age discrimmination at interview?

ironpetal

Went for a job interview for a post slightly different from what I'm employed in right now. My job is very busy job working for two Consultant Oncologists I've always done this profession Im 62 not far of the retirement mark but I have no intention of retiring. Im hoping to relocate to another area to be closer to my family and went for the interview at another hospital. As soon as I sat in the interview chair I was asked for identification straight away which was my passport which they looked at before interviewing me. Needless to say I didn't get the post but the feedback I received was positively insulting in that the manager said they were bit disturbed that I didn't know my own profession?? I never mentioned a wôrd that they expected to hear even though I described the policy surrounding this question. I answered every single question asked quite well in my opinion but the remark that I didn't know the role I've done for many years both here and overseas really annoyed me. I'm not bitter I didn't get the post as I have another interview next week but I can't help feeling suffered a bit of age discrimination here and wonder if I should challenge them on this....oh and that I didn't mention enough weaknesses either.....I felt the amount I answered with was adequate and on asking another question the manager said and how long ago was that?

Paully232000

Why do you think it is age discrimination as from what you have said, nothing suggests that it is anything to do with your age. If you mean the 'how long ago was that' comment, which I would think is a valid question as to how up to date the particular skill that was being talked about is?

jayII

I've always found interview feedback very useful. Especially for understanding what is wanted in the current job market in a particular profession. Did you ask them what they meant by 'don't know your own profession'? It's a rather vague comment.

I also can't see any age discrimination in what you've described.

TELLIT01

My wife had a similar experience a couple of years ago. Applied for a senior administration role of the type she had been doing for years. She said she had the feeling from the moment she walked in that one of the interview panel was being deliberately antagonistic and trying to belittle her knowledge and experience. Needless to say she didn't get that job but has just put it down to experience and moved on.
My wife's suspicion is actually that the person somehow felt threatened by the level of my wife's knowledge of the systems. Coincidentally, that job was also in the medical sector.

chanie

The identification is normal (kind of). The main purpose is check right to work in the UK It may sound obvious but I recruit lots and isn't uncommon for people to apply for jobs when they don't have the right to work. There is no point in continuing the interview if the person doesn't have the right.

With regards to the interview itself, I can't see why you think you were discriminated against. From the interviewers point of view, they don't know you and whilst you may be brilliant at your job, they don't know that. It's up to you to impress them and show them what you know. I think the issue isn't that you don't know your role, but you didn't demonstrate it well enough.

Try not to let it get to you and I'm sure something even better is just around the corner.

Londonsu

Sorry I must be the only person to see the possibility of age discrimination when ID is asked for at interview stage - my Sister is 62 and after being made redundant had 5 interviews all the her sphere of experience and knowledge, 4 asked for ID at interview stage and she didn't get the jobs, the last one didn't ask for ID and she got the job. She sent her ID straight to HR after she had her official letter so her new manager didn't even see it


Look at it logically employers are no longer allowed to ask a persons age, nor do you have to put your age on your CV seeing age related ID at interview stage is one way an employer can get round the law.


Chanie I understand what you are saying but you must admit that even if you don't some employers will use ID with DOB as a means to discriminate against older workers

Paully232000

Londonsu wrote: »

Sorry I must be the only person to see the possibility of age discrimination when ID is asked for at interview stage - my Sister is 62 and after being made redundant had 5 interviews all the her sphere of experience and knowledge, 4 asked for ID at interview stage and she didn't get the jobs, the last one didn't ask for ID and she got the job. She sent her ID straight to HR after she had her official letter so her new manager didn't even see it


Look at it logically employers are no longer allowed to ask a persons age, nor do you have to put your age on your CV seeing age related ID at interview stage is one way an employer can get round the law.


Chanie I understand what you are saying but you must admit that even if you don't some employers will use ID with DOB as a means to discriminate against older workers

I have regularly been asked for ID prior to/at interview, usually asking for a passport or driving licence.

When you are interviewing someone, and after you have seen their CV/application form it doesn't take a genius to work out roughly how old you are.

GaleSF63

Londonsu wrote: »

Look at it logically employers are no longer allowed to ask a persons age, nor do you have to put your age on your CV seeing age related ID at interview stage is one way an employer can get round the law.


Chanie I understand what you are saying but you must admit that even if you don't some employers will use ID with DOB as a means to discriminate against older workers

It's a while now since I had to produce a CV but when I did, everything had dates - exam passes, jobs etc. so it would be easy to work out age to within a year or 2.

Not putting my age on would have hidden very little.

Do you no longer have to put dates on your CV?

Londonsu

GaleSF63 wrote: »

It's a while now since I had to produce a CV but when I did, everything had dates - exam passes, jobs etc. so it would be easy to work out age to within a year or 2.

Not putting my age on would have hidden very little.

Do you no longer have to put dates on your CV?

I have worked for 45 years and (on advice from a head hunter) only have the last 20 years on my CV and do not put my DOB on have never had it queried and have never had any problem getting a job.


I don't even bother with my school qualifications now

esmy

When I was interviewed for my current post I had to take my passport and proof of my qualifications to interview - this was with the same employer that I had worked for for over 30 years. It is about proving you have the right to work in the UK.

Paully232000

GaleSF63 wrote: »

It's a while now since I had to produce a CV but when I did, everything had dates - exam passes, jobs etc. so it would be easy to work out age to within a year or 2.

Not putting my age on would have hidden very little.

Do you no longer have to put dates on your CV?

I put dates on my CV, but have never put a DOB.