Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Debating Ageism

A while back, we published an article on job-hunting for people over 50. Among other things, we said:
Laura Hill, a Manhattan-based career coach and founder of Careers in Motion, agrees that experience counts. As increasing numbers of baby boomers retire, she says, "Companies need seasoned people who can mentor and train and troubleshoot with good judgment."

Further, an upside to age is that "you have a very long track record at this point," she says. "If a 28-year-old or a 38-year-old has a one-year job gap on his resume, it's a real question mark. As you enter your 40s and 50s, your shelf-life is longer."
Comments on the article have been mixed, some expanding on the theme while others disagreed. Last night, this comment appeared:

This entire article is completely pathetic.
If you don't put a date on school information, the first questions asked during a phone interview is an attempt to find out when you graduated. How is this any different than asking your age? If you include your graudation date, you don't even get a phone interview. Is that "perceived discrimination?" No -- it is just descrimination.

I happen to be employer and doing work I enjoy. But I constantly hear co-workers made comments about job applicant's age, e.g. I can't hire him -- it would be like have my father working for me.

This article is an insult.
I thought I'd put it out there. Anyone care to join in?

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have to agree that there is blatant age discrimination in the job market, especially in these economic hard times. Older age and higher levels of experience are translated by employers to a perceived high salary expectation on the part of the candidate (not necessarily true), and employers opt for the younger candidates. I've lost out to younger candidates on almost every 1:1 interview situation to the extent that I'm considering getting some "Grecian Formula" to look younger. Other times, it's just plain age discrimination on the part of younger recruiters and hiring managers that aren't comfortable working with older employees. What does that say about their communication skills as well as the relationships they had with their own parents. Older employees have a wealth of skills and experience to bring to the table. Companies would be wise to pay a little more to bring that experience in house to add to the stability of their workforce.

Anonymous said...

I have found the same thing. I was working in the software support field less then 3 years ago with over 8 years of experience. I have been asked what high school I went to & when I graduated. When I arrived at the interview the oldest person interviewing and working there was in their early 20's. I knew the moment they asked me about graduation date that they really wanted to know my age. It is extremely difficult to find anyone who will hire you once they find out you are over 40. I see age discrimination every time I interview for a job. It is alive and well. As long as you have very young people interviewing job applicants; this will continue.

Anonymous said...

I have found the same thing. I was working in the software support field less then 3 years ago with over 8 years of experience. I have been asked what high school I went to & when I graduated. When I arrived at the interview the oldest person interviewing and working there was in their early 20's. I knew the moment they asked me about graduation date that they really wanted to know my age. It is extremely difficult to find anyone who will hire you once they find out you are over 40. I see age discrimination every time I interview for a job. It is alive and well. As long as you have very young people interviewing job applicants; this will continue.

Anonymous said...

There is no doubt in my mind that when you hit the 50's you are on thin ice. Your salary accumulated through years of hard work is considered something that can be transferred to the bottom line. When the focus is on the bottom line exclusively, those who stand to benefit from fattening it will not hesitate to look your way. What those folks don't know, in many cases, is that they too will be in a similar postion. So, if they dumped you for their only enrichment, may they too suffer the same fate.

Anonymous said...

Adding to Mark's comments, prospective employers: 1)Do not want to make an investment in a person they assume has a high risk of retirement, 2) To hire a 55+ person will hurt their medical claims history and therefore increase their insurance premium,3)Assume a high risk of absenteeism. If you look at the AARP site you will see employers who hire 50+ experienced staff.

Anonymous said...

There is definitely alot of age discrimination going on in the accounting field. I entered the profession later in life, at 40, seeking to change career paths. From the start, I faced age discrimination. It was so blatantly obvious in several job interviews that I asked directly if my age was an issue. The interviewers, unwisely, confirmed that it was whereby I pointed out that such was illegal. I appreciated their honesty and did not pursue the legal aspect as I was more interested in spending my time getting a job. I have stayed in the accounting field for the past 15 years and have been on the receiving end of age discrimination more frequently the older I have gotten. A number of my professional accounting friends have confirmed similar discrimination as well. Enough so that I can attest that it is not just me. It appears that far too often employers do not value experience over younger, lower salaried accountants. As I have aged, I became so concerned for my future in this profession that I decided to work for a small company where I am basically a one-man operation, i.e. the employer knows and appreciates the added value I bring to his company. The benefits are not as good and the pay is somewhat less however I sleep alot better at night. I know I am appreciated every day. Am I as challenged as I once was in my work? No, but then peace of mind goes a long way to offset this shortfall.

Anonymous said...

what about ageism agianst teenagers. it seems like no one really respects thier opinions that much at all.

Anonymous said...

I'll further confirm the discrimination charge. I'm a 50+ CPA with public accounting and industry experience. In five interviews I've been told by the person I'd be working for "You're the one I want for the job." Follow-up interviews ask "When did you become certified or when did you graduate from college?" After that nothing. I'm at the point in my life I don't want to be CFO or CEO, I would just like to have a job where I can contribute and be a team member.