CommunityJobsAdviceEventsReviewsFor EmployersFor ClientsCoach Connect
CommunityJobsAdviceEvents
Fairygodboss Official Job Seeker Group header image
Fairygodboss Official Job Seeker Group logo

Fairygodboss Official Job Seeker Group

Creating career connections, advice and feedback.

open group
Romy NewmanMICHELLE SOUBRANDAlexandra Gerula (Asteris)JENNIFER NARebecca Schlanger14.9k members
Mystery Woman
Tell us more for better jobs, advice
and connections
YOUR GROUPS
Discover and join groups with like-minded women who share your interests, profession, and lifestyle.
COMPANIES YOU FOLLOW
Get alerted when there are new employee reviews.
YOUR JOB ALERTS
Get notified when new jobs are posted.

Group Post

Anonymous
08/04/21 at 4:32PM UTC
in
Fairygodboss Official Job Seeker Group

Hi!

I'm an older person (54) and concerned about ageism. In fact, the reason I am job hunting is due to a manager "pushing out" all of the older employees ( I threatened a lawsuit and settled with the company) Anyway, I'm filling out an online application that asks for graduation dates. The fields are required. Am I being overly sensitive to this? I just want to land an interview and not be disregarded automatically.

Share

Join the conversation...
Anonymous
08/10/21 at 6:07PM UTC
No you’re not its discrimination it is very real ,ageism is very real and applications should not ever be asking for any kind of dates after you’re hired then they can ask for dates on the background release form prior to that either fudge it or wave off it’s illegal
Teresa
star-svg
333
08/10/21 at 4:22PM UTC
You are not being oversensitive but you also will not get past the firewall of the computerized application. Sorry.
Clara Renauro
star-svg
15
IT QA Analyst
08/08/21 at 1:12PM UTC
I'm the same age. You are not being overly sensitive, I think about it too. I haven't filled out a lot of applications, but I'm honest about it because if you do a google search on me, you'll find out anyway. If a company wants to discriminate because of age, I don't want to work for them.
Lori Screnci
star-svg
66
08/05/21 at 8:46PM UTC
Totally agree with putting current date, or whatever will fit and be accepted on the e-form. Don't like to advise to do but, hey, they should not be asking.
Christina Santoro
star-svg
41
Wholesale Footwear Sales Executive
08/05/21 at 4:36PM UTC
No you are not being overly sensitive, I think this practice should be illegal. I have encountered many online applications that ask for "voluntary" demographic information, but do not allow you to move forward if you don't answer...I don't call that voluntary, and they have no right to that information when making employment decisions. Hard to call people out when you need a job, though.
Anonymous
08/09/21 at 12:20AM UTC
Perfectly said when you need a job you have to play a game it’s sad it’s called survival
JYJ
star-svg
6.74k
08/05/21 at 1:29PM UTC
It's illegal to ask these types of questions. Put in all 0's or 1's in those fields. Companies that are still using these methods to identify age should be reported to your state labor board. You don't want to work for places like that anyway.
Paulla Fetzek
star-svg
3.17k
Teacher, Lighting Expert, 35+ Yr Office Pro
08/05/21 at 1:07PM UTC
Hello! You're not being sensitive, although a lot of companies ask for this. There are several reasons I can think of that a company would do so, none of which have anything to do with age. As it so happens, I graduated college in 2013 - at the age of 45. I've already had a few times where people assumed my graduation date is a typo on my resume because they see my 30+ years professional experience!
Shelley Maley, Career Coach (PHR, GCDF)
star-svg
229
Career Coach
08/05/21 at 12:46PM UTC
Is it possible to enter all zeroes or N/A? I'm a credentialed career coach who regularly posts on LinkedIn. Coincidentally, all of my posts this week have been about age discrimination. If you're interested, please visit my LinkedIn profile for more information.
Anonymous
08/05/21 at 12:22PM UTC
I have faced this same issue with applications asking for inappropriate information at that stage in the hiring process. Typically you can’t get past the field which is more frustrating so I started to fill it in with false information I feel like I was forced to do that. That information could be addressed/ corrected later if I landed an interview or really that information by law is only required when you’re actually hired and have an offer letter in hand. This is such a sore subject with me because employers should be held accountable for the application process being unbiased in every way shape and form Some applications asked for Social Security numbers and drivers license numbers it’s painful I know so either I waved off and didn’t complete the application or fudged it and I don’t say this easily good luck employer should be called out on it and I have reported a few
Teresa
star-svg
333
08/10/21 at 4:23PM UTC
My young adult daughters are actually taught how to get around the computerized fields in these job applications in college. So was I in 2018 in grad school. It makes them pretty useless as screening tools....
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist
star-svg
21.99k
08/10/21 at 6:47PM UTC
If your young adult daughters are actually taught how to get around the computerized fields in these job applications in college then can you please SHARE THAT INFO?
Shelley Maley, Career Coach (PHR, GCDF)
star-svg
229
Career Coach
08/10/21 at 9:12PM UTC
There's not any way to "get around" the ATS screening software that I'm aware of. However, your resume must be customized to include the relevant skills that have been specified in the job posting (without being dishonest, of course). In other words, you should not use the same exact resume for every position to which you apply.
Whippoorwill Farm
star-svg
270
Fierce IT Leader: HEAR ME ROAR!
08/04/21 at 7:45PM UTC
Yes. You are experiencing ageism. DO NOT PUT DATES on your resume. You can simply fill out the form using the current date multiple times. I went to a career coach to help me redo my resume'. The first thing she told me was get rid of dates. They don't need to know what your first job was 80 years ago. All any recruiter needs is the last 10. They also told me to make your previous titles current. I originally listed the titles that I had and they weren't relevant to today. Change them up. Also, depending on the roles you are looking for, you need to tailor the CV to either be a "doer" or an "achiever". Research the type of keywords that you need to get through ATS. At the end, if even you get rejected, ask why? You may find that most of the companies use generic "Dear John" format to avoid legal issues but you may learn from one or two outlying companies what you need to win over the next organization. I have experienced ageism and sexism. I work in a male dominated field of which I often have more experience and education. I get looked over often. Just know that you are worth something no matter what and the right position will come along.
Angelique O'Bryan
star-svg
16
08/04/21 at 8:29PM UTC
Great tips!
Back to group page

About this group

The Fairygodboss Official Job Seeker Group welcomes Fairygodboss members to ask questions, share experiences and weigh-in with advice — while always having the option to post anonymously. Let's strive to help, share and inform each other where we can.

Group rules

Group Rules: When it comes to the Fairygodboss Official Job Seeker Group, we invite you to be open and contribute to credible conversations and posts that are meant to help forge connections, advice, and feedback. We follow these specific principles and guidelines to ensure that our community encourages expression while creating a safe environment. Be supportive — Advice & Encouragement Fairygodboss Official Job Seeker Group is an inclusive space where we encourage ...Read more
icon
© 2025 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.
  • about
  • careers
  • FAQs
  • privacy policy
  • terms & conditions
Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. Read More