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Anyone else in their 50's experiencing this?

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Anonymous

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Anyone else in their 50's experiencing this?

I just had yet another response from a company for a job I'm a perfect fit for that said they really want someone "earlier" in their career. Yes, I have a lot of experience. When did this become a bad thing? I have nothing on my resume that "ages" me except some of the titles I've held and even with that, I don't SVP or VP or Director means I'm too old. I'm flexible on salary and show continuous learning in my field. I feel like they're not even trying to hide their discrimination at this point. Anyone else going through this???

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  1. Anonymous

    Boy I'd be floating that past an employment attorney in your area. Seems like not so very thinly veiled, we want someone younger.

  2. Anonymous

    Serious question: what’s an employment attorney going to do? Few of us have so much money floating around that we can easily write a retainer check for a lawyer to investigate and send a sternly worded letter to an employer because we’re unhappy with hiring outcomes.

    While the OP is obviously upset about no job offer, saying this is 100% due to age discrimination is speculation. I want to validate her suspicions but let’s get real about how this will turn out.

    Every job I’ve ever applied to, I felt like I was totally qualified and a strong candidate. I can also tell you that I have prob 100 unanswered applications. This is the challenging part of job searches.

  3. Anonymous

    I have not gone through this, but I was actually just thinking about the same scenario this morning. I just turned 47 and am in a dead-end job. I was thinking I really need to get out before I am considered too old for a new role. I'm sorry I don't have advice- just know I feel for you and I hope that it gets better.

  4. Janet Parkhurst

    Dear Anonymous,

    Yes! This truly upsets me because there are supposedly laws that protect us from age discrimination. Especially when a company uses language such as "early career." But because it was verbal, and not in writing, you wouldn't have a leg to stand on. As someone who used to write "help-wanted" ads for a recruitment firm, I was able to skillfully avoid wording such as "young, dynamic company seeks..." Messaging like "energetic," "self starters," or even "eager to learn" all depict YOUTH. Unfortunately, it is so hard to prove that this is discriminatory and companies get away with it each and every day. Only in America is the "older population" shunned and, many times, paid less!

  5. Anonymous

    OP here-Actually-I have it in writing via email 4 times now!

  6. John McGee

    This is a form of "Ageism". Employers are aware that the older we get we are more responsible and "aware" of our mortality. We will visit the doctor more often, have more physical ailments, and we are more likely to miss days due to injury/illness or sugeries. Also, we are less moldable. Meaning, with a younger employee, they can mold them into doing pretty much whatever they want, however they want, and for a lot less money. Whereas with us seasoned folks, we are very experienced (meaning we know truly how certain functions work) so we are not likely change much. Just modify what we know or do. In addition, we are much closer to retirement age than our younger counterparts so they know we are less likely to give them the next 20 years of our lives (so they can get the most bang for their buck). It's a harsh reality check for those of us mature job seekers still having to navigate the job searching world. So, when they tell you they're looking for someone "earlier" in their career, they mean someone who they can pay less, who will go to the doctor less, and will be potentially here for the next two decades.

  7. Patricia Bovell

    The 33 year old on my former team who was being ‘groomed’ for promotion over those of us who knew so much more, died of an unknown medical condition unexpectedly. Young doesn’t equate to longevity.

  8. Anonymous

    I don't know what field you work in, but I'm 57 and mistaken often for 35. I run 5 miles a day and haven't had a sick day in years. I have to keep learning to keep up with what's happening in my field so change is a constant. I don't take any medications. If I could have retired already, I would have. I'm nowhere near looking at that. Your POV needs some refinement.

  9. Susan-Laura Salandy-Moolchan

    I lean towards the idea that he was describing the mindset of the recruiters, not his own, since he includes himself as a more "seasoned" employee.

    Maybe this was a result of his own experience? Anyway, I do agree that such a POV needs refinement.

  10. Susan-Laura Salandy-Moolchan

    I see your point, John. That mindset does exist out there, but unfortunately this is an example of particularly lazy HR. It shows a lack of foresight and planning that will result in an equally lazy, demotivated, frustrated and innovation-shy workforce. What a way to run a company into the ground.

    They won't get the bang they're hoping for by paying 10 novices to do what one experienced worker can, nor invest 10 years for them to learn to avoid the pitfalls that that experienced worker would have recognised from day one. A healthy mix across the age and experience spectrum is needed with all parties willing to learn from each other.

  11. Susan-Laura Salandy-Moolchan

    I also get the reaction of everyone else here to those highly inaccurate but still triggering recruiting prejudices you introduced.

    I would think people who are old enough to be impacted by ageism at both ends have shown their willingness to continuously learn and grow just by turning up to be interviewed.

    The problem is recruiters seem to think they themselves are age-proof. Reality check - no one is.

  12. Anonymous

    This really angers me. I am in my sixties and "early" in my [4th] career. I graduated, in 2023 and almost feel like I'm being deceptive putting "recent graduate" on my resume, even though it is a doctorate. With my experience and what I show on my resume, which only goes back to 2011, it appears that I am likely in my 40s. When I show up to an interview, I am sure they were expecting someone much younger, but at least I got my foot through the door.

  13. Jennifer Heinrich, DES

    In the US, age discrimination in the hiring process is illegal. If you believe you've experienced age discrimination during an interview, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). You can call the EEOC at 1-800-669-4000 to discuss your situation. The EEOC can also be contacted through their Public Portal.

    State and local agencies

    Many states and localities have Fair Employment Practices Agencies (FEPAs) that enforce anti-discrimination laws. If the discrimination violates both state and federal law, the FEPA can forward the complaint to the EEOC.

    Company HR

    You can also report the incidents to the company's HR department, following their policies.

    You may file a charge of employment discrimination at the EEOC office closest to where you live or at any one of the EEOC's 53 field offices. Your charge, however, may be investigated at the EEOC office nearest to where the discrimination occurred.

  14. surfnwrite

    A friend of mine was interviewing for a new job in her fifties, and at the interview, the manager said "you should know that this type of work is exhausting." She replied that she'd just run her ninth marathon the previous week. She still didn't get any further in the process.

  15. Anonymous

    Well, since you had no possibility of getting that job, I would make sure they understood that they were practicing age discrimination, and that I would do my best to make sure everyone else knew that their company was discriminatory.

  16. Danielle Castillo

    These employers aren't hiring young new graduates, either. A lot of recent graduates, like myself, cant find any work. I've been turned down by every job so far, and I've applied to hundreds this year alone. Two days ago, I was turned down from yet another job and the HR person told me in the email that I didn't meet at least one of the requirements. This wasn't true of course, I had the required degree and general knowledge about finance and investments. I had to contact them and get a little spicy because I've had enough of this foolishness. These employers are doing this on purpose. I would encourage you to do something different, such as contract or freelance work or starting your own business.

  17. Anonymous

    I totally agree i work in recruiting I see both issues, a manager may not want a fresh grad or someone with over a decade of experience they seem geared toward more mid career, like 3-4 years of experience, but paying entry level salaries! Which leaves a whole a lot of folks out. I agree with doing something different just to get work, it’s an employers market now and many employers are taking advantage.

  18. GirlBossanova934974

    Based exclusively on what response you received, I would not rush to claim age discrimination. To me, "earlier in their career" means the company wants to hire someone ON THE CHEAP. They're hoping to get someone with 3-5 years of experience whom they don't have to train from the ground up aka straight out of college BUT at the same time, they can pay a low wage. I understand this as I worked for an outfit for 2 years recently who did JUST THIS. I was surrounded by 1 trick ponies who barely understood their own jobs. And last? These same younger employees were HIGHLY UNLIKELY to ever challenge middle management aka a bunch of cronies who did business in NOT so ethical ways and certainly NEVER above board. Older employees like myself were run out as we figured out the scams et al.

  19. Anonymous

    I totally agree. This sounds more like a budgeting issue rather than age discrimination. It would be great if hiring managers didn’t have salary limitations or could pay everyone what they’re worth but things don’t work like this.

  20. GirlBossanova934974

    I agree. All this subterfuge could all be avoided if the employer would state a tight salary range on the job spec.. If the salary range is TOO LOW, don't bother applying! But these companies usually want it both ways. They don't want to discourage anyone aka prevent a great candidate from applying IF they think they get them ON THE CHEAP! IF you as a manager have a salary range you can pay, that's it. Tell the world and be done with it. AND IF NO CANDIDATES appear? Well, either raise the pay, start making calls, or pull the job spec.

  21. Janet Parkhurst

    No, it's BOTH. EVERYONE knows young people cost less to hire. And that's what America is all about. Bottom line stuff. But what many companies are forgetting -- and that's why we're seeing so many business closures--is YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

  22. Dawn

    It's still ageism. That is how they skirt around it.

  23. Anonymous

    I have been there, too, and I am sorry you are going through this. I had six interviews with one company, and the final one was in person. I look young for my age, but I am still not clearly as young as they thought by their expressions. After interviewing for three hours, I received a letter saying they thought I had the perfect experience and education for the job but wanted someone more "moldable."

    I called them out on LinkedIn, but I don't think most people care until they become older workers.

  24. Anonymous

    Moldable translation: We don't know what we're doing so we need someone who will put up with our crap for very little money.

  25. Kllittle123

    I am an older worker still trying to move forward in my career. Recently rec'd a great review (98 out of 100), am told that I am well respected by the exec group and my boss, the HR Director, has told me she can't do without me. However, when I inquired about a recent opening, I was told by my boss that the hiring manger only hires young girls! Ouch, that one hurt! Still trying to work through it.

  26. Linda Blackmore

    That's illegal.

  27. Janet Parkhurst

    Don't "work through it." Report them!

  28. Anonymous

    I have seen more of this (both on the hiring team and as the interviewee). Sadly, there is a large portion of industry that have no idea about regulations and/or think they can do whatever they want to find the candidate they want. Many hiring managers don't know the rules, say whatever they want, and don't listen to HR. That said, many folks in HR jobs do not get (or are not allowed to get) training to further their knowledge. It's a bad mix.

    What you've experienced is illegal. The EEOC has a claim portal (with guidelines, deadlines, etc.). You could seek advice and see if there is proof for a claim.

    Advice a career coach once gave me, was to know my skillset, my salary/benefits range (bottom line and top value), and where I could pivot. If the job hunt gets tough, pivot where you can. Seek those who value you (either at an employer or start advising). I've changed my career many times in life. Best of luck.

  29. Anonymous

    Try to not put more than 10 years experience on your resume. If you have a lot of relevant experience - make an experience/skill resume instead of a chronological resume.

    It is all about succession planning and money nowadays. The need to keep younger talent in the pipeline is greater than ever. I want something different in my own company but those of us in the mid to late 50's/early 60's are lucky if we are still here. It has been a joke in our area with financial advisors to make sure their clients can be ready to retire at 55 if they work for this company.

  30. Tina Cooper

    Yes. I am having the same experiences.

  31. Anonymous

    50's is hardly late in one's career anymore as people are making late career shifts and living longer and therefore realizing they need to work longer in order to not outlive their retirement savings.

  32. Anonymous

    I've not yet heard that expression: "Earlier in career"-- that's clearly a way of saying "We don't want you because of your age/experience"....Hmmmm. No real advice. I'm 63 and busier than ever. Keep head up.

  33. Anonymous

    What’s your field?

  34. Anonymous

    It's overt and it's the part of DEI that no one speaks about. Send a note to the CEO of that company and respond with your opinion on why they passed on a great candidate with some inappropriate language. While it may not net you an interview it will surely let them know what they are doing is illegal. Be sure to let them know you are continuing to have interest in their company because they might need more experienced help to show them the way.

  35. Anonymous

    I had a friend who had a phone interview with a mortgage company. The interviewer was heavy with questioning regarding “remember when blankety blank was a thing?” Or questions regarding technology and asked how much experience she had using the “awesome and brand new such and such” in the mortgage business. He flat out asked what decade she graduated high school.

  36. Anonymous

    What an ass ?!

  37. Janet Parkhurst

    An illegal ass.

  38. Susan Grant-Suttie

    Sounds like agism to me. Is that allowed where you are? Can you prove they said that? I am not saying to sue them, but I am saying let it be known this company is agist. Anything like this is worth reporting , do you have a BBB (Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce) there? Let it be known.

  39. Q

    It could be ageism. It could also be companies trying to get the knowledge and experience on the cheap. Later in career usually also means higher pay rate. You may be flexible on what you'll accept, but they may be planning to lowball and want someone who can do the job as a "growth opportunity" for much less than the role should be paid.

  40. Janice Mason

    Companies trying to get knowledge and experience on the cheap and hiring someone who can do the job as a growth experience . . . Call it what you will BUT it is still ageism!

  41. suzanne strickland

    Yep. Follow the money.

  42. Dawn

    That is ageism.

  43. Q

    I get it. I’m 47 myself, but when they are trying for lowball pay it’s more than ageism alone. They are just showing greed and looking to take advantage of someone who is younger and more naive. The younger person is also getting a short stick in this scenario.

  44. Anonymous

    I'm definitely sick of the "Recent college graduates are encouraged to apply" or that "This is a wonderful opportunity for a recent college graduate". So because I'm not 22 years old anymore I'm SOL. This exclusionary language and mindset needs to disappear!

  45. Anonymous

    Completely agree. It's always about finding your "tribe" at every point throughout your career.

  46. Anonymous

    No, that’s pretty much reality. Companies are delusional because they think they are going to get the perfect employee that they can mold and groom and then stay with them until the end of their career so they never have to rehired. They want a loyal 25 year employee to cut costs. That is why they try to make career gaps or job changes a negative. Their ideal is to brainwash us into getting one job when we’re 16 and never leaving, so they don’t have to be normal or fun or do recruiting. All of that costs money. And that’s why they want to penalize people for job- hopping for promotions. HR can’t see the value in getting six good years out of someone really experienced.

  47. Anonymous

    It's definitely ridiculous. And don't you just love the "You have too much experience for this job" but they're asking the 25 year old for the same amount of experience, i.e. 10 years, which let's assume they don't have, but "They can be trained." Why are the "rules" for me at 40 or 50 something but not for younger workers??

  48. Michele Horaney

    Even the youngsters who do get the jobs these days are smart enough to know that loyalty only goes one way. So they are plotting their next move, looking for their next job even as they're setting up their workspace/cubicle. They won't be where they've landed for long. There's nothing in it for them to stay. Training? Great. A small raise next year? They'll take it. But for the long term? They'd say 'you gotta be kidding. we've seen how they treat people. we're outta here as soon as we get some mileage on our tires and can add another achievement/certificate bullet point to the resume.'

  49. Anonymous

    Ageism is soooo real and facing it badly at 45 Already!

  50. Janet Parkhurst

    It started happening to me when I was 44. Even in general conversation, among co-workers. When I mentioned a friend of mine was expecting her first baby, a younger woman piped up, "Someone YOUR age is pregnant?"

  51. Janet Parkhurst

    Newsflash... if I were in my 30s I STILL wouldn't put dates. It's simply no one's business.

  52. Crystal Howell

    With that statement the company should be made aware and seek legal advice at EEO office. Discrimination is not acceptable,call the owner and ask if it's true,drop by the office. You are the best candidate.

  53. Anonymous

    Sorry thats age discrimination…,

  54. Anonymous

    blatant, deliberate, discrimination!

    The old adage “you have too much experience” is suppose to mean you’ll be bored with the job, you won’t be challenged and the salary you accept will not be in line with what the company wants to pay for the position. That’s my direct HR training BS, how ever if someone wants to work for that salary and has the qualifications, why should anyone care?

    There are no perfect fits for a job, you can get your college pedigrees and they’ll be gone in six months to a year. Until companies recognize their biased and unconscious bias hiring practices, the over 50 job seekers are in for a hard time if they want work. I don’t say that easily either because I fit that bill too.

    The only recommendation I have is to go to the AARP website and look at the sponsored professional open jobs and also the part-time jobs that employers welcome people over 50. There are companies out there that recognize the maturity and the characteristics and the experience that mature workers bring to a job , even if it’s in a mix of other generations it’s a very positive thing. good luck with your job search I know it’s not easy, but if you want to work, you have to keep trying, but a door will open.

  55. Anonymous

    Talk about blatant age discrimination. Someone should educate the recruiter who wrote that “thanks but no thanks” rejection.

  56. Anonymous

    Did you have a conversation? Or was it just by your CV? When it was only your CV, delete your DOB.

    I am Dutch. In the Netherlands, you are considered too old for a new job when you are above 30.

    Thus, 25 years ago I deleted my date of birth from my CV. After doing this, I got interview invitations again.

    When a recruiter asks my age, I won't answer. At least not during the first conversation.

  57. Anonymous

    Lots of comments so I'm probably being redundant. People can figure out your age even if dates are not on your resume and 'Ageism' is very real. I've had three jobs in my 50's. It's probably not a coincidence that all three hiring managers were older than me. Keep plugging away. Just know there will be fewer opportunites so you need to get more balls in the air.

  58. Anonymous

    My husband is facing something similar at 57. Over 20 years of experience in his field and no one will hire him. In his situation, it’s the age combined with lack of college education (diploma, he went for a couple years and got credits).

    To me, it sounds to me like they are. I’d ask them why they wouldn’t want someone more experience, ask if you having the experience issue, then wink and tell them you certainly hope it’s not something like ageism. And if they don’t respond how you like take them down. Lawsuit, social media, whatever. Don’t let this happen to someone else.

  59. Anonymous

    Per the EEOE age over 40 is protected but sounds like they want to pay entry-level salary. Honestly you may have dodged a bullet by not working for a company like that. I personally have been hearing the "experience" excuse since my early 30's. But thankfully in tech it's usually not enough experience that's a disqualifier and I see a lot of over 60 folks still getting jobs. Good luck to you!

  60. Anonymous

    Im experiencing the same. It’s good to know it’s really not us, but a form of exclusion and discrimination. But a lot of help that does!

  61. Michelle

    I'm 60 and I've never been told that. I've just been told that they've filled the position with someone else that better fits their needs.

    Agism is a real thing and they'll disguise it anyway they can.

  62. Dawn

    I am and I believe they are escaping age discrimination and paying more by stating they want someone with less experience. With so many Millennials and GenZ's, it is an employer's world. I can cross between sales ops and tech, and am getting nowhere. The average stay at a job is 3-5 years, the pay scale will not change or move much for them during that period, and as those two groups age, it brings the higher payscale down over the long term.

  63. Anonymous

    However supposedly it starts at 35 so that axes half of millennials.

  64. Michele Horaney

    It IS an employer's world and Millennials and GenZ'ers know that, too. That's why they stay only 3 to 5 years. They're looking for their next job as they unpack their stuff at their workspace/cubicle.

  65. Anonymous

    It just means they are looking for someone they can teach to do things their way and who will be happy with whatever salary they will offer.

  66. Anonymous

    this ^^^. yep, they want a robot with no opinion

  67. Melissa Hachey

    I’ve noticed more of a hard time fitting in now that I’m older. I try to be outgoing and that doesn’t help and when I keep to myself that doesn’t work either.

  68. Angela R Edwards

    yes! i guess i don't want to work for a company that thinks this way, but i want a full time job. any suggestions? yes, my resume does not have anything that ages me but i've been in the work force for many years. what do i do with that?

  69. Anonymous

    I’m going through this, too. It’s demoralizing and frustrating.

    @Fairygodboss - Where are the employers who support women?!?!

  70. Anonymous

    All the time

    Total discrimination

  71. Anonymous

    All the time, I had a recruiter ask me the name of the HS and college I graduated from along with the year I graduated. I never heard from them again. That was his way of finding out my age without asking

  72. Anonymous

    Same! If the excuse is not you are overqualified, it’s we are looking for someone who still has a lot to learn. Very frustrating.

  73. PJ Deusenberry

    Wow. That sounds like age discrimination to me.

  74. Susan-Laura Salandy-Moolchan

    Now you are bringing gender into the discussion? Unnecessary.

  75. Milissa Jacobs

    That is ageism. You have been discriminated against.

  76. Anonymous

    I work in workforce development. I see the ageism daily. Honestly, it starts at about 35, which is ridiculous considering most of us will be working into our 70s.

  77. Anonymous

    If it started at 35 nobody would hire half of millennials who are in demand so I disagree. But it is apparent 45 plus. I got a new job at 35 and had plenty of interviews (this was a couple of years ago when I was looking).

  78. Anonymous

    I can relate. I turn 56 in a couple of weeks and I can't get anyone to hire me. Even an entry level receptionist! I could do that job in my sleep. I went from a job making 155K to not being able to get an hourly job.

    I don't even know what else to do.

  79. Anonymous

    I know this won't get you a job, but I'm so sorry you're facing this situation.

  80. Margaret Croom

    Same. This October will be 2 years looking for a job. Thankfully my husband has a good one in a field that values loads of experience. A person in my field with 10 years of experience is hired over me b/c they could be 35 instead of 55. It's really affected me mentally not to have my own money. It's the first time in my life. We have 2 men running for president that are really old. I am not old. I have lots of friends in their 50's who have retired. What the heck are they going to do for the next 25 years?

  81. Anonymous

    I'm in the same boat. I'll be 57 in August and I'm now looking for anything, including entry-level jobs because no one will hire me even though I'm well-qualified for the jobs I apply for. I've had to dip into my 401K to continue to be able to support myself. I'm trying to remain positive but it gets harder every day.

  82. Sarah

    What do you mean by "how you speak about yourself and your work?"

  83. Natasha

    I'm SURPRISED they actually admitted it! Most companies will never say that because they don't want to be sued for age discrimination. But to answer your question, it happens all the time behind closed doors...they normally don't tell applicants the reason. But when you have EVERYTHING they are looking for and still don't get it...it's usually because of age especially if the environment is "youngish". Tech industry is the most prevalant where this happens. I've been on calls with Managers and Directors who look like they are no more than 3 years post college! How did they get to that level so fast? Because titles are more impressive than experience. I was told to not put more than 10 years experience on your resume...kind of hard when you must put start and end dates and you have been at one company more than 10 years! If you job hop around it is easier to do that but that used to be looked down upon, now I don't think it matters. I was told staying at one company for decades is now a negative even if you grew. So, I'm up for 2 positions. They have no idea how old I am. The girl who interviewed me could be my daughter!! So, I hope I came across as a culture fit! If they can't see anything in common they are not going to vote for you. Experience really doesn't matter all that much. None of those questions were technical! It was all soft skills. She was interested in learning AI and I have built some GPTs so hopefully that will be the thing to put me over the edge and get the hire vote! There are over 100 applicants! If I lose out it will most likely be to someone closer to that person's age! But I still have some hope. If I don't get it, then I will concentrate on doing my own thing because I've been looking for a year now! Turned down over and over again for jobs I can do in my sleep! The last reject was because the lady thought I would be BORED! She literally told me that! She was my age! Since when does a company care about your level of entertainment at a job? But that was the best excuse she gave because there was not a question whether I could do that role. I had done it for decades! And at m uch larger companies! But she refused to give it to me! So, there was something else going on with her. Could be she was a bit intimidated because I had more varied experience than she had. I truly think it was some personal bias rather than my ability to do the job which she made clear she had no doubt about my technical skills! Another job I interviewed for 3 times was at Tiktok! They had no reason as to why I wasn't getting an offer! They never came back to even reject me...after 3 interviews! Because I know for a fact it was either an age or a race reason! I really feel that in my heart! This is the world we are living in even in the 21st century!

  84. Anonymous

    I was told the exact same thing at one interview I had! The interviewer told me they were afraid I would be bored even though I mentioned in the interview that the opportunity would allow me to learn something about a new industry. He then decided to change his wording and say that I was overqualified! Like you, the job was at a much smaller company than the one I was previously employed with, and I wondered, why they were concerned about my level of entertainment. The rejection hurt and I'm afraid this type of rejection will continue because I've seen that most of the interviewers I've met with are younger than I am.

  85. Anonymous

    I'm 58. More than one colleague has asked me if I plan to retire soon. In fact, no I have NO plans to "retire", but I do have plans to find a better job. Been with the same place for 20 years and the new/young employees in their 20's get paid the same as me...(they raised the bottom to attract the young people, but my salary only went up incrementally each year. This is what happens if you stay at the same employer for too long). Also, sad that I feel I must post anonymously, as i know some of my colleagues read this blog.....And....recently applied for an internal role and I was told /heard that the department would prefer someone young/trainable (even though my experience is a perfect match)

  86. Natasha

    Yep! I had an interview earlier this week with a girl in her late 20's! I was interviewing for a Manager position! So, the entire interview was me reassuring her I would be a great manager to work for using how my past direct reports have grown in their career under my leadership! No technical questions were asked during the interview. So, it ended up going the path of me asking her what she was looking for in a Manager/Leader and me proving with examples how I can help her meet her career goals. And to my benefit I provided a link to an article that was written about me and one of my mentees in a global magazine! Never had I had to pull out that during a job interview but I felt I need to show how we had something in common for her to vote for me for the position. So, the interview was more of how I can help her achieve her goals than the job itself! On paper, it is obvious I can do the role but technical experience wasn't going to make her vote for me. I had 45 mins to convince her I could be her Best Boss Friend and we could work well together especially because we will have to travel together.

  87. Melissa Hachey

    I hope you got the job!!

  88. Margaret Croom

    I did!

  89. Margaret Croom

    Geez. Once, I came back for a 2nd interview and it was everyone in the conference room who would be working under me. They all could ask me questions. A 1 year out of college girl read questions from a print out that were all about technical licenses that had nothing to do with my job. I ask her if she had actually read the job description for the position I was being hired for and she said she had but felt it was not adequate (as if it was her opinion that mattered). I actually laughed and thankfully, so did the other employees. I told her that if all those things were important to her, I'd delegate it to her and she could get the 'licenses'.

  90. Anonymous

    Did you get the job? Gotta love those uppity little girls who know EVERYTHING at 21....

  91. Margaret Croom

    I did! She left a year later. Told me she had learned everything she possibly could learn at the company.

  92. Tracy Wolf

    Yes, of course. Our culture seems to value youth over experience. I find this to be a troubling feature of our society.

    Folks seem to believe if you are over 50 you are next to dead. I personally am making this a forefront issue. This notion is incorrect and destructive.

    In my field, I am the only one in my company with specific talents, and find that I can solve problems others have difficulties with. I go to the younger workers for my computer questions and they come to me to answer complicated chemistry questions. The point is that we can learn from each other and grow at any age.

    This is a form of discrimination and it needs to be dealt with up front. Social attitudes need to change but the only way to make it happen is to speak up.

    I am a 62 y.o. female scientist. I for one am tired of the sexism and ageism I have encountered over the years.

    And I am not invisible. A young man ran into me with a cart in the grocery store the other day and didn't even apologize. I responded with a loud "Do I look invisible or dead?" He was taken aback but still never apologized. That is exactly the attitude I am talking about. Do not treat older women like they are invisible or dead. The time has come for change. It starts here, today. Thank you.

  93. Anonymous

    Agreed!!! Millennial and Gen X all day. Hey their generation is bringing their parents on job interviews lol!

  94. Anonymous

    So if you put the date then what? Lol your post makes no sense.

  95. Alecia Coffin

    Ageism is real. I just turned 50 this year and lost my job- just secured a new one. My husband was with his company for 27 years and after a relocation has been looking for a job for 8 months. Recruiters ask hi. Why he stayed with the company so long- as well as now - why have you been out of work so long. It’s very hard to see him go through this. Good luck abd hope you land something very soon!!

  96. Anonymous

    That is frustrating. Not only do older workers lose jobs, we're often "blamed" for not getting another ASAP, or asked questions about work history and education to figure out our age. Ridiculous!

  97. Terri Radomski

    Ageism can also be on the other spectrum. I went for an interview with this very small Husband/Wife business dealing with retirement planning. They both were in their 60s. I thought the interview went well. I was in there for an hour. When I first walked in, she told me she was so glad I wasn't a millennial, she was tired of interviewing millennials (I'm 56) with small children that may require sometimes leaving early. I was more than qualified for the position and at my age I don't mind making coffee. She said she would let me know by the end of the week. Two weeks have passed. So, its older employers too that just have no decency or respect to let an applicate know their decision.

  98. Anonymous

    Did you bother to follow up with her?

    Sometimes people are rude and they will ghost you or sometimes they're having a hard time making up their mind.

    I would have followed up with them and asked what the status of the position was, but that's just me.

  99. Anonymous

    OP here-No-because she made their criteria clear and I don't want to work for such an idiotic employer.

  100. Anonymous

    Thank you for this honesty. It's way too easy to only consider it from an age group that is usually excluded and/or discriminated against, stereotyped, etc.

  101. Anonymous

    I should have! The job the was recruiting for was Facebook!

  102. Margaret Croom

    I also saw several times on Linkedin "Entry Level position, minimum 3 years of experience." That is NOT entry level. What they are really saying is "the pay is entry level".

  103. Yvette Shields Wilson

    Add to this the fact that you are visibly "physically challenged" (aka disabled) and you are skating on thin ice. I have been dealing with employment instability since COVID. And now, employers are looking to fill positions that a person with 20+ years of experience would not take because they would have to take anywhere from $15K - $50K reduction in salary for the same position they were paid a higher salary two years ago. The tide WILL turn and we WILL remember!

  104. Beth Lepore

    I'm so sorry. Yes, I'm 50 and have experienced the same thing. One thing to consider is your LinkedIn or online profile. They can figure out how old you are by a quick google search, or by the dates on your resume that show when-to-when you worked at a company. If you find that it's becoming a pattern of problems, maybe attempt to fix those things. NO, you should not have to do it. It's not right at all and you should not be discriminated against because of your age. Absolutely not. However, unless you want to fight a big battle, you may need to figure out how to get around the age thing. Again, I feel your pain and am really sorry.

  105. Anonymous

    OP here-I'm sorry you're going thru this as well. It just has to stop! No, there's nothing on my linkedin that dates me and I pay an online service to delete my personal information online. You can't find out anything about me with a google search :).

  106. SWW

    Thanks, Beth You’re absolutely right in every word you said. I just did that by removing some really great previous employers. I wanted to show that I have great work ethics and so forth, but now I see it’s totally worked against me. Thanks again, for your input ;-)

  107. Anonymous

    It doesn't work. Several times recruiters have asked me in a polite but firm way to provide the exact month and years. Yes, I could have given them an earful about why they're letting their client bully them into insisting on the information, but what will that do? Being right doesn't pay the bills, put food on the table, etc. Accept that whatever positions listed on your resume need to have dates. If they insist on the date for education I'd either tell them to check for my diplomas online or how about go jump in the lake (LOL, just kidding kinda). As for salary, if they won't proceed further without a candidate giving their current or previous salary, JUST SAY NO THANKS. They're trying to eliminate you as a candidate or they will not pay you a cent more; as for future promotions and/or raises, those aren't going to happen.

  108. Anonymous

    I think I saw something like that in the thread. I consider mid-level 7-9 years in and 10-12 to be senior and 13-upward more senior. I don't know when this 3-5 years is "mid-level" started, but it isn't accrurate.

  109. Cheryl

    I have been experiencing ageism this for seven months. I'm 61 years old and I have been looking for a job for seven months with no success since my last employer was closing the business. I just feel so worthless. We have been able to keep our heads above water with unemployment but, in NC, unemployment only lasts for 12 weeks and I've exhausted my benefits.

  110. SWW

    Hi, Cheryl…I definitely get exactly what you’re saying!! my last employer let go over 1,100 personnel!!! I was there for 16+ years! severance and unemployment does NOT LAST :-// I have been looking for work for months as well! :-(( I’m VERY DISCOURAGED and EXHAUSTED with looking! I know I have to keep going but it’s BRUTAL to maintain my same style of living. Praying for you! (heart)

  111. Anonymous

    Depends on the field. I work in marketing operations and at 32 you are expected to have enough tech knowledge behind you as well as your own creative thoughts on implementation at least at 10 years.

  112. LORI-ANN BURLINGAME

    Ageism. It doesn't matter how the hiring company phrases it -- it is form of ageism.

    With over 30-years of experience in the business world, I have experience this first-hand. This speaks to the company's lack of professionalism and ethics.

    Workers over 50 have value and better work ethics than many of the younger generations.

  113. SWW

    YEP!!! just went through this 2 weeks ago. I had an “EXCELLENT” interview with a company for a Sr. Systems Engineering role, and yet, I was not selected!!

    :-// the interview was GREAT! I was SO SURE i was going to get the position…i did not! :-( The recruiting agency didn’t divulge why either when I inquired about it! I feel like you saw and read through my resume of experience…so if it was too much experience, why did u even interview me. I clearly feel like it was my age, even though I don’t look like I’m in my late 50’s :-// AGEISM IS REAL!! ♀️

  114. Raven Wild

    ageism is real . I want a group where women over fifty can support each other in our career search. Ageism is what is happening to our highly qulaified and effective President Joe Biden right now. I want more pundints calling out ageism for what it is. We need to make a shift.

  115. Janet Parkhurst

    No, the OP didn't say disabled. The respondent, Anonymous, did. She was talking about herself... (I know, the use of "you" can be confusing.)

  116. Anonymous

    Can you "update" some of your job titles? As long as you aren't calling yourself an Officer when you weren't, often a job title will change over time. If they call for references (and hopefully doing this gets you there) and mention it you can explain the title was going to be changing,

  117. Anonymous

    Can you look for organizations where your boss maybe a little older? We had a President who would only hire older staff. He didn't want to be the oldest one at the company! This where I ended up after applying to a Country Club where my manager would have been my age. He actually asked my age on the interview and then rejected me hiring a recent college grad, and he was Head of HR!!

  118. Michelle

    You do realize that him asking you how old you are, during the interview IS illegal!

  119. Anonymous

    Good luck proving that,

  120. Anonymous

    That does NOTHING. They want to be the "cool parent" and hire workers with a lot less experience and give them promotions and fancy offices for about 5 to 10 years until they're not "new" anymore, then they start "showing" them what their future will be- i.e. no authority to complete projects, ghosted for days and/or weeks on e-mails, texts, etc.

  121. Anonymous

    This can mean that this is a entry level position and you are over qualified for the position which means that they will have to pay the equivalence for your experience. The job market currently is brutal, but keep going. The right employer will find you. Best of luck.

  122. Anonymous

    Or you can accept what is (mindfulness) and consider starting your own business so you won't humor you that you have a shot at the position, or lay yourself off and use a variation on "It's not personal, it's business, will you need one or two boxes to pack your stuff up?"

  123. Anonymous

    Sounds like you applied for the wrong job. Sometimes interviews are just time sucks. Keep looking.

  124. Anonymous

    They're all time sucks. They don't want to hire, just look like they're doing their jobs.

  125. Anonymous

    Older millennial here, been trying to break (back) into the scientific field (oncology researcher) for nearly 8 years. The longer in not in the field, the more I'm asked why not.

    Had a temp wfh job where they were dead set on getting where and when I graduated high school. High school. You can clearly see my work history and skills and achievements but you didn't believe I graduated high school?

    When I told him the year and asked why, given that most of the positions I've had require a HSD.

    He then got offended and asked when I graduated college (because of my wet lab training and skill set) and I told him I don't have a college degree. I got a little spicy. He amazingly had no problem getting my transcripts after I had already had to get mine from my school. The young lady sounded really surprised that I was asking for records from that long ago!

    Usually I get the "wow you sounded really young" when I get a phone interview, and then incredulous looks when I explain my graduation date over zoom / teams.

    Often get told I don't fit the company culture when they see my skin tone.

    Had a phone interview, locked in an in-person interview. Waited in the lobby as the only person in the lobby for 40 minutes. Interviewer comes out and starts looking around the lobby as if the person she was interviewing was hiding under a chair. When I stand up to greet her, she looked surprised and asked if I needed help.

    I knew I wasn't getting or taking that job.

  126. Anonymous

    WOW. I'm so sorry that happened to you.

  127. Amy Geffen

    People over 45 or 50 are experiencing age discrimination in the hiring process. You need to illustrate with specific examples of how you learn new things. You are familiar with specific applications in your field. You have worked with or for younger people Gen x y z. Look at nonprofits for jobs as they are less biased.

  128. Anonymous

    They want non-profit degrees and experience in non-profit for an entry-level position. There's no training, no learning curve, either you got it or you don't. They don't give a flying wallenda about transferrable skills either.

  129. Anonymous

    Ageism is real in 2024. Matter of fact, I'm 58, and I felt it hit in a big way when I turned 55. What's interesting is that I'm told I look much younger than my age, and I guess that's what has gotten me to the face-to-face interview a few times.

    As soon as I fill out any "application" where I am asked to enter my birthday? That's where the interview stalls, seriously.

    Especially if I'm being interviewed by a member of Gen Z, or whatever is behind that generation.

    So, you know, now, I have decided to be a "Professional Lab Rat" for paid clinical trials. At this point, dose me with LSD placebo, or both, just as long as I get that 3k payout.

  130. Anonymous

    It is illegal to ask for your birthday or birthdate in the job process. Companies try the same tricks with graduation dates. Even though I was an older college graduate, they still do the math. I put in random numbers (sometimes all 1s work) to get past the page.

  131. Anonymous

    I do the same thing. If it asks for a DOB, I put in 1/1/1900

  132. Anonymous

    YES. Absolutely - Potential employers like my resume and experience, phone calls take me to the next steps ...but, when either zoom/team or meetings occur - it's "Oh, thank you", we are looking for...............the rejections......exactly what is on my resume, what they are looking for or what we spoke about. I know I would excel at and have the qualifications to do the job! This boggles my mind. Sometimes, I'm lucky to actually know that I was rejected. Mostly, I don't even get a response after hours of research, preparation for numerous interviews, questionnaires, tests, etc. I was told this is the "new norm" for companies (people) not to get back to you and that I should know the world is different today -- really? Where is common human courtesy? Professionialism? It is clearly age discrimination. I actually was asked how long do I expect to work? What years were you at. XXXX University? Really? All I have to say is "Good Luck" to them in finding a dedicated, hard-working, honest, experienced employee -which they would have in me.

  133. Geniene Pernotto

    I often look at LinkedIn to see who got the position. Always, a young person in their 20's. Now you tell me if we are both willing to take the same salary, what the difference can be? Also, they leave within 1-2 years making the excuse "You will only be working for 5,10, 15 more years" moot.

  134. Anonymous

    OP here-You are not following the thread. I am responding to the question asked-did I follow up. I am not referring to anyone making coffee being idiotic.

  135. Anonymous

    Man, you wouldn't know that by the kids at 27-32 who are made VPs and SVPs in this market. Don't get me wrong, you can be a total rockstar and on your game, but come on. It's gotten ridiculous.

  136. Laurie Reinhart

    I am in my 40th year in HR, and I can say with complete confidence that over the course of my time in the profession, my observation has been discrimination has not lessened one teeny bit, whether it be based on age, race, gender, or anything else that might apply. It just morphs and takes on other euphemisms to camouflage itself. That being said, what you are describing ("We really want someone 'earlier' in their career") is pretty blatant age discrimination. The other thing I've learned in my career is that you just need to call it out for what it is. At the moment when those words leave the interviewer's mouth, you already know you don't want the job. So now this is your moment. You can respond by saying something like "Hmmm. Well, I'm not quite sure how to take that comment, because it sure sounds like age discrimination to me. Is that what you are telling me? That you wouldn't consider hiring me because of my age?" The interviewer will probably sputter and cough, because they've been caught. Who cares? They earned that discomfort. You won't get the job, but you WILL feel much better about things, and you're building your confidence. You'll interview better the next time because you've found your voice.

    The other weird thing that I've observed over the years is that while age discrimination is very real for hiring employees, the same employer who will discriminate against older candidates will pay big bucks for hiring a consultant with gray hair. They apparently do recognize that with lots of experience comes lots of expertise. Perhaps the next step for you is to pivot to consulting? It isn't for everyone, but if it is a fit for you it could be a great career move.

  137. Ruth Robbins

    If your profession doesn’t r career lends itself to culture consulting or even teaching

  138. Geniene Pernotto

    And I'm extremely confident that the gray-haired consultant is a white man, possibly a golf buddy/frat bro/high school classmate or friend. I've seen this happen over and over again and money is consistently wasted by the company but the friend gets a great paycheck of $25,000+.

  139. L brown

    Love your suggested response! I'm going to remember that in case I ever need it!

  140. Anonymous

    YES!!!! It is damn if you do and damn if you don't. Even if you are willing to be flexible on salary, they still don't want to hire you even if you are qualified. There is definitely some age discrimination going on here. I never thought being over 50 was a thing until now and until I got laid off at age 51. The key here is that they want someone younger i.e. early in their career. I have been looking for work for 1 year and 4 months now. I got one job offer. There are jobs that require MBAs/Masters Degrees that I have applied to where they train you for the new role, and I was rejected. I have applied for jobs I am well qualified for, and was rejected. I have applied for jobs I am more than qualified for and was rejected. The only next step I can think of is to dumb down the resume and take off some years of experience so that they don't know how long you have been working. That is where we are now. Age discrimination exists, and no one is doing anything about it because it is much easier to get away with now (especially with ATS and HR AI application systems). I am a vibrant professional, would like to work in my field, and not ready to be a door greeter at Wal-Mart. The jobs listed for people over 50 with AARP reflect what employers think of us because they are all jobs that don't require you to think or make decisions. They are not trying to hide discrimination because they don't have to because there is no oversight or accountability. Over qualified is also a buzz word I have been given, which is code for you are too old for this job, and we want someone younger. What are people over 50 supposed to do if they still want to work and contribute to society and quite frankly just pay the bills and have food? You don't qualify for any entitlements, and no one will hire you because of your age. That leaves people over 50 in a very bad situation because they cannot work to provide for themselves. I think you should write your congressman/woman and Senator. I am soundinng the alarm on this for more oversight.

  141. Michele Horaney

    Thank you. The AARP job posts are a total JOKE. I check every so often, hoping that by now they've found and are working with companies that have REAL jobs with REAL substance that REAL people want to do as a part of continuing their careers, at least for a while. The retail jobs and PT "greeter" jobs on that board are an insult to anyone and everyone out here, in this demo where we are talking. AARP needs to up its game significantly. Cannot take them seriously at all.

  142. Anonymous

    Thank you for bringing that to our attention; I was steps away from suggesting it since they claim to partner with businesses that want to hire retirees and pre and semi retirees for real jobs. Now I won't.

  143. Anonymous

    I agree 100 percent ... except it's not "people over 50" being disqualified for jobs due to ageism, it's "WOMEN over 50." All the men I know older than 50 have found new jobs fairly easily. I am at the top end of my 50s and have been searching for a FT job in my field for six years .. and counting.

  144. Geniene Pernotto

    Female ageism in the workplace & work search process needs to be canceled! I've been experiencing this since moving back to Ohio from NYC. I have female friends in NYC & Chicago going through this. We can't sue. We can't 100% prove it (who has access to emails or recorded conversations?). We can't be sure we wouldn't be blackballed if we were even successful. I see men my age 40+ breeze through the work search process. :(

  145. James Herendeen

    "Earlier," means less cost to them. BTW, this is illegal; send the response to the ACLU.

  146. Geniene Pernotto

    That's laughable! Big corporations either have state or federal power behind them. Ex. In Ohio, Les Wexner is extremely powerful. No one would be able to take him on (look at Epstein situation). Abbott Inc. is also extremely powerful here. These companies (and those like them in other states) are friends with governors and federal legislators with lobbyists at every level. 1 woman or 10 women rarely have enough fire power behind them to take on the wealthy and powerful (hello, remember Weinstein, Cosby and thousands of others we don't even know about). Money talks even more so today.

  147. Lori Dolan

    The ageism is unbelievable. Particularly aimed at women in our 50s and 60s. I recently lost a job that when I say had my name all over it it literally couldn't have been more perfect. Despite getting extremely positive feedback from the recruiter and the COO, they hired a girl barely two years out of college with absolutely zero experience in the field. I was floored. Hate to say I spent the rest of the day crying at my desk and in a huge funk.

  148. Anonymous

    While I I understand where you're coming from, DO NOT cry at your desk, go around the office "in a funK", and definitely don't Quiet quit. When disgruntled employees do that, they're putting targets on their backs for firing and layoffs; even the most clueless bosses/management catch on that they're phoning it in and/or sulking, having a tantrum, etc. Start looking for a job where experience is valued and it is reflected in hiring and retention, promotion opportunities, etc.

  149. Lori Dolan

    I work from home by myself so the only one seeing me in a funk was my dog.

  150. Anonymous

    Ok thought you were employed- sorry about the presumption and lecture. Hope things work out better for you.

  151. Lori Dolan

    I guess I'm what you call half employed. I have my own event business but it's pretty much gig work and it's like being a realtor. So there's not enough in the pipeline and I'm tired of treading water so that's why I've been looking for full-time work. But it's been brutal.

  152. Anonymous

    Everything you said ... been there too. It sucks.

  153. Anonymous

    Yes -- I witnessed this as a recruiter and experienced it as a job applicant. Companies don't only discriminate because of age but because of the potential salary they will have to pay an older person due to their perceived salary requirements. It's the same reason companies lay off older workers first - they are dumping high salaried employees for cheaper newbies. Used to be companies didn't hire older people because hiring managers assumed a worker close to retirement wouldn't stay long, however, today the typical employee only stays with a company for four years (per Indeed.) And, although this is not always the case, there are times when a younger manager sees an older, more experienced potential hire as a threat to their own position so that resume is deleted.

  154. Anonymous

    Ummm.... You are lost on this thread. The OP replied to the question of did she follow up with them. Her reply is that she didn't because she wouldn't want to work for such an idiotic company. TERRI didn't call anyone anything. She shared her recent interviewing experience. What's wrong with you?

  155. Terri Radomski

    Thank you for defending me. I didn't follow up because although I felt it went well there was some chatter between the two interviewers (husband /wife) that sounded like they were very discriminatory. They were ridiculing certain demographics of people. Some commenters on this site are very rude and need to look at themselves in the mirror. I thought this community was to help people of all ages when navigating the sometimes-cruel work force. It's tough out there and this should be a safe place. It's a shame some people feel good about kicking a dog when its down.

    Thanks for sticking up for me.

  156. Anonymous

    That's exactly what the community is for. I always laugh when I see the "take a look in the mirror" people-presumptuous and definitely projecting. Thank you for sharing your experience!

  157. Ter Min

    In my 20s i was over qualified, now I have to worry if I'm "planning" to retire ?

  158. Anonymous

    I have gone through that in the past, yes. I wasn’t even allowed to volunteer when I was trying for a career change at age 51.

  159. Anonymous

    Well, as the saying goes - "It's not what you know, it's who you know." I am sure many job coaches would tell us to leverage our networks. May work for some - Has occasionally for me.

    My last job, which was recent - and I am 73 - was through a recruiter who found me on one of the major job boards. I would suggest, if you haven't posted your resume on those boards and/or specialty boards for your industry or function to do it. It turned out that the client company was in urgent need of someone with my skillset and I was hired despite my age and my twenty-year gainful employment gap - (Had been volunteering in similar roles during the latter half of the gap - Taking care of an aging parent during the first part.)

    As a result largely of having my resume out there, I did receive invitations for three interviews fitting various stages of my job history. The third, successful interview was the best in terms of salary and level. I did also register with some employment agencies, and am still getting pinged by many from the job boards and agencies. Although contract or agency work is perhaps not ideal due to the lack of benefits, it certainly does beat not having a position or a salary rolling in.

    Wishing you all the best. Some companies do still value experience - be sure to highlight the benefit of your past achievements to any potential employer in terms that they understand - dollars gained, time saved , outreach, etc.

  160. Anonymous

    This is encouraging to read. I am 68 and have been in a miserable job for a few years following 5 year involuntary gap. I would be open to contract/interim work it but have limited knowledge of such companies

  161. Anonymous

    If you go on the job boards, you will see some of these companies. Also google your specialty and "contingent employment", "contract positions", or whatever term you wish to use. What I also do is to look at reviews of some of the contingent employers. The way I got the contract position was to post my resume on several of the large job boards and then was contacted by a recruiter who saw my resume. I did have two prior interviews and this one took about 4 months to appear, but if you are patient, you may be happy with the results. Do be sure to have a good summary of your experience plus list past achievement indicating how a company would benefit from your services - increased revenue, streamlined processes, etc. - anything you can think of that you offer and they would value. You can always interview and turn them down if it is not a good fit. Wishing you all of the best. Life is too short to stay in a miserable job and if you are 68, you may be also receiving social security, which I was at 73. This helps a lot with salary needs, although my contract position paid quite well. Because my social security was almost meeting my monthly needs, I was able to pay off nearly 40K in debt plus set aside about a three-year cushion after the 14-month contract position. Wishing you all the best - you will never know if it would be better unless you "take the plunge" - Again, you can always decline an offer if you decide to stay at your miserable job. (Been there, done that - wish I hadn't).

  162. Anonymous

    Yes, absolutely. Ageism is rampant in hiring. Any woman in their 50s (no apostrophe) and beyond is doomed. Men with many years on the job are "experienced" while women with the same years of professional experience are "old."

  163. Anonymous

    Except in the computer industry age discrimination is rampant all around. You are a dinosaur after age 35. If you want to be old and still in demand, law and medicine are your best bets. If you don't want to lose your job in IT by getting laid off in your 50's then not being able to find a new job, do what I did. Take a pay cut and work for the state. A 30% cut is better than 100% and yes I would have been let go by my old company they had a layoff a year after I left. Now I am 60.

  164. Anonymous

    Wow! That is blatant! I hadn’t seen that one before. I know there was one company that actually asked for the year you graduated high school which I believe was a clear indication that they wanted a young one. However, there are companies who want “seasoned professionals “ code for older. I don’t think of it as ageism. As much as cultural and/or business preferences.

    Ageism occurs when you’ve worked at a company for many years and at 55 you get offered a package. That happens at certain companies pretty much as policy. That is ageism.

    in a job search I’ve found all kinds of discriminatory practices because the company is looking to hire the right person for the job .. so preference will come into play and unfortunately age is a category that is considered.

    imho attitude while job hunting is so important and getting stuck and worried about your age, which you can’t help will derail you.

  165. Anonymous

    Yes! I think most of us over 50 who are not already high level executives (and probably them too) experience this in hiring. It continues on the job when you see assignment after assignment go to people half your age even though you know exactly what to do and could do it without guidance. It's bullshit but I hope to see it change.

  166. Geniene Pernotto

    100%

  167. Anonymous

    Sounds like age discrimination

  168. Anonymous

    Yes. I too was a perfect fit for a position, but was told that I was "overqualified," which since I have learned is hiring manager speak for "too old." I was even granted an in person interview, but now I honestly think that they were going through the motions so they could say they are complying by EOE standards.

  169. anonymous anonymous

    That happened to me recently. I changed careers in my 30s, so my resume only shows the last 5 years. My resume is perfect and enough to get a interview, but when I went to the interview the interviewer said he expected someone younger. Since I'm in my 40s, this does violate the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. I don't think he realized it's illegal to discriminate against workers aged 40 or older. If I don't get the job, I'll file with the EEOC.

  170. Anonymous

    He actually SAID that?? Wow.

  171. Lori Dolan

    Whoa. Yes, I would definitely bring this up with the EEOC. However, ageism is hard to prove, and it could turn into a he said/she said, but that is an unprofessional comment.

  172. Anonymous

    I filed with the EEOC after I was terminated from a job. I was told that I didn't have proof and that even thought the lead person stated that " no one over the age of 35" should be in my position it was deemed "tongue in cheek"

  173. Lori Dolan

    Ugh

  174. Laurie Reinhart

    No one who would say "I was expecting someone younger" should be anywhere near the hiring process. Talk about a liability! Sheesh!

  175. Anonymous

    Ummmm.... I have social media profiles. They do not give away my age and I'm not a boomer-thanks.

  176. Anonymous

    Yes, I am. I have a great resume and am looking to change fields. I get they are looking for something else. I have more experience and am not getting any call backs.

  177. Kathy Donnald

    There is so much of that. They set you up for interview, when you walk in, you see in their face. You know you are wasting time.

  178. Kimberly Sommers

    Unfortunately we have all known those older coworkers who give older workers a bad name by how “out of it” they act and influence the way companies think about older workers.

  179. tracy a. schneider

    Ugh...im sorry you experienced this...I felt the same thing when looking for a job for the past two years. I want to encourage you...Don't compromise yourself...you...YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE. They either need it or they don't. But DO NOT give them your amazing qualities when employers make comments like that. Move on. Have faith. You will find the right team who appreciate you for ALL you bring to the table.

  180. Anonymous

    Overqualified is a common statement interviewers make before passing on to other candidates, which includes age factor as well.

  181. Anonymous

    It's ageism dressed up. No one want to hire an "old lady." In my 50s, I interviewed for many, many jobs where clearly I was the best candidate and every, single time a candidate directly out of college got the job. I followed a few of them. Most of them got the experience and then left. Some were even fired. I would have stayed until retirement.

  182. Susan Storey

    They actually say they're looking for someone earlier in their careers? I've never had a rejection letter tell me that, although I can definitely surmise that is the case. Yes, that is age discrimination wrapped in a nicer package. Like someone else commented, too bad these companies are going this route, as these younger workers leave after a year or so, while we would stay for years.

  183. Elizabeth Radovsky

    It's all about the money. They don't want to pay for an experienced worker.

  184. Anonymous

    I've experienced this but it's usually during the onboarding when they realize I'm 15+ years older than they assumed I am. My current boss was shocked and from his expression disappointed when he realized I was five years older than him. He thought I was in my early to mid-thirties, not my late forties. Now in my 50s (I've been here for over six years) I still am experiencing age discrimination when trying to continue to advance my career with comments like "when am planning for retirement" as if I'm too old to invest in any further. I'm only early 50's. SO unprofessional. I truly believe no one would dare say that if I was a man.

  185. Anonymous

    I find interviewing challenging when they ask for your five-year plan; you are 58. You want to say retirement, but try to come up with something professional. Usually, the interviewees are in their 30s and do not know how to adjust their questions based on the person being interviewed.

  186. surfnwrite

    You could say I would hope to mentor people at that point, or something similar.

  187. Tammy Murphy

    Yes! I am going through the exact same thing for while now

  188. Kimberly McKenzie-Klemm

    What frustrates me in my career field is the number of "internships" offered that I cannot apply for at the age of 54 with my background experience and education. Most of the jobs are looking for no experience or 1-2 years at the same rate of pay I offer on a contract. Yes, I understand the frustration.

  189. Anonymous

    I am having the same issue. The job market is already challenging, but now I seem to be "aging" out of positions I am more than qualified for, according to the job descriptions. It is shocking to obtain "thank you, but no thank you" or "we decided to go with someone entry-level" emails for the exact positions you are currently working in. The position did not state it was an enjoy level position, but I get emails stating it was what they are looking for the position. Not sure how to continue to push forward with submitting resumes.

  190. Stephanie Branch Lekowski

    You can submit resumes only for jobs that interest you and that you meet most of the job requirements for. If they don't disclose certain information, i.e. they want "entry level", that's not on you. Also network, try to find volunteer work, etc. All this so you feel like you're filling up your days with positivity instead of resentment of what's an arbitrary (read unfair) process. Best of luck!

  191. Anon

    I agree with Susan and others, those of us in our 50's are mostly looking for our final stop and would stay with a company until retirement, giving roughly 7-10 years, no college grad is staying that long, that want a year maybe 2 of experience then they leave. Women in their 50's have a lot of experience, patience, knowledge, perspective, most have a developed a knack to work well under pressure, and diffuse conflict effectively. While some employers would argue that older people have health issues that has them off work, I would argue that youth often call in sick, and those with young kids are often off work a great deal with sick kids and lack of care for them. Employers: you are missing out hiring women in their 50's, rethink your strategy.

  192. Stephanie Branch Lekowski

    Absolutely ?

  193. Anonymous

    Please, please everyone, as a copy editor, this hurts my eyes: It is 50s for age ranges. No apostrophe. The apostrophe shows possession. Decades are the '60s, '90s ... and age ranges 40s, 50s, 60s, et al, no apostrophes. Thank you!!

  194. Barbara

    Who knew? Thank you for the grammar lesson! I love learning these little details

  195. Janet Parkhurst

    Anonymous,

    I LOVE you! I'm a longtime copywriter and I have to say thanks for calling that out. Unfortunately, on this site, I've seen far more atrocious and grievous mistakes that make me wonder how/why these women have JOBS. Things like "that" instead of "who," "your" instead of "you're." "it's" instead of "its," and WAY more. Thanks for jumping in! I feel as if I've earned a reputation (everywhere!) of "Crabby Old English Teacher."

  196. Maureen Bavdek

    Copy editor/writer here ... I completely agree with you! Also the current trendy, wildly grammatically incorrect use of the word "impact." It is not synonymous with "affect." Anchors, reporters and writers, please make it stop!

  197. Beverly J Goldrup

    Recovering English major here. There are few grammatical errors that bug me more than using it's and its improperly.

  198. Geniene Pernotto

    Nailed it!

  199. Anonymous

    HR's job is to protect the company... you know the one paying them.

    People need to grow up and stop expecting HR to be their nanny and fight their battles.

  200. Anonymous

    The truth hurts, doesn't it?

    The undeniable fact is older workers are much more of a liability than younger workers.

  201. Anonymous

    If you are looking for cogs in a wheel, perhaps you have a point. In general, however, those with more life experience have encountered more situations that arise in most work environments on a day-to-day basis and have learned coping strategies that an inexperienced person just cannot offer due to their limited experiences and learning curves. Whenever companies downsize all but the executives and those early in their careers, you will soon see job openings where at least some experience is required. This way they stay solvent. Again, this is perhaps not universally true, but neither is your statement that experienced workers don't provide more value.

  202. Anonymous

    Probably they don't want to pay for someone with your experience. Another possible explanation, depending on the industry, is that anyone past 40 doesn't fit the young, exciting "brand" they've decided they want to show to the world. "Earlier" is code for "younger."

  203. Q

    The ROI comes if the older person has honed their skills at self-management, navigating politics, recognizing experiences and patterns quickly to respond faster and mitigate or prevent problem paths due to having already seen and lived them. A younger employee may well have equal technical knowledge, but they are unlikely to have lived knowledge that comes from going through different experiences. My personal experience has been that while not all older employees have truly learned from and grown, there are far more younger employees lacking the soft skills and deep situational experience that offers speed of response and flexibility. They can be more rigid and less observant, leaning more heavily on school taught materials. It’s not a jab at their skills. They are often brilliant. But I have personally seen that lack of varied work experiences and no lived failures yet backfire on them and cause struggles.

    It doesn’t matter much if the role is somewhat in isolation and relies primarily on following a script or set of predefined instructions. It becomes more evident in roles requiring fast thinking and critical decisions or working with a wide range of levels and investments on a project.

  204. Anonymous

    Well said.

  205. Janet Parkhurst

    Beautifully said!

  206. Anonymous

    Excuse me, Boomers DO have a massive online presence, so what country or century are you in??? Furthermore, WE are NOT terrified of the internet. Your comment is a perfect example of ageism. Don't be ignorant

  207. Anonymous

    Um, tell us you're early in your career without telling us you are early in your career.

  208. Sharron Gregory

    I think that , that can be reported as age discrimination to the department of labor.

  209. Natasha

    Nothing is going to happen by reporting them.

  210. Beverly J Goldrup

    Unfortunately, I must agree.

  211. Margaret Croom

    I did!

  212. Anonymous

    LOL! Can't wait to hear from you when you hit your 40s and 50s and your personal business is all over the internet. This has got to be one of the most clueless posts I've ever seen on this site.

  213. Anonymous

    Sooooo..... just a wild guess here; you're 24?.....

  214. Anonymous

    I asked for numbers, not your lame attempt at deflecting.

    What numbers do you have that prove you can add value to an employer?

  215. Anonymous

    Grasshoppah-you just made my night.

  216. Anonymous

    LOLOLOLOLO! My entire resume and linkedin is filled with the real statistics of how I changed various organization's sales, productivity and efficiencies. I even have the recos and direct phone numbers to the people I worked for who can back up my claims. What do you have you 20 something troll who clearly got a role based on nothing that had to do with your IQ or EQ? We are all ears.....

  217. Janet Parkhurst

    Well, I'm glad you complained, even though it will most likely get you NOWHERE. People on this site keep calling complaining to the proper agencies "a waste of time" but how will we get these damaging and illegal practices changed unless we DO something? I think we all need to take a moment and realize that taking positive, affirmative action is not just about ourselves... it's about EVERYONE.

  218. Anonymous

    We work in an at-will work environment. It's hard to sue for age discrimination at a company you have never worked for. Only lawyers profit from lawsuits. Even if you work for a company it is very difficult to prove discrimination of any kind. The company can always find a palatable reason why you weren't considered.

  219. Heather Mc

    I honestly think this is code for "you're too expensive" and it's more about salary requirements. I'm seeing this in my field as well, and it's happening to a lot of my peers - the talent pool is bigger to pull from, so why not hire on the cheap side? It's ridiculous, but it's part of the cycle.

  220. Geniene Pernotto

    I disagree and think this is a dated argument. LinkedIn often has the pay range and I've always had HR tell me the pay range in an interview to see if I'm fine with it.

  221. Beverly J Goldrup

    I am! I've been looking for jobs for well over a year. Two masters' degrees and eight years as a tech writer isn't enough. I ran across these articles. I wish I had a more positive answer.

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/boomers-30/202110/the-5-reasons-why-most-companies-wont-hire-older-people

    https://www.aarp.org/work/age-discrimination/underemployment-traps-older-workers/

  222. Geniene Pernotto

    That article in Psychology Today, albeit from 2021, is definitely relevant today. And I'd venture to guess that it skews more towards women adding misogyny to the equation. I'm so discouraged that I'm looking for work in my local county government (taking a $37K annual pay cut) where it is way more difficult to lay off or fire people.

  223. Anonymous

    Thanks for sharing the articles

  224. Anonymous

    Yes, you are so right. You can't prove discrimination based solely on an interview even if it's true!

  225. Anonymous

    Perhaps it's not what you say, but how much.

    Tailor your resume (shorten it) to fit whatever position you'd like. You don't need to list every single experience that you've ever had in your entire career.

    Sometimes its helpful to have others review your resume. Some things that used to be prominent are no longer key - like the resume format, and, believe it or not, the fonts. Without trying, we can sound and look dated, and resumes can reflect that.

    I know of what I speak; I am 10+ years older than you, and no, I've never been told that. And also, sometimes it's just easier (and cheaper) to hire someone less experienced than career veterans.

  226. Anonymous

    OP here-I pay to have my resume done by an expert in my field. It's in top shape.

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