How To Spot Age Discrimination In A Job Interview

Discrimination in the workplace comes in many forms, one of them being ageism. Here are some flags to watch out for and how to navigate the process.

About CNBC: From 'Wall Street' to 'Main Street' to award winning original documentaries and Reality TV series, CNBC has you covered. Experience special sneak peeks of your favorite shows, exclusive video and more.

Connect with CNBC News Online

#CNBC
#InterviewTips

How To Spot Age Discrimination In A Job Interview | CNBC

[podsmpsg]

Fresh out of college, they say "sorry, not enough experience". Over 45-50, they say "sorry, too old". What the hell do they want?!, they want someone who's 18-35 years old, but has 40 years of work experience. They want something that doesn't exist.

[DelfinuNegru]

Discrimination is still a thing, I can see how people would rather choose to hire someone just because of social compatibility rather than skill. Thereby, the workplace is not about working, but hierarchy.

[stobbinsboy]

I'm 59 and I know I'm getting ganked. I'm thinking about suing for ageism as my final career.

[Maederxtest]

Nobody cares.  I got pushed out of my career at 57 and never found a job after that. College degree, 30 years experience Icu, ed, nicu, ob, trauma, sub acute, trauma rehab.
Nearly 1 in 4 workers age 45 and older have been subjected to negative comments about their age from supervisors or coworkers.
About 3 in 5 older workers have seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace.
76 percent of these older workers see age discrimination as a hurdle to finding a new job; another report found that more than half of these older workers are prematurely pushed out of longtime jobs and 90 percent of them never earn as much again.

[MrJETS]

You don't even get the interview because the filters will block you.Im 31 and I can't get an interview even though when I was in my 20s everyone wanted to hire me.Discrimination is real.

[mycraw]

They already have their mind made up before you answer.

[jerseypete]

I just finished an on-line application that asked for "Year You Graduated From College." It would not allow me to submit it unless I provided an answer. WOW, this is incredible. How can this be

[bayareagrlever]

I haven’t been offered a job in two years. I’ve applied to hundreds, if not a thousand jobs. Some interviews I go to, the person who is supposed to be interviewing me talks about everything under the sun but my qualifications. So I start interviewing myself… I tell them about my qualifications for the position. I’m looking at losing everything. If I didn’t have some savings, I would already be on the street.

[Monorail-Beyond-the-Veil]

Some online job applications actually ask, "what year did you graduate high school?", DUH - You don't think they could figure out my age by what year I graduated do you? :-O And this answer is REQUIRED before the application will let you continue to the next page.

[csc]

My last interview I was asked by a cocky young 40ish guy "how many more years do you plan on working? The good part is he will be older some day and that is a great equalizer.

[bytemevv-]

I'm cynical and people always judge, and never give me a chance for anything. I always get talk down to because of my appearance. Before I open my mouth I get judge on the first impression. My Youtube account is seperate from my Business background, I'm always calm, put on a fake smile, dress up, and act the part but people will not like me based on my appearance being part Native American. Being in my 40s I can read peoples mannerisms when I get discriminated from a job opportunity just like a couple of days ago and it's gotten way worse from the past two decades! I'm posting a comment here not just on age discrimination but informing there is still Racial Discrimination!!!

[dianaseverns]

I’ve been talked to like I’m dumb with computers because I’m old

[cuivre]

I would love for them to ask me what I do in my free time! I would demonstrate that I don't stay at home drinking, playing video games and smoking pot, playing fantasy games, and eating Tide Pods or other TikToc challenges. I actually participate in competitive outdoor challenges and work on my family farm!

[Dave-zlky]

Expect age discrimination in hiring practices at Costco, Hershey, and Nestle. It is very obvious at the retail level.

[bffdanger]

Side-Step the Question: When do you expect to retire? - When I die. :)

[csc]

I noticed on Indeed that the employer can ask questions. One of them is how many years of Microsoft experience do you have? I am always truthful and my correct answer would negate me from ever getting a job. If I put "30 years" of experience, no way in hell am I getting an interview. There are ways around age discrimination. Yes, most people would lie and state "20 years" of experience but that is not how I roll.

[napoleonbonaparte]

I never understand what is the point of age discrimination. If an employee can do his job, what is the point of discrimination I can't get a job because I'm 40+. As the matter of fact, I graduated from accounting not long time ago.

[Highlander]

I'm fifty four and Im a token at my job but fortunately I can retire. It would be enough to basically live on but I am looking for another job to supplement retirement and I realize that age is an issue. They want young pretty girls even if they are poor workers. I can possibly work for myself after retitement. I feel for all of us older folks. We work hard and have good values but that is not what the world wants. Older white guy here. I know not too many people will think about hiring me even with my skills and experience but I will survive and not give up.

[bayareagrlever]

Pet Smart’s online application asks if you under age 40. You have to fill this out. They have never contacted me and I have applied to jobs at entry level to assistant manager. Costco, Target, Trader Joe’s, and many more retail/grocery stores reject me without ever meeting me. Even Walmart has not contacted me. I have a long work history and college degrees.

[Monorail-Beyond-the-Veil]

Suggestion - ONE way to side-step the question of "when do you expect to retire" could be to say, "I don't plan to EVER retire", which makes you sound like a real go-getter, and avoids giving away your age. :-)