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Original poster

To think I’m suffering ageism at 31?

124 replies

BreastSideStory · 30/01/2019 13:17

I’m having a compete career change, studying for an MSc and applying for graduate schemes (recommended route to become qualified).
I have applied for around 16 different grad schemes and have been invited to only 1 interview. My CV is impeccable, I have over 10 years corporate experience (in an unrelated field but many of the skills are transferable).
I’m currently top of my class receiving high distinctions in all modules.
Yet I cannot seem to get an apprenticeship or grad scheme place Sad

I went to one assessment day for a well known company, 8 of us there. A mixture of presenting, interviews and group work. I did well in all areas and even went for drinks afterwards with some of the staff. I’m bubbly and sociable so I just dont understand why I am not progressing?

It’s not my personality because I’m being rejected by a lot of companies at the first hurdle (before they’ve met me) and when I’ve requested feedback they’ve all replied saying I’m an extremely strong candidate but not for them right now.

The only thing I can think is holding me back is my age. I’m 31 (though I’m told regularly I look quite a bit younger) and the average grad applicant age is around 23/24 yrs old.
I was the oldest person on the recent assessment day by 8 years.

Does this really happen in this day and age? People discriminating against applicants because they’re a lot older than the others?

I’m feeling so down. Currently working on my thesis in the library and holding back tears Sad

Has anyone else experienced this or has any advice?

OP posts:
Mmmhmmm · 30/01/2019 13:24

I think what a lot of those companies are looking for is a ball of clay to mould and shape to fit them and at 31 you won't be viewed as easy to shape.

It is ageism, but you won't be able to prove it. :/

Grubsmummy · 30/01/2019 13:25

I'd say so. Your experience in your previous roles is probably going against you because your not a clean slate to mold to what they want

Seniorschoolmum · 30/01/2019 13:27

Employers may be worrying about how you will gel within a group where everyone else is not much more than a teenager.
Also that you may expect a higher salary in the future because of your age/experience.
But yes, sounds like ageism to me.
Perhaps apply for smaller companies where they only take on one or two apprentices a year, so that wouldn’t be seen as an issue.

My employer (small co) hires two a year and their ages have ranged from 17 to 28 so that might be a better bet.

Lazypuppy · 30/01/2019 13:28

Most grad schemes don't want lots of experience, as pp said they want to be able to mould someone.

People who have experience may also have bad habits

Oysterbabe · 30/01/2019 13:30

They probably think you'll have a baby soon.

Lushlemming · 30/01/2019 13:32

They are assuming you will take maternity leave in the near future, and then after six months back will get pregnant again and take another 12 months off.

Racecardriver · 30/01/2019 13:32

Grad schemes typically require a few years of long hours and flexibility. Women in their early thirties typically have young families. It’s possibke they are making the assumption that you are not the right age for a grad scheme. Or they may just prefer candidates with more relevant experience/more recently graduates (the graduate market is very tough at the moment).

LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett · 30/01/2019 13:34

Grad schemes are particularly bad IMO for wanting a cookie cutter set of experiences/skills/age range. Having said that, I know a 52 year old apprentice... but yeah, I suspect it's discrimination. You'll have no chance proving it though.

Have you got yourself a mentor? Can you try a different route? One area where you could stand out is by being polished/having good interpersonal skills so try and meet people in other ways, ie get yourself to trade conferences, local 'women in business' events, that sort of thing - network like crazy. Grads do this but through each other, iyswim.

SEsofty · 30/01/2019 13:35

I’m afraid for grad schemes they don’t really want experience but want someone they can mould and who will devote their life to work

Pernickity1 · 30/01/2019 13:36

Could you edit your CV to make it appear you’re younger without actually lying? Just don’t go back as far? And see if it results in more interviews?

Awful that you’d have to consider that but might be worth it. If you get into an interview and they like you they will be less inclined to write you off based on your age. I understand how upsetting it is OP I’ve been in a similar position aged 32 and it’s an awful knock to your confidence Flowers. Best of luck with your thesis

LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett · 30/01/2019 13:36

Racecar also makes good points - the grad market is really tough/is your original degree at the right level/subject? It shouldn't matter after ten years in the normal course of things but in a grad situation, it might be losing you points in their weighting.

Br3adnButt3rPud · 30/01/2019 13:53

If you have only applied for 16 graduate schemes that is probably not enough, think 100s. Do you have any contacts that can offer you a job ? Do you have your CV on LinkedIn. The job market/ graduate is tough.

JohnMcCainsDeathStare · 30/01/2019 14:19

I do wonder whether this was why I somehow became LESS employable in STEM despite 9 years in industry on my last job search not just because I have ASD...

Lemond1fficult · 30/01/2019 14:20

How old do you look? Have you considered just taking off your work experience that indicates you're older? And remove dates from your a levels and GCSEs.

Then see if you get a better response.

Br3adnButt3rPud · 30/01/2019 14:37

Do you actually need to apply for a graduate scheme ? Can you apply for a job in your industry ?

Camomila · 30/01/2019 14:56

There's internships as well.

I am also 31 and retraining via an MSc. A few months ago I applied for a job in my new field and didn't get it..anyway, yesterday I had an email from their HR team saying would I like to be consisered for a paid intership - I said yes please!

Original poster
BreastSideStory · 30/01/2019 16:29

I’ve applied for lots of internships and unpaid work experience too.

To answer a few questions:

Employers may be worrying about how you will gel within a group where everyone else is not much more than a teenager
In this particular industry that wouldn’t be the case. It is usually one or two grads within a large office, working on a rotational basis in relevant departments.

How old do you look? Have you considered just taking off your work experience that indicates you're older? And remove dates from your a levels and GCSEs
Honestly most people are shocked when I tell them I’m 31, I think I look more 25-26ish. I can always remove dates from my CV but the grad scheme applications are usually an initial online form which requires you to input the dates so I couldn’t get away with doing it on there.

They probably think you'll have a baby soon
Sadly I think this may be the case. The truth is I already have children aged 8 and 4. I’m reluctant to ever let on they exist to potential employers as I worry they’ll think I’ll be taking time off to look after them, when in reality I can count on one hand the amount of days I’ve needed to take a day do look after them when they’re ill because I have a fantastic support network (grandparents are amazing!)

Do you actually need to apply for a graduate scheme ? Can you apply for a job in your industry?
Without being too outing I really do need a grad scheme. The career I’ve picked requires a further 2 years of training and support from your employer before taking an assessment, which then accredits you.

OP posts:
Original poster
BreastSideStory · 30/01/2019 16:31

They are assuming you will take maternity leave in the near future, and then after six months back will get pregnant again and take another 12 months off
The funny thing is I don’t want any more children (ever ever ever 🤣) but I can’t say that on my application. I’m less of a risk than a 24yo with a long term boyfriend in that respect.

OP posts:
ImMeantToBeWorking · 30/01/2019 16:54

Hi OP,

I was the same as you, was in one field, did a conversion programme in another (although I started at 23 so was 26 when I graduated). We were able to work full time as it was a part-time MSc so I managed to get a job within a few months.

I don't know what field or country you are in, so I don't know if my advice will carry but, I was one of the youngest on my course. Only one of us took on a graduate programme, the rest of us went directly into a company and started our chartership. What I am getting at is a graduate programme is probably not your only option to get to where you need to be.

As a PP already stated grad programmes are where young people are taken on and molded into the company wants in the hope that they will never leave said company. As you are older and more experienced, they can't mold you, but that is not to say that you will not be a perfect fit for their company.

What reason did the company you had the assessment day give for not taking you on?

Take your age off your CV. See does it make a difference, you don't have to have it on your CV anyway.

Whatdoyouknowwhenyouknownowt · 30/01/2019 16:59

Yes. Happened to me. Top first, not a sniff of a job. Got told by various, very, very senior members of the profession that it was to do with my age, also at 31. Suspect sexism too played a part, very heavily male profession. Had a lad with a 3rd & a job commiserate with me...

It sucks.

I worked for myself thereafter, tho couldn't finish the professional qualification & did ok.

getfitmumma · 30/01/2019 17:03

I don't even look at age when I shortlist personally or even a name to consider gender - I look at the name at the end once I have chosen people I want to interview.
What I do see though from people who have lots of experience is that they reel off all of their experience with very little substance t show me how their skills are transferable- so basically just list everything they have done.
It comes across quite arrogantly and therefore I don't shortlist them. Whereas I have had less experienced candidates explain how they think their experience will relate to the role and then I have shortlisted them.
I'm not saying this is what you have done of course as I have no idea what your application says but just something to bear in mind.

BowBeau · 30/01/2019 17:08

I had the same problem. Stayed at uni for Masters and PhD then got told I was too old for jobs at 28. Because they wanted someone who was a blank slate and able to work long hours for a relatively low salary. Not someone who was approaching child bearing age and needed more money and time for life commitments outside work.

Original poster
BreastSideStory · 30/01/2019 17:16

Only one of us took on a graduate programme, the rest of us went directly into a company and started our chartership
I am aiming to become a chartered surveyor, unfortunately not a single company I have come across offer roles to support you through your APC unless it’s a grad scheme. I feel like I’m royally screwed.

Take your age off your CV. See does it make a difference, you don't have to have it on your CV anyway
My age isn’t on my CV however the date I graduated from my undergrad degree and previous employment dates are on there so it doesn’t take a genius to work out how old I am.

@Whatdoyouknowwhenyouknownowt that’s really not fair is it Sad I’m panicking now thinking I’ve just wasted 11yrs doing my masters for nothing.

@getfitmumma Thank you for your advice, I really appreciate it. My CV already has been adapted because I have no industry relevant experience I’ve mostly talked about the transferable skills I’ve gained in my previous employment. You say you don’t look at age... but how would you view a CV with no dates on? I’m considering removing the dates from my undergrad degree and employment history bar my most recent job. Do you think that’s a good idea?

OP posts:
Original poster
BreastSideStory · 30/01/2019 17:18

@BowBeau that’s awful.
The child bearing comment I find amusing as I’ve already had my family and certainly won’t be having any more. Maybe I should start advertising my DP’s vasectomy on my CV 😂

OP posts:
pandarific · 30/01/2019 17:23

I'd knock off a few bits of experience too op, it will make you look less experienced too.