Graduation dates on applications
Many job applications ask for graduation dates. You must input the dates in order to proceed with the application. What if you are over 50? I have experienced this many times during my job search.
Colleen Ferrary
Our biggest mistake is undervaluing our ability
131
07/26/20 at 8:18PM UTC
It's ironic, these systems. It's against the law in most states now to ask your age or most recent salary. I might argue that in this environment you're probably not going to get the interview without a connection or an extraordinary resume.
Here are a couple tips:
* Use LinkedIn to find mutual connections to the company you're trying to apply
* Start virtual networking to help in your job search
* Find someone in your own network who you think SHOULD know someone. A thoughtful conversation asking for advice may open doors you've never predicted.
* Pick up the phone and go old school. Call the office, talk to the admin, find out the skinny.
Lynne CoganCareer Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
871
07/23/20 at 6:23PM UTC
You might want to see if the application will accept a "false" date.
This is much like the recommendation for answering: "What is your current salary?" where you would put something like $1.00 or $100 a year--something obviously incorrect. Then, down below in the comments section, you can put an explanation of your response.
You can do the same thing with degree/college date by putting something like: "Graduated 1850." Then explain in the comments section. This can be helped if you have received more recently training that shows that you are consciously remaining current in your field.
Anonymous
07/24/20 at 4:39PM UTC
Love your idea Lynne. I will give it a try the next time it comes up, which will probably be today
Lynne CoganCareer Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
871
07/24/20 at 4:42PM UTC
Hope it works well for you. Please let me know.
And take a look at my repeals to Stefanie Holt just above.
Stefanie HoltWife - Mom - Creative - Ambivert
36
07/24/20 at 1:33PM UTC
What would be the best explanation for the incorrect response(s)?
Lynne CoganCareer Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
871
07/24/20 at 3:11PM UTC
I thought about that when writing my comment. It is challenging because any that I've heard or can think of can be construed as argumentative or uncooperative.
As far as current salary, you could say that the current job is significantly different from the one you are applying for and therefore salaries should not be compared.
As far as graduation dates, that is even harder. It could be that my date of graduation in no way reflects my knowledge or abilities. Or you could say that my training is continuous and is reflected in my accomplishments. Then, list recent courses and certifications.
If it is a company open to employees expressing themselves, these should play okay. But if it is a "do as I say" employer, it will not be satisfied unless you put the salary or graduation date, as the application requires.
I wish I had a foolproof answer for you but I don't.
Shirley LeevyMaterial Operations Logistics Manager Decatur IL
164
07/22/20 at 1:53PM UTC
It's just a new way to age discriminate against women and not hire them. This pandemic has become a new way to discriminate against people over 50. Most company let that age group go, and were forced to start over because we are not old enough to collect Social Security or a pension.
I've had several interviews where they are asking for 15+ years experience for the position, but once they find out you actually have that experience they don't want to continue talking to you, they politely say they hired someone else basically a younger person for less money.
Anonymous
07/22/20 at 1:17PM UTC
Not only do they ask for dates, but it must be formatted correctly or you can’t proceed. Almost everything I apply for requires this terrible process. It’s getting worse with the pandemic because less people are doing more work and relying heavier on external recruiting and ATS software. I’m pretty much screwed.
Anonymous
07/22/20 at 12:40PM UTC
As an experiment, I wonder what would happen if you put in 2013-2017, for example. How quick would they be contacting you for an interview? I often am filling out job apps and they will not allow you to go further until you fill in those dates. One place did not make it mandatory to answer, but they actually asked for your complete date of birth! I thought I was seeing things when I came upon it but they actually put that in there.
JYJ
6.75k
07/22/20 at 12:28PM UTC
If it's possible, put "degree received". If not, move on. That is a bad sign of a highly antiquated application and a company that works accordingly.
Paula Bryant Siepieranski
69
07/21/20 at 1:06PM UTC
I guess they can get your true age. Almost all ask my High School name and city plus dates attended
Sara Pehrsson
106
07/21/20 at 12:42PM UTC
Same here! Even ask for school transcripts. ????
Anonymous
07/21/20 at 3:50PM UTC
At that point, I don't bother. It's a no win, and I don't want to waste my time when there are other applications that do not ask for dates or transcripts. It is only the application, not even an interview
