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Original poster

To think 'interviews' where you have to send in a video are ageist

67 replies

rockettomarsbar · 09/10/2025 17:38

I'm not talking about zoom/teams interviews but the applications where you have to send in a video of yourself or answer questions into a video on your phone. If optional, then that can be a good addition for ND people. But if compulsory, it feels ageist because of how used to videoing themselves/taking selfies/snapchat etc some age groups are compared to others.

OP posts:
Work9to5 · 09/10/2025 18:58

I'm 60 + and I can manage a video. They're hardly looking for TikTok, just a demonstration that you're computer literate. That and to be able to sell whatever skills and strengths you have.

LasVegass · 09/10/2025 18:56

Mrsoftandhisstrangeworld · 09/10/2025 18:52

There are different types. Some are assessed by humans but a lot are assessed by AI which looks at the way you answer the questions (perky? straightfaced?) so you can verbally say the same answer but have a different score based on your perceived energy.

At some point the candidates will present AI versions of themselves and the entire thing will be a waste of time.

Show quote history

Thanks for explaining. Creepy stuff. As I said, I’d not heard of this till a couple of days ago. When DS first told me I thought the interviewer had gone to the loo or to make a cup of tea whilst DS was talking into the void.

Lincslady53 · 09/10/2025 18:53

I am well I to my 70s and would have no problem providing a video. In fact, I think it's a good way of weeding out people of any age who don't have any technical skills that the job may require. If they can't manage a simple video, then could they manage a spreadsheet, a database?

Mrsoftandhisstrangeworld · 09/10/2025 18:52

LasVegass · 09/10/2025 18:22

So is the purpose to collect info other than your knowledge of whatever they ask you to talk about?!

Show quote history

There are different types. Some are assessed by humans but a lot are assessed by AI which looks at the way you answer the questions (perky? straightfaced?) so you can verbally say the same answer but have a different score based on your perceived energy.

At some point the candidates will present AI versions of themselves and the entire thing will be a waste of time.

Greggsit · 09/10/2025 18:50

My father is 84. He's been using a computer since 1981. He still uses one daily. And a mobile. He even knows how to use his Sky remote!

The only ageist person here is you.

CharlotteSometimes1 · 09/10/2025 18:25

What a load of rubbish, what makes you think us older people can’t do this 🙄

LasVegass · 09/10/2025 18:22

Mrsoftandhisstrangeworld · 09/10/2025 18:14

They are more likely to be ageist because the software looks for facial expressions as a proxy for 'energy' and other 'strengths' and is probably trained on faces of 20-35 year olds, rather than because older people can't to video. It's also trained on white faces.

So is the purpose to collect info other than your knowledge of whatever they ask you to talk about?!

LasVegass · 09/10/2025 18:21

I first heard of video interviews like this 2 days ago from DS. There must be a technique to it, when you can’t see the other person and get a connection and a reaction, and I would probably agree with the OP that younger people are more used to talking to their real or imaginary friends like this and be at some advantage. OTOH if you’re seriously in the job market you’ll be doing plenty to give you some experience too.

Mrsoftandhisstrangeworld · 09/10/2025 18:14

They are more likely to be ageist because the software looks for facial expressions as a proxy for 'energy' and other 'strengths' and is probably trained on faces of 20-35 year olds, rather than because older people can't to video. It's also trained on white faces.

Cluelessasacucumber · 09/10/2025 18:12

It's not ageist no, you are.

But I think it's fair to say that the application and interview process should reflect the skills actually needed for the role.

We only ask for video applications where the person needs to a. Have a basic understanding of tech and b. Speak to the public etc. For roles that require good written skills a written application is more appropriate. Where both or neither apply we give a choice

Mrmrowlchops · 09/10/2025 18:07

I think it saves a lot of time. People don't have to dress up and travel to interviews. Most places have an idea of who they're looking for. It's a lot nicer to find out if you're not it this way. They are not always looking for young people necessarily.

lnks · 09/10/2025 18:06

GarlicBreadStan · 09/10/2025 17:51

Isn't it ageist to assume that people outside of the "Snapchat generation" are incapable of making these/teaching themselves how to make these videos?

I couldn’t agree more.

Coffeeishot · 09/10/2025 18:00

Why wouldn't an "older person " not be able to make a video on their phone/device ?

TheGrimSqueakersFlea · 09/10/2025 17:54

It shouldn't be compulsory. I'm ND and I wouldn't apply anywhere that wanted me to make a video of myself. I'm sure it would help some people feel more at ease, but it really shouldn't be compulsory

ToKittyornottoKitty · 09/10/2025 17:54

Self tapes existed long before Snapchat and smartphones have been around for more than 15 years, it’s not ageist. It’s more ageist to assume a whole generation can’t record a video.

HoskinsChoice · 09/10/2025 17:53

I would suggest you are are the one being ageist! You seem to be assuming that older people are incapable of using basic technology. That's a pretty discriminatory assumption!

GarlicBreadStan · 09/10/2025 17:51

Isn't it ageist to assume that people outside of the "Snapchat generation" are incapable of making these/teaching themselves how to make these videos?