (e.g. my daughter is coming home from college, so we are .... there fore kid is 19-20 years and you would be likely at least 20 years older... Or grandkids, etc).

37. AnonymousNovember 18,2025 at 3:37PM UTC

    The comment about the drivers license is a major red flag! Also today anyone can obtain a person’s age online. But companies really need to get onboard with hiring different age groups. Isn’t that what diversity is about??!! We can learn from each other and there’s room for all of us.

38. M RENEE EMERYNovember 19,2025 at 1:20PM UTC

    They don't want diversity anymore...if they ever did.

39. AnonymousNovember 19,2025 at 5:03PM UTC

    It's definitely not about "diversity".

40. AnonymousNovember 19,2025 at 8:10PM UTC

    There is much written on generational differences in the workplace so it does exist

41. AnonymousNovember 18,2025 at 4:13PM UTC

    I have been a Banquet server for 37 years, I have excellent references and I am excellent at my job and love the hospitality industry. I cannot get hired even for an on - call position. I am 70 years young and look 50. Obviously its my age which is so disappointing, with my experience I have so much to offer

42. GirlBossanova934974November 18,2025 at 4:37PM UTC

    As several have said, please remove any graduation dates off your resume etc. As for people running a Google search and digging up your age, you can combat that as well. I have used a service called DeleteMe. There are others like Optery which do the same thing. Both of these services remove your name from 3rd party sites like Whitepages and a host of others which show your name, address, and age. These services work! They cost maybe a $125 per year.

43. AnonymousNovember 18,2025 at 8:10PM UTC

    Google yourself and your age will appear online. It's very easy to find a person's age range.

44. AnonymousNovember 19,2025 at 4:02PM UTC

    I recommend scrubbing your information to whatever extent you can.

45. Chelita HaganNovember 18,2025 at 8:10PM UTC

    All of it. Mostly physical appearance because humans discriminate mostly based on that.

46. M RENEE EMERYNovember 19,2025 at 1:18PM UTC

    Employers use all those things to discriminate. Several years ago, a recruiter advised me not to include anything on my resume that was older than ten years. Anything earlier didn't happen. I think appearance is probably the biggest form of age discrimination, especially for women. We have to be concerned with hair color, wrinkles, and the way we dress.

47. AnonymousNovember 19,2025 at 4:01PM UTC

    Yes. This is why I keep doing my roots, getting Botox, keeping myself on the thin side, and paying attention to how the younger and hipper women dress - all without looking like I am trying too hard. It’s a full time job!

48. AnonymousNovember 19,2025 at 1:22PM UTC

    I had a initial screening interview on video. At first there was a slight technical issue but once the recruiter saw me, she clicked off the camera and called me. She seemed disinterested in what I had to say. She had scheduled only 15 minutes for the Video call. She told me I would hear from her by the end of the week, this was on Monday the call took place. Like I said, she seemed disinterested and it threw me on her questions of why I left my prior job and that I hadn't worked since July 3rd, 2025. The interview ended, and I checked the portal an hour later and she had rejected me on all 3 positions that I had applied for. I was shocked. I emailed her and said I noticed that she did that and asked for feedback, she ignored me. I then tried to call her and it went into voicemail. Then on Thursday-I sent her an email and said this was indicative of age discrimination and I was going to file a complaint. Her manager called me and defended her actions and she said I lacked the customer service skills that they were looking for. Mind, you I'm 61-was fully dressed for the interview, hair make up, nice shirt. And didn't get a chance to discuss my skill level or past work history. I told her boss that I was not looking at the most professional woman either and felt it was a bad way to treat a candidate and they open up a whole can of worms by doing video interviews, cutting the video after 1st glimpse and rejected on 3 positions I was qualified to do. Funny how I've read some of the recuriters are interviewing candidates that are still in bed, holding their phone under the covers, or they are interviewing robots-AI. Maybe I should look into an image AI so they can't tell how old I am. The girl on the camera the recruiter didn't look like she tried to hard , just saying. It was like the kettle calling the pot black. ( insert eyeroll)

49. AnonymousNovember 20,2025 at 8:16AM UTC

    Sorry that you experienced that. Sadly, recruiters are not all professional nor good at their job.

50. AnonymousNovember 19,2025 at 1:31PM UTC

    I know there are a lot of comments here, and a lot of repeats I'm sure. Working at company that is global (HQ outside the US), what I find funny (and not necessarily funny ha ha but funny wtf) is many countries, it is common practice to put all the personal details right up front. I've been on interviews (primarily on Teams) where the candidate starts off with "my name is X, I'm X years old, I have X number of kids, etc." - no lie! It makes me cringe every time! And then I have managers/directors from a certain country *cough* China *cough cough* who try to refuse to consider anyone over the age of 45 (because they are slow, maybe losing mental ability, etc.) (for the record, I'm 52, and when I heard that...I was hot).

51. AnonymousNovember 19,2025 at 2:17PM UTC

    So true! It’s true here as well just covered up. Personally I prefer the straight out honest ignorance than the hidden. The opposite is also true. Where companies want an older “gal” for c suite. Admin roles. They stay, they have manners, dress appropriately and have good old fashioned secretarial skill sets. So there is that!!

52. AnonymousNovember 20,2025 at 8:12AM UTC

    Yup, that's me! (In c-suite for 30+ years). Though I was just laid off...

53. Cathy ZNovember 20,2025 at 5:18PM UTC

    I'm glad I read your reply. I've been on interviews with hiring managers from countries outside the US, and they ask me personal questions about my life, family, etc I am always shocked by this, and it takes me off guard. They don't come out and ask age, but I have experienced ageism and it's terrible. And considering they keep raising the retirement age. This is very concerning about how actually to make a living the older you are.

54. AnonymousNovember 19,2025 at 1:36PM UTC

    I’ve noticed job applications are now asking for DOB to ensure you meet the minimum age requirements for the role so they say. This should be illegal. DOB should be collected after a conditional job offer.

55. BarbaraNovember 19,2025 at 2:13PM UTC

    It is illegal and is PPI. The jobs that ask for PPi are usually scams. Do not give birthdate SSN etc. I won’t give ssn even on an application until I am hired with signed offer letter.

56. Theresa OrtizNovember 19,2025 at 5:46PM UTC

    After 100+ applications, I haven't been asked straight out dob once. The question "Are you age 18 or over?" but nothing more. But heard recently that DMV's in several states now CAN & DO sell your private data (that includes DOB) to anyone!!

57. AnonymousNovember 19,2025 at 1:37PM UTC

    Ageism is real. Especially for women. We have to be prepared financially if no one wants to hire us after 50.

58. AnonymousNovember 19,2025 at 1:43PM UTC

    I worked with a professional coach with a transition service provided by a previous employer as part of a severance package after a layoff. She told me that unfortunately, ageism is definitely a real thing and although my resume and presentation were great, that I should remove the date from my bachelor's degree and start my resume experience from 2005.

    So my short answer to your question would be, remove the dates. They are a dead giveaway.

59. AnonymousNovember 19,2025 at 2:03PM UTC

    Thats actually hard, as the applications these days ask for the dates of completion , as cumpulsory fields in the application form :(

60. Ellen Smith FaganNovember 19,2025 at 2:01PM UTC

    I amI'm not sure but check it because it's not legal to discriminate on the basis of age and you are not required to share any information that would show your age, and if they ask you should say so. But go check it yourself get informed yourself, Your state department of labor should know and they have a great online chat.

61. AnonymousNovember 19,2025 at 2:24PM UTC

    Sadly, anyone can google anyone and get that information. The more troubling issue I have watched is that younger workers seem to only want to work with people their age and when those people reach management, they don't want to work with people their parents age, say. I have watched my stepdaughter disparage older people she works with and she's 35. She thinks she knows everything, good for her but I cannot imagine being my age and collaborating with her professionally or with what feels to me to be a generational attitude.

62. Lisa ApolisNovember 19,2025 at 2:32PM UTC

    I haven't read all of the comments, but one thing I didn't see mentioned, especially for women, is their name. As names go in and out of fashion, it's often fairly easy to guess someone's age range by their name (at least in the US).

63. PebblesNovember 19,2025 at 3:57PM UTC

    This makes me smile. When I was born, my name was not at all common. Fast forward to the 2000s, and it’s in the top 5 for years (probably still top 20 though I have not checked lately).

64. UjuNovember 19,2025 at 2:50PM UTC

    This can also depend on your email address. Stop using @bellsouth.com, and all the other old companies. Change your email addresses @ (the most recent companies).

    You have to be near retirement to be using those old @bellsouth etc....

65. Theresa OrtizNovember 19,2025 at 5:40PM UTC

    Good advice. I never thought about that one!

66. Lori SaddlerNovember 20,2025 at 6:54PM UTC

    What are the ones you suggest?

67. UjuNovember 19,2025 at 2:55PM UTC

    Also, you can find info (that used to be private) on applicants on google, including their age, address and telephone number/s for FREE

68. AnonymousNovember 19,2025 at 3:32PM UTC

    So, I turned 50 this year. My face reads mid-30s (so I've heard), but like many during the pandemic, I let my white come through. Then I did a bunch of fun colours but after losing so many roles, I figured I should go "normal". Probably a bit of a coincidence that I got an offer right after that. No one wants a white-haired lady (or blue / pink / purple...).

    I've done what many others have said: removed the dates from my degree, and my CV experience only dates back 10 years (did the same on LinkedIn). At my new company, I'm part of the team planning the retreat so I see passport info - from what I can tell I'm the oldest at the company!

69. AnonymousNovember 20,2025 at 8:03AM UTC

    Interesting, as my boss told me that one of the reasons she didn’t retain her temp before me is because she had unprofessional colored hair (green). I dye my hair and have been told I look more than 10 years younger than I am. I am young in spirit, lots of energy, and remain current in fashion to avoid looking like an older lady. I have eliminated older portions of my resume as well.

70. AnonymousNovember 19,2025 at 4:21PM UTC

    I've had cases where the recruiter raved on the phone screen about my resume, experience, accomplishments, etc. and scheduled an in-person interview. She took one look at my curved back and cane (I'm disabled) and suddenly the job was "filled that morning." Happened more than once, too.

    One of the biggest give-aways is when an employer's ATS requires year of graduation. Anyone can subtract 22 and get your likely birth year. If it's a required field, I enter something like 1721. Keep 'em guessing.

71. Joan SekNovember 19,2025 at 5:32PM UTC

    I certainly do look 50!! It's how you live your life, a healthy lifestyle and positive attitude!

72. AnonymousNovember 20,2025 at 8:19AM UTC

    Same, girl, same!

73. AnonymousNovember 19,2025 at 6:19PM UTC

    I hate this ageism. Sometimes I hope that my manager who is 15 years younger than me has an opportunity to experience this, because she treats me so badly.

74. M RENEE EMERYNovember 19,2025 at 9:11PM UTC

    Sorry to hear you are being mistreated. Keep your chin up and look for other opportunities. And remember that doesn't just mean finding another job. Be open to consulting, contracting, and solopreneur opportunities.

75. AnonymousNovember 19,2025 at 10:46PM UTC

    I’m so sorry.

    Going through something similar with my manager who is abut 20 years younger than me. Trying not to feel humiliated a I type this. The condescension is palpable. For the first time at this job, I am beginning to get scared.

76. AnonymousNovember 19,2025 at 7:52PM UTC

    Sooner or later, when you join the company they will be able to find out how old you are, one way or another.

    It is sad that experience is no longer valued.

77. JoleneNovember 20,2025 at 2:18AM UTC

    This comment is extremely rude. Regardless of how you feel about it, this is not a forum for judgment. We are here to help & build each other up. In the future, please keep these kind of comments to yourself.

78. MicheleNovember 20,2025 at 1:27PM UTC

    Year of education on resume. The format or technology programs you have can be a sign of your age.

79. PatriciaNovember 20,2025 at 1:34PM UTC

    The first time I experienced this was over 10 years ago. The recruiter loved my resume and said I was exactly what the hiring manager was looking for, and asked me to go into the office to fill in their forms. As soon as she saw me (apparently, I sound young on the phone) she told me that I should forget the role because "no one was over 30 in the office" - I was in my 40s at the time. It only gets worse as you age, aka "overqualified".

80. Lu MezaNovember 20,2025 at 4:05PM UTC

    Ugh, I am sorry that happened to you. I hope it was a blessing in disguise.

    I was once told that I dressed "too uptight," aka the office was very trendy and young (lol I was wearing a suit and meeting with the cool ED)... a year later they called me to invite to come in apply for his job. He got removed by the board and the org was in turmoil. LOL!! Karma got him and a reminder that life comes at you fast!!! Keep your chin up!

81. Lu MezaNovember 20,2025 at 3:57PM UTC

    Well, I don't look for it, but tenure of experience on your resume is a clue. Years you went school & listing every single job you had on your resume.

    My advice:
    Keep resume current/strategic- no more than 2 pages. If you're like me and have a 3-page resume, only list jobs descriptions that show responsibilities related to the role you want. I list up to the last 20 years as a cut-off. One my earliest jobs is directly related to what I do now (it hs a network) so I keep the name/role but the description.
    Many jobs don't care when you graduated from college/uni. Some will ask when they make the final salary offer, but I would leave those dates off.

    I enjoy working with experienced employees and encourage mid-career to later-career professionals to move up - there is room for advancement here! I suggest you look for senior roles and stay up-to-date with training and remote work trends. I stopped getting the "overqualified" response when I applied for more senior roles. FYI, I am in my early 50s.

82. Janet ParkhurstNovember 20,2025 at 9:35PM UTC

    Dear Lu Meza,

    Does anyone actually DO that these days? Meaning, include years they went to school and list every single job they've held? To me, NOT doing these things should be a given these days. I also think 20 years is going back too far. I think the cutoff should be 10 - 15 years (just my opinion). Finally, this sentence doesn't make sense to me... "One my earliest jobs is directly related to what I do now (it hs a network) so I keep the name/role but the description." ???

    The rest of your advice is great, though. I really like the idea of applying for senior-level roles. After all, we've got the experience and the political professionalism required for these jobs. A great salary doesn't hurt, either.

83. AnonymousNovember 20,2025 at 6:01PM UTC

    Yes, ageism is real! But there are ways to combat it. Please stay up to date on technology - the biggest reason companies don't want to hire older workers is because they think their skills are out of date. Take an online class (many are free) in whatever skills are requested by the job you are applying for. And be enthusiastic and energetic in your mannerisms, attitude, and speaking. I am 63. I have gotten 3 new jobs in the past 8 years and believe these things helped me: no dates for college graduation or jobs; my hair is the natural color it has been my whole life (yes, that requires upkeep and $$, but it seems to be worth it); I am not the most fashionable person, but I don't dress OLD; I have stayed current on technology and list that on my resume; and I am enthusiastic and always willing to learn something new. I worked with someone who was in her late 60s and she constantly complained about how her manager wanted her to upload documents to the cloud, etc. - she kept hard copy files of everything instead because that is how she had always done it and it was 'too difficult' to learn to do that on the computer. She doesn't work here any longer and part of that reason was because she refused to learn new technology. Her replacement is in her 40s and willing to learn new things. Don't ever stop being willing to learn!

84. AnonymousNovember 21,2025 at 2:56AM UTC

    If you submit a cover letter with a resume, then the hiring manager can sometimes determine if you are over 50 or 60 just by how many spaces you put between sentences. For older individuals, they were taught to put two spaces in between sentences. That is because the font available in the early years of typing was Courier and all characters in the Courier font take up the exact same amount of space. They are known as fixed-width fonts. But the with the advent of variable-width fonts, only one space is needed between sentences. So a hiring manager can tell if you are older by how many spaces you have between sentences. If you have two spaces, then you were taught that a long time ago.

85. ksiNC139November 21,2025 at 1:52PM UTC

    Idk about that, because anytime I've seen the double space thing, it's been done by people around my age, and I'm mid-30s. It actually drives me crazy because I'm wondering why they do that.

86. AnonymousNovember 22,2025 at 8:03AM UTC

    But also it takes one to know one, so I guess the old are discriminating the old.

87. Aaliyah Serianna OlsonNovember 22,2025 at 2:32PM UTC

    I have often wondered about ageism now, as I am in my early 50s. It's difficult to know what they are screening for. It SHOULD be about your skills and work ethic but apparently it seems a bit more shallow than that.

88. AnonymousNovember 24,2025 at 1:33PM UTC

    When applying for state jobs where I live, they want exact dates of employment and educational experience on the resume. They can see the range.

89. AnonymousNovember 25,2025 at 1:44PM UTC

    Ageism is real. At my last role, a company I worked at for over 5 years, my position as a recruiter was eliminated due to restructuring. At the age of 64, I was back on the job market. I cleaned up my resume, removed anything over 15 years on work experience. Removed all education dates. No bites. After my UE ran out, filed for Ss. I’m in good shape, but as it is a reality.

90. Ariovaldo SantosDecember 9,2025 at 11:32PM UTC

    I liked your attitude. In many cases, you need to provide the dates of all your education and job positions.

    In Brazil, the situation is critical. Once you reach your forties, opportunities begin to shrink. It doesn’t matter if you’ve had an excellent career trajectory or held prestigious positions—the market is cruel!

91. AnonymousFebruary 17,2026 at 5:55PM UTC

    dates on education. years of experience (and even if you leave off old ones, no one starts as "senior".), Bosses likely have access to your DOB in the HR system.