too old to get a job

Stephen_Leak

I'm 56 and in much the same position. I've been told by someone who owns a recruitment agancy that they have to filter out any applications if you're over-40 (you don't have to specify a date of birth, but this can be worked out from the dates of your educational qualifications) and if you aren't in current employment. If they don't, they risk losing the client for putting through too many 'unsuitable' applicants. She doesn't like it but, "It's what the clients expect these days".

I was also once told by one recruiter, who was probably younger than my daughter, upon seeing all my GCE 'O' and 'A' levels, "Oh, but you don't have any GCSE's". She was in tears, when I finished replying to this, and I don't feel in any way guilty. She needed to be told.

Mind you, I also once worked at BT with one of the worst bosses I've ever had, who used to bin every other job application he received, on the grounds that he didn't want anyone who was unlucky.

mattw7

tizerbelle wrote: »

@mattw7, age discrimination may go on with some employers but I would not presume that means it goes on in all employers. We recruit according to skills / ability and personality - the last 4 roles we filled were with people between 20 and 57. We still have an employee we took on when he was 66 - he's just celebrated his 71st birthday.

My mum was made redundant at 64 and got a new job within 2 weeks - which she is still doing.

You are very much an exception to the rule then, I'd go as far as to say that 80% of companies, and its an increasing number with the current climate are discriminate. Your mum is one very lucky lady, however I'm betting that she isn't doing a skilled job and is most likely doing part time hours.

LadyMissA

copa_feela wrote: »

Are you a recruiter? I would always look at qualifications, even for junior roles I would expect someone to have GCSEs or equivalent. I would also rather see CSE or O Level results, as I know they were so much more challenging than GCSEs.

Am I recruiter? Er, no lol. No one has ever asked me about my school qualifications and even when I left school they didn't. Surely if you have 20 + years experience that's worth more than any school certificate. A degree say doesn't mean you can do the job but experience in the job does.

Anselm

B&Q might be worth a try!

pineapple

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

What format of CV do you use

Actually many employers - notably statutory and charities don't accept CVs.
Anyway - I'm surprised that employers came out and said they only recruited the younger end. Isn't this against the law? OK we all know it happens but one expects a little subtlety .
Look I got a new job at 60 so it isn't impossible. Though I have to say I went for jobs where age would not be a deterrent (so no pole dancing then )
Make your maturity, life/job experience a selling point. :beer:

mjbmjb

simson3325 wrote: »

am i too old to get a job,
im 54yrs old and on the work programme,ive applied for 100s of jobs
but never had an interview,just rejection letters,my last rejection letter stated i was out of the companys age range,they were only setting 16 to 24 year olds on,they know from your cv from past jobs you have had,how old you are,

Have you got anyone to check your CV and cover letters for errors?

Googlewhacker

mattw7 wrote: »

You are very much an exception to the rule then, I'd go as far as to say that 80% of companies, and its an increasing number with the current climate are discriminate. Your mum is one very lucky lady, however I'm betting that she isn't doing a skilled job and is most likely doing part time hours.

Anything to back your figures up there? I would say its no where near that figure but again no proof!

LadyMissA

pineapple wrote: »

Though I have to say I went for jobs where age would not be a deterrent (so no pole dancing then )
Make your maturity, life/job experience a selling point. :beer:

It's more like certain companies won't take on older people and not them worrying you wont be able to do the job.

Where I used to work they interviewed to people once for a role in accounts

One man who was in in 40's who was a return to work house husband with 15 years experience and the other a blonde Hungarian girl aged 26 looking for a first job in the UK.

I will let you work out who they took on and I quote from the Management Accountant 'I'd like to give her one'! :eek:

Sometimes it's more than age that get's in the way

Caroline_a

I just wanted to share this with all those who are 'over a certain age'. I'm 57, and was made redundant last year. I took a maternity cover contract to tide me over, and I have to say I did hope that something would come up after that.

Anyway, it didn't and I was told a couple of weeks ago that my contract would end as expected in March, so I went straight on to the jobsites. I had 2 interviews with different companies, one I like a lot, the other was well paid, but wasn't as keen.

I just heard that I got the job with the company that I liked - needless to say I'm over the moon!

So please don't write yourself off as being old, because if you do... then so will employers!