Is this discrimination?

jimbms

It sounds from your posting you are quite young, if so have you considered that the original post they offered may have been funded partialy by some government grant designed to help young people get jobs and unfortunately you was slightly above the age criteria but they decided to let you down tactfuly rather than use your age as a reason.

Fluffi

Maybe they are reusing the same job spec for a slightly different role that has some additional attributes or skills that you did not fulfill but the recruiting team/HR just didn't want to spend time writing another job spec.

There is no legal right to know why you were unsuccessful in a job application though and just because someone passes all the tests and has the necessary qualifications for a job it doesn't mean they'll fit in with the team or the ethos of the company. It doesn't sound like age discrimination to me - unless they obviously said they thought you were too old to cope with the demands of the job or wondered if you'd problems reporting to a younger manager for example.

Winewaiter

Fluffi wrote: »

Maybe they are reusing the same job spec for a slightly different role that has some additional attributes or skills that you did not fulfill but the recruiting team/HR just didn't want to spend time writing another job spec.

There is no legal right to know why you were unsuccessful in a job application though and just because someone passes all the tests and has the necessary qualifications for a job it doesn't mean they'll fit in with the team or the ethos of the company. It doesn't sound like age discrimination to me - unless they obviously said they thought you were too old to cope with the demands of the job or wondered if you'd problems reporting to a younger manager for example.

I am starting to think they may be using a generic person spec and JD as you say. However, if they don't specify what they require, how is anyone meant to know whether they are wasting their time? I understand there is no legal right to know why you have been unsuccessful in a job application, however, I was told I was successful! Just wish they would tell you were you stand rather than keeping you on hold and then continue to seek applications from others. I have appreciated all the comments received on this to date. It has helped me get this into perspective.

Zazen999

Even if they tell you you are successful, within the first year they can get rid without any reason at all; so I'd just let it go if you could.

[Deleted User]

Personally, I'd phone them up again, for an informal friendly chat, and ask them if there is any way u can improve on your interview technique. This may reveal why other people were favoured (even if your interview technique was 100% in reality). Try and draw out of them what they were looking for that wasn't on the application form (there's always a hidden list if u know what I mean), ask them general open questions, like is there anything I could have done to improve my application etc., sometimes it can be surprising what information general questions elicit. But keep it informal, rather than like an inquisition or critical of their decision making process.

woody01

Winewaiter wrote: »

Thank you pinkshoes. I passed all the selection criteria so must be suitable for the job. My question relates to being unsuitable due to my age which amounts to discrimination doesn't it?

Not at all.
An employer is free to employ anyone they choose.
Regardless of whether you meet the criteria or not, someone else is the pool may have been more suitable.

deannatrois wrote: »

Personally, I'd phone them up again, for an informal friendly chat, and ask them if there is any way u can improve on your interview technique. This may reveal why other people were favoured (even if your interview technique was 100% in reality). Try and draw out of them what they were looking for that wasn't on the application form (there's always a hidden list if u know what I mean), ask them general open questions, like is there anything I could have done to improve my application etc., sometimes it can be surprising what information general questions elicit. But keep it informal, rather than like an inquisition or critical of their decision making process.

Employers do not have the time to mess around with unsuccessful candidates.
When i interview people, and deem them not what i am looking for, i would be bloody annoyed if i was harrassed by the candidate for answers.

Winewaiter

woody01 wrote: »

Employers do not have the time to mess around with unsuccessful candidates.

When i interview people, and deem them not what i am looking for, i would be bloody annoyed if i was harrassed by the candidate for answers.

I would be ok if told I was unsuccessful, we've all had unsuccessful letters. I am continually being told I was SUCCESSFUL.

You sound like a nice employer :rotfl:

pinkshoes

Winewaiter wrote: »

I would be ok if told I was unsuccessful, we've all had unsuccessful letters. I am continually being told I was SUCCESSFUL.

You sound like a nice employer :rotfl:

Well I was talking from experience. I know two people who have been to job interviews, been told they'd be good for the position, then heard nothing. When they phone to enquire if they got it, they get told some sort of excuse, but don't get told "no". The job gets re-advertised, yet they still don't get told "no", despite asking again.

I think the company is thinking "they're ok, but we'll keep them hanging on incase someone better comes along..."

wabuthu

Winewaiter wrote: »

Thanks you. I don't think I will waste any further time with them. I need to move on. Their loss.;)

I had a similar experience where i was put under the impression that i was hired then on training day was told i was not successful:mad: i think some of these companies prey on the desperate because they know there's not much we can do. But just like you say, it's their loss! Wishing you the best in finding something new