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.

Legally they are not allowed to ask your age st interview. If they asked me I would just politely remind them if that fact.

They must not ask, but they can work it out by the year you graduated or started employment.

If they are dim, yes.

Plenty of reasons why someone might graduate in their 30s - or 40s or 50s.

And even more reasons why someone may not have started work until they were in their 30s either. Especially if they were bringing up a young family or caring for someone.

And that's before we imagine a candidate who may not have been bought up in the UK and so exposed to a different regime of education and employment.

Being able to imagine situations that aren't "the norm" is a talent worth paying for ....

All those are reasons someone might be younger than assumed. If I graduated in 1990 I'm likely to be over 50, unless I was a childhood genius and even then at least 45.

@Rangoon

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.

An exceptional answer. I think you are a very knowledgeable person. My LinkedIn in has all my staff on from the last 20 years Some have eclipsed me- good for them. My voice is very Maggie I can't change it. My career has been around conflict management for the last 20 years. I get employed to reach an agreement between parties. What I have found over the last 2 years is that people have moved on. Younger people don't fight so much over terms. I work with the French and others. To be honest I might hang up my boots. I love working but I need my self respect back.

Have you interviewed yet @LipstickLou? Wishing you the best of luck if it’s not happened yet

@Randomness12

Have you interviewed yet *@LipstickLou*? Wishing you the best of luck if it’s not happened yet

Update. Smashed first and second interviews. Last one this coming Monday.

“23, but I had a bit of a tough paper round. Wink wink.”

They’re not supposed to ask!

No point outright lying because if you do get the job, it's very likely that you have to give them documentation with your DOB on as part of identity checks.

Good luck in the final interview!

It's a while since I applied for a job but do you still get asked for your date of birth on the application form

A friend of mine was asked about his age at interview and replied “why, are you planning on discriminating against me?” with a smile. They found it funny and offered him the job. I think they liked the fact that he had the confidence to challenge them. Wouldn’t work with every employer.

If you’re 55 then you probably won’t pass as someone in their 30s. I doubt they’ll ask your age. Employers are more interested in your industry experience.

No way, it's really easy for them to find out via your NI number and tax.
Makes you just look stupid.
I've just landed a great new job at 59. I never have a problem with getting work.

Excellent news, Lipstick!

I'd like to think that I'd have the courage to say, "that's not relevant to whether I can do the job, and it's a protected characteristic," but whether I would in real life, I don't know.

Headhunter 53 and female. I think it made a difference. I haven't lied, said 50s. Young company but wanting historic knowledge. Yeay.