Think you are too old for a new job? Unfortunately, so may your employer
by Age discrimination is on the rise in today’s workplace. Read about this emerging trend and how you can protect yourself.
As if it wasn’t already hard to find a job, a large percentage of unemployed workers are now running into age discrimination when seeking new employment. It’s illegal, but that unfortunately does not stop it from happening.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prohibits an employer from making decisions to hire, fire, promote, or otherwise discriminate against an employee age 40 or older, solely on the basis of age. According to the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC), there has been a 17 percent increase in age discrimination complaints since 2007.
Laurie McCann, a senior attorney at the AARP Foundation, has called age discrimination in hiring “the most under-reported form of discrimination”. It’s also extremely difficult to prove. In most cases, when you are turned down for a job, you have no way of knowing if the employer hired someone younger than you. In addition, a 2009 Supreme Court decision, (GROSS v. FBL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. No. 08-441), substantially increased the burden of proof required to win an age discrimination case.
So, how can older workers protect themselves against this type of discrimination? Regardless of the type of job you have, make sure you stay on top of new trends, continue to learn, and embrace technology. One of the most common myths about older workers is that they are not as knowledgeable about emerging technology as younger workers. There is also a perception that older workers are resistant to change and want things to remain the same. Make sure you don’t play into that stereotype. When it comes to seeking new employment, one common mistake many people make is including information on their resume which reveals their age. For example, indicating the year you graduated high school or college. Revise your resume to ensure that it does not provide any information that would allow a recruiter to determine your age.
The problem of age discrimination is not likely to go away any time soon, unless we as a society make some changes. While most people would never think to make a racist or sexist joke, it is still considered perfectly acceptable to tease someone about their age.
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Post Commentmaranatha
On August 2, 2010 at 2:47 am
You are absolutely right about this. Although I see things from both perspectives as my husband owns his own business, I have faced this issue myself – which is why I write for the internet now – I have not been able to find a fuul time job after being let go at age 49. It was a real eye-opener!
Guest
On April 19, 2012 at 3:28 pm
I am sick of all the New Age frp I get from people about this. Gee, maybe “the universe is just telling you to do something else.” Gag me. This is bullfeathers!! Sure, just go ahead and go down to the corner and beg!! You need to do something different anyway. Any country that discards it’s most talented and experienced people is a country in decline. Serious decline. DO NOT buy into this crp that appears to be in every article. Age Discrimination is rampant right now. File a complaint against the employer with EEOC. Age discrimination is ILLEGAL FOLKS. Let me say this again–discriminating against someone in the hiring process because of age IS AGAINST THE LAW. Go to the EEOC website. Read the information there and file a complaint through your local or regional office. Let’s not take it anymore. JUST SAY NO TO AGE DISCRIMINATION and this National Stupidity to cast off the best this country has to offer.
Guest
On April 19, 2012 at 3:29 pm
I am sick of all the New Age frp I get from people about this. Gee, maybe “the universe is just telling you to do something else.” Gag me. This is bullfeathers!! Sure, just go ahead and go down to the corner and beg!! You need to do something different anyway. Any country that discards it’s most talented and experienced people is a country in decline. Serious decline. DO NOT buy into this crp that appears to be in every article. Age Discrimination is rampant right now. File a complaint against the employer with EEOC. Age discrimination is ILLEGAL FOLKS. Let me say this again–discriminating against someone in the hiring process because of age IS AGAINST THE LAW. Go to the EEOC website. Read the information there and file a complaint through your local or regional office. Let’s not take it anymore. JUST SAY NO TO AGE DISCRIMINATION and this National Stupidity to cast off the best this country has to offer.
Guest
On April 19, 2012 at 3:32 pm
Thank you for this article. I am so sick of the New Agey crp I get from people that maybe “the universe just wants me to do something else.” (These people can rationalize ANYTHING). This is bullfeathers!! Sure, just go ahead and go down to the corner and beg!! You need to do something different anyway. Any country that discards it’s most talented and experienced people is a country in decline. Serious decline. DO NOT buy into this crp that appears to be in every other article. Age Discrimination is rampant right now. File a complaint against the employer with EEOC. Age discrimination is ILLEGAL FOLKS. Let me say this again–discriminating against someone in the hiring process because of age IS AGAINST THE LAW. Go to the EEOC website. Read the information there and file a complaint through your local or regional office. Let’s not take it anymore. JUST SAY NO TO AGE DISCRIMINATION and the current National Stupidity to cast off the best this country has to offer. We are the best this country has to offer. We shouldn’t have to SUE to have them figure this out but if we have to, we will. GET ANGRY. Get justice!!
Guest
On April 19, 2012 at 3:33 pm
Thank you for this article. I am so sick of the New Agey crp I get from people that maybe \”the universe just wants me to do something else.\” (These people can rationalize ANYTHING). This is bullfeathers!! Sure, just go ahead and go down to the corner and beg!! You need to do something different anyway. Any country that discards it\’s most talented and experienced people is a country in decline. Serious decline. DO NOT buy into this crp that appears to be in every other article. Age Discrimination is rampant right now. File a complaint against the employer with EEOC. Age discrimination is ILLEGAL FOLKS. Let me say this again–discriminating against someone in the hiring process because of age IS AGAINST THE LAW. Go to the EEOC website. Read the information there and file a complaint through your local or regional office. Let\’s not take it anymore. JUST SAY NO TO AGE DISCRIMINATION and the current National Stupidity to cast off the best this country has to offer. We are the best this country has to offer. We shouldn\’t have to SUE to have them figure this out but if we have to, we will. GET ANGRY. Get justice!!