Ask the HR Manager: About Age Discrimination in Interviewing

Mark's Answer:

There is no substitute for interviewing well. All the things that project an image of who you are, such as answering the question that is being asked, looking good, projecting confidence, will often win the day.

Are you at a disadvantage at 53 with some companies and interviewers? Absolutely, but your ability to interview well is often more important.

All the "ism’s" - sexism, racism, ageism, etc. - are alive and well in the world and in the workplace. I want to believe it’s getting better, but it’s still there.

I have to say that I’ve seen many older workers be their own worst enemy by either reinforcing the stereotypes of being unwilling to change with the times or acting in ways that make their younger colleagues feel uncomfortable.

We’re in the unique situation of having workplaces today that can have many generations represented. Each group may have their own needs and preferences about work.

If you should find yourself working for someone who seems to have a bias against older workers, it ought to be handled like any other case of discrimination. In the U.S.A., any employee over age 40 is considered part of a "protected class" under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967.

Actual discrimination is obviously very serious and as an employee you ought to be able to depend on the Human Resources department to help you navigate through the issue. Of course in the real world, it’s not always that simple.

With regard to interviewing the same principles apply. The part of the process most in your control is to present yourself as best as you possibly can. This may seem obvious, but, for example, I had a candidate actually say to me, “I hope you don’t think I’m too old to do this job.”

If you can present yourself well, you will be going a long way to ensuring that you will be judged on your merits and not on age or anything else that isn’t relevant.

For more information:

The "Age Discrimination in Hiring" article by Phyllis Mufson in Job-Hunt's Boomer Job Search column.
The articles in Job-Hunt's Job Interviewing column.
5 Ways You Look Out-of-Date in Your Job Search article by Susan P. Joyce in the Job-Search News blog.
Is Your Job Search Too Old Fashioned article by Susan P. Joyce in WorkCoachCafe.com (a new browser window or tab will open).

Have a Different Question?

Have a question about the hiring process or about working with the Human Resources department where you work? Mark will answer new questions every month. Please send your questions to questions [at] Job-Hunt.org. We will never publish your name when we publish your question and the answer.

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Mark Cohen is an experienced Human Resources leader who has worked for many employers. He offers his assistance in this column to help you navigate through the sometimes-puzzling processes of Human Resources departments.

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