Job Search and Age

[susan silva]

Has anyone had any personal experience/ feelings on job searching and different ages? My friend's daughter (mid 20s) went to a job interview and felt she was too young, that they would go for someone who had more experience, where I happen to know (someone mid 40s) else who applied for the same job and thought she felt old and knows she has the experience but feels they wanted someone fresh and young. SAME job! (Neither have heard back yet). I was wondering what people feel about age and job searching?

[msmarieh]

Although I certainly think age can be a factor, I think attitude and emotional maturity are more important. A young worker can have a little too much enthusiasm or could be so green in experience that a company would be concerned about the learning curve. An older worker may have the experience, but have they kept current with technology?

The key, in my opinion, is to display a personality that meshes well with the culture of the company, keep current with technology, have a positive attitude, and be confident in sharing your strengths. You will shine in an interview regardless of your age.

[Katie G]

All I can say to this is that our department webmaster is a 66 year old grandmother and there's nothing she can't do!
(And she started out in a secretarial position!)

[gee4]

It depends on the circumstances. 

Looking back I had no experience at 20 as I was just out of college so I got my experience my temping...I was able to shine and show what I could do.

Now in my 40s I am outshining people still because of the experience I got and the various companies I worked for.  Remaining long-term in a job can be considered as stale or lazy and I see that every day. 

It also depends on the company and the role that is being applied for.  Is a 20 year old going to leave in a year's time or will a 40 year old be challenged enough?  It has to be the right fit and that's why I say not every job is for you.

[chikky]

Age discrimination is out there.  Why would any agency post:  Recent grads encourged to apply?  I could be 80-years old and be a recent grad!  )I am not 80, but getting up there in age and I need to work for the next 20 years.)  I would walk in and the job has suddenly been put on hold or filled.

[officepa]

Yep, agree with Chikky.  I've been in situations in recent times where a job has suddenly been filled or put on hold once they get to the date of birth. Very very frustrating - but what can you do. They deny it, you know it happens and will go on happening.

[Jackie G]

There is no longer any legal requirement in the UK to provide a date of birth on a job application.  However, with dates and details of your career on a CV, any recruiter worth their salt should be able to work it out to within a few years.

I believe that legislation allows for potential discrimination case to be raised where an applicant doesn't even get an interview and deems it's because of age discrimination.

[Atlanta Z3]

I think I've been on both sides of this equation.  My last position I replaced a 20 something for age 60+ bosses.  I think they thought if they got a college grad and trained her,  it would be better.  I don't have a degree but my software skill sets and experience were years (pun intended!) ahead of her.  I was able to organize the office and bring their technology up a few decades.  I think admin positions aren't one size fits all, some companies can make do with a less experienced lower paid admin, while CEO's of course need experience, technology and savvy in their admins.