Would you lie about your age if asked at interview?

[LipstickLou]

Having feared there was nothing out there for me at 55 I have a job interview next week. I have posted before about feeling on the scrap heap as I have been passed over for the last 16 months (all interviews came to nothing with the successful candidates being at least 15 years younger than me). I have given them an abridged CV as advised and no dates re my first job and degrees. They have asked for 20 years experience but the job ad had lots of references to a 'young' company. If I get asked my age I would like to say over 21, what do others think?- I know they legally shouldn't ask but they tend to say 'you have fabulous skin, do you mind if I ask how old you are?' sneaky but I have no poker face.

I thought X years of experienece was discriminatory anyway?

@An0n0n0n

I thought X years of experienece was discriminatory anyway?

I didn't know that, perhaps someone can advise?

When you go for an interview you are being assessed as to your ability to do the job and also your personality. They are seeing you as a good fit in their working environment. They could interview someone younger who appears perhaps confrontational or rigid and then an older person who appears adaptable and friendly. Fifty five isn’t old in this day and age. Certainly don’t lie about your age but can’t see them asking. If they did, however, I would answer truthfully and with confidence. Certainly wouldn’t answer in a confrontational manner unless you definitely don’t want the job.

Similar position to you, except that I am freelance.
Removed dates from further education.
Had a video interview last Monday, main interviewer in possession of far more grey hair that I have :-) but at least 20 years younger than I am (I am 62).
Received positive feedback on Tuesday and the project offer on Friday.
The only people, who have ever asked me for a date of birth, have been India-based agencies with whom I no longer engage (very bad experience last year).
It is my firm belief that if your face and experience fit, you will get the job. Good luck!

I wouldn't lie; I'd ask why they were asking.

Well done Victoria.

I'm 54 and been out of work for just over 4 years since being made redundant (3 of which were due to family circumstances).

With savings running low I was hitting every job board and site possible to very little response.

Then just over 5 weeks ago I had a phone call out of the blue inviting me to a face-to-face interview and to give a presentation on why I should get the job. With a week to prepare I did my best and turned a 90 minute interview into a 2 hour one that bagged me the job. Which I'm in my fourth week of tomorrow.

At no point was my age asked. However I have sanitised my cv to remove obvious pointers.

At some point they’ll ask for your right to work in the UK (assuming you’re based in the UK) and that will have your DoB on it 🤪

@IChangedMyNameForThisQ

I'm 54 and been out of work for just over 4 years since being made redundant (3 of which were due to family circumstances).

With savings running low I was hitting every job board and site possible to very little response.

Then just over 5 weeks ago I had a phone call out of the blue inviting me to a face-to-face interview and to give a presentation on why I should get the job. With a week to prepare I did my best and turned a 90 minute interview into a 2 hour one that bagged me the job. Which I'm in my fourth week of tomorrow.

At no point was my age asked. However I have sanitised my cv to remove obvious pointers.

Oh well done. I do need a few good luck stories. I too had turned down work due to family illness and I thought it had impacted on me. We are OK but I love working. So pleased for you.

Lipstick: now I really need to know—what cream do you use?!
And good luck with the interview (play it casual if they ask, fudge it, e.g. “I’m NOW In my 50s” emph on now, indicating you’re only just 50, without actually saying that).

They must not ask, but they can work it out by the year you graduated or started employment. Even if you don't give years, if you give your qualifications and have O'levels or CSEs, they'll know you are almost certainly over 50.

If they ask, you could up your age so they appreciate how young you look. They can't discriminate on age grounds any more, so it makes no odds.

Just don’t tell them. Never been asked at an intent age but my date of birth goes on application. You can’t lie because it’ll be in your personal file and how’d you explain when HR puts you in the wrong tax bracket etc... far too many implications

@IChangedMyNameForThisQ

I'm 54 and been out of work for just over 4 years since being made redundant (3 of which were due to family circumstances).

With savings running low I was hitting every job board and site possible to very little response.

Then just over 5 weeks ago I had a phone call out of the blue inviting me to a face-to-face interview and to give a presentation on why I should get the job. With a week to prepare I did my best and turned a 90 minute interview into a 2 hour one that bagged me the job. Which I'm in my fourth week of tomorrow.

At no point was my age asked. However I have sanitised my cv to remove obvious pointers.

A presentation on why you should get the koby... bloody hell. I’d like to put that without money I will die

@IEat

Just don’t tell them. Never been asked at an intent age but my date of birth goes on application. You can’t lie because it’ll be in your personal file and how’d you explain when HR puts you in the wrong tax bracket etc... far too many implications

I wouldn't worry too much about that side of things unless the person who inputs the employee data is recording the interviews and checking back afterwards. I'd think that connection would be very unlikely and in England I don't think any tax is age related and the OP isn't over pension age so no issues with NI

Although I'm thinking maybe you aren't in England as we don't have DOBs on CVs or application forms afaik

In terms of age discrimination a co. Should never put "20 yrs experience required" in a job advert as this discriminates against younger candidates. If asked I would deflect. But they really shouldn't

Absolutely not
Because the last couple of jobs I've had to provide lots of original documentation, identification and original qualification certificates
Plus references

People on the bus ask you what perfume you wear, then ask if you work in cosmetics, then ask you what face cream you use?

I'm sorry but that is odd. Why would you perfume lead someone to ask if you work in cosmetics

People on the bus ask if you work in cosmetics? I'm obviously getting the wrong busses, I'm more likely to be asked if I have any spare change

@FrankButchersDickieBow

People on the bus ask you what perfume you wear, then ask if you work in cosmetics, then ask you what face cream you use?

I'm sorry but that is odd. Why would you perfume lead someone to ask if you work in cosmetics

Not odd I just like talking to people. By the time I get to Knightsbridge they are all singing 'she'll be coming round the mountain' (joke).

@Jumpalicious

Lipstick: now I really need to know—what cream do you use?! And good luck with the interview (play it casual if they ask, fudge it, e.g. “I’m NOW In my 50s” emph on now, indicating you’re only just 50, without actually saying that).

I am a product tart so it depends. I like Avon Anew oil in gel gold, Shiseido BOP, Hub Beauty Botox & Cult 51 night cream- big bucks but worth it.

They aren’t meant to ask. If they do and you don’t get the job you’d have grounds for discrimination so any sensible company generally wouldn’t touch it (also things like if you’re married, have kids etc).

How do you get to 55 years of age and are in direct competition with people 15 years younger than you? Surely your experience and promotions over the decades should speak for itself, I mean you’ve had almost 40 years of working experience which is almost as long as some of these candidates have been alive. If you haven’t secured a job for 1.5 years, it’s something more then your age that’s an issue.

Don’t lie about your age - your DOB will either be part of the payroll entry, or it will be listed on your right to work documents. Lying will be more of a red flag than your age. How will you get past DBS checks if necessary?

This is going to be controversial but I think younger people have it much harder in the job market right now. You have benefited from so much by virtue of being “grandfathered” in. Yet you’re complaining about the 1 possible benefit a younger person might have lol

@LonstantonSpiceMuseum

I also work for an investment bank, and one of their company culture slogans is speaking up and being assertive. I had a mildly provocative question in my interview and it turned out it was to test how I would respond! I also struggle with how I present myself. For years, I'd try and look older so I would get taken seriously. Or join in with older cultural references to cement that impression. Now I don't try and look younger, but mould my look in a different way. I look to Christine lagarde or the devil wears Prada (cheesy but yes really 😅) for scary meetings - I've watched interviews with Meryl streep and she actually talks about the presence that she was trying to achieve. I'll channel Arden, Leslie knope from parks and recreation (much toned down obviously!) For a softer approach. I don't know much media, if you have watched more movies you might be able to think of more examples - no shame in copying!

A fun answer thank you. I do have professional clothes a bit like 'The Devil wears Prada' but I now try to wear something more approachable. I also drive a smaller car so they don't get arsey about that too. However I have an older (66) still successful friend who says 'stuff it, you are what you are. Wear your designer clobber and drive the big car, if it they don't like it they don't need you.

I am a few year older than you. I do think women are discriminated against if they look their age. I once worked with another professional woman and she had thin, grey hair cut short. I thought she was consistently undervalued because as far as I could tell, she was good at her job. As a result, I stay skinny as a size 8, keep my roots coloured, have a light touch of botox and filler, had my bunions fixed and dress youthfully (in a tasteful way).

I am involved in recruiting people on a fairly regular basis and I have had only a few people be downright unpleasant or domineering in an interview. I would never employ those people. I don't want to hire a management challenge no matter how good they are at other aspects of the job. People who give thoughtful answers - not overlong ramblings - and appear flexible and pleasant - are at an advantage. Smiling helps. Also, tailor your answers to the interviewer. Don't give a very technical answer to somebody who doesn't understand the technicalities of the job. Try to look interested and lively yet respectful.

I have worked with people who were seen as ball breakers. Some of them were just very big and loud people. I think it is really important for women to control their voice and keep the volume appropriate. I know this stuff shouldn't matter and men wouldn't be seen in the same way but you want to get employed. We always ask how you would handle a disagreement - I work in a technical field - and the answer should centre around understanding the other person's point of view, coming to a compromise, discussing with some other experienced colleagues etc.

I have had people be condescending to me when they didn't realise my age or seniority. Never be this person as I'll have just got a very clear idea of how you might treat younger people as well as me. Also be a delight to the secretaries or PAs who may interact with you.

They won't ask but try to convey that whatever family reasons meant you weren't working are no longer a problem. Express nothing but the most profound admiration for any former colleagues or employers unless they have actually been found guilty on criminal charges.