Applying for Jobs: Age's Impact in Your Area

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the impact of age on job applications within various industries. Participants explore the nuances of age, experience, and employability, considering both personal anecdotes and broader implications in the job market.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that age can complicate job applications, particularly as one approaches retirement age, while others argue that experience and industry contacts can mitigate these challenges.
  • One participant notes that while age may present difficulties, it does not preclude employment opportunities, citing an example of an older co-op student.
  • There is a discussion about the definition of "old," with varying personal interpretations based on age and life experience.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential bias employers may have towards younger candidates, even when qualifications are similar.
  • Participants discuss the concept of "industry contacts" and how they can influence job prospects, particularly in fields like technology.
  • Variability in hiring timelines is mentioned, with some processes being quick while others may involve extensive deliberation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of age in job applications, with no consensus reached on whether age is predominantly a disadvantage or if it can be offset by experience and connections.

Contextual Notes

Definitions of "old" and "industry contacts" are not universally agreed upon, and the discussion reflects a range of personal experiences and perceptions that may not apply broadly across all fields.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals navigating job applications, particularly those concerned about age-related biases, as well as those interested in the role of experience and networking in career advancement.

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Is it more difficult or easier to apply for a job in your area when you are old ?
 
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Define "old".

It's certainly easier once you have experience and industry contacts... but I'm sure after some point, diminishing returns set in and people avoid hiring the guy who is planning on retiring next year.
 
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I agree with TMFKAN64,

If your retiring age it doesn't mean you can't get a job, it will just be a lot tougher.

I saw a guy co-oping at IBM who looked like he was in his mid 50's.

You also have to think logically about the situation if a company wants an employee to stick around for awhile and if your 40, another kid is 23 but you both have the same qualifications he might favor the 23 year old but doesn't mean he will.

He may favor the 40 year old because maybe he sees you as more responsible or more dedicated to your work because you have more financial obligations like a family to support.

Not saying your 40 just an example.
 
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"define old"
Anyone 20 years older than me.
52 now defines the middle of 'middle aged' since I just reached 52.
in 10 years, the median point of middle age will be miraculously moved to 62.
The only really good thing about getting 'old' is that there are more 'younger women' every day.
AND...at 52 I am finishing my BS in engineering technology...It will be interesting to see how employable I am...or am not.
 
Anything above 21 is just old.
 
What is an "industry contact" ?

If I apply for a job then accepting me or not becomes an issue. Usually how long does it take for such debate to reach a decision ?
 
An industry contact is someone at the particular job who already knows your work. Assuming that you have done good work in the past, it is *much* easier to get a job in a group with a former colleague than it is to get a job by sending your resume to strangers.

(I should point out that I'm coming at this from a computer industry perspective. As we've established in other threads, computer people flit around various jobs like bees about flowers... physicists evidently have more of a tendency to stay put.)

As for time, it varies widely. Sometimes people are ready for you to start tomorrow, sometimes you are the first person through the door and they want to do a thorough search before hiring anyone.
 
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