Think I'm being discriminated against

[jobhuntingatthisage]

I have recently started job searching, had one interview but the actual job I was offered was different to what I'd applied for and very very unsocial hours. I declined it but they will keep me in mind if anything else suitable comes up.
I've now applied for three positions for the same not for profit organisation. They are a big employer.
I haven't applied for jobs for many years and am late 50's but have read the criteria for each and I meet the requirements fully.
However I've been emailed about all three to say I've not been successful in being invited for interview. I did email back to ask for feedback as it would be helpful to know the reasons but haven't heard anything
Now I know I met the criteria for interview and evidenced all the requirements and am now left wondering if this could be age discrimination. Clearly the organisation would deny this but is this something that Acas deal with or is discrimination only for during employment?
I'd really value some advise

When I say I've applied for 3 positions I mean for a different employer than the first interview

We often get between 80-200 applicants per vacancy, and interview about 6-7.

It could just be that over 100 other people also meet the criteria, but also have additional experience/their application stood out for some reason.

The employer won't know how old you are from an application? If they do then you need to rewrite it.

Also, agree with previous poster that it's very likely more candidates than needed meet the criteria unless you're applying for very niche roles. Due to numbers of application receives most companies won't give feedback unless you're unsuccessful at interview stage.

I think it's very easy to see how old a person is from a cv just really with regard to qualifications gained and previous employment ( I've taken out dates )
Thank you both anyway and I do appreciate that employers will receive many applications that meet the criteria.
I guess it would be just about impossible to prove age discrimination
I've now managed to speak to someone in HR who will ask the hiring manager to give me some feedback on my application which will certainly be helpful for future applications.

If you've taken out dates, what is it on your CV that demonstrates you're in your 50s?

O levels for a start!

You seriously underestimate how competitive the job market is now. The unemployment rate is apparently low, but so many people are underemployed or hidden unemployed, and they're all looking for something more secure.

Yes I'm sure right
I'm not applying for high powered or well paid positions and know that 15 years ago I would have had no trouble gaining an interview if I met the job criteria. I've had my CV checked by a friend who works in HR and he said it was fine. He also checked my covering letters

Hey! I work in internal recruitment and if you are applying for admin roles etc then there are such a high number , you really need to stand out.
Your o levels don’t need to be on there for a start. Also i’d write up about your last few jobs but then leave anything way back when to be honest .
Make sure your CV is clear and slick - and a short cover letter tailored to each company you apply for (just add their name each time)
Hope this helps!

O-levels. If you have higher level quals, just put those. So I would put my degree on a CV but not my a-levels etc. Or you could list them as level 2 qualification in subject (gsce level).

Good advice from @Cordial11

I've just run a recruitment campaign for one job. I received over 200 applications of which 60 broadly had the right experience/skills for the role. I telephone interviewed 20 and selected 10 for interview.

The 40 who did not make it to interview had the skills, but didn't convince me effectively that they were right for the job. That was almost always because they didn't tailor the application to the role.

So for example, saying "As a highly regarded oil and gas professional" doesn't convince me that you are that interested in the precision engineering role I'm looking to fill.

Also, beware of "friends" checking your CV. They'll want to be nice, not necessarily critical. If it's not getting you interviews then it's not hitting the mark (or you're applying for the wrong jobs).

I only have o levels and then a professional qualification. The professional qualification is from 1984 and became obsolete shortly afterwards in name so anyone will recognise how old it is!
I've had lots more in house training more recently and that's all on my cv too
Thanks so much for the advise

Have you been out of work for quite a while?

Good luck. Job hunting is a nightmare at any age I think.

So it’s possible you’re not being discriminated against, it’s just the other applicants are better qualified.

A lot of people have a degree now.

I was self employed until 4 years ago. I've supported myself since then from savings as had family commitments I had to attend to. I've now run out of money and needed to claim UC a month ago, first time I've claimed anything in my life. ( family issues mostly resolved). I will need to work for around ten years or so
If I can't get a job I want I'll take anything as I'd be on minimum wage anyway I'd imagine.

Thank puds11, Yep quite aware of that!
The jobs I'm applying for certainly don't require degree education though.

But you could see that if you are in a pile with people who have a degree you may loose out.

Also gaps in employment history won’t help.

It's more likely that your time away from paid employment is what is putting people off, but that's a difficult one to overcome until someone gives you a chance. Look at volunteering as a way to get some recent experience, especially if you're looking to go into the voluntary sector.

puds11 Yes and again thank you, I'm well aware! Certainly can't change that now

MrsMaiselsMuff
That's a really good point. I actually worked for 40 years with only six months off for each child. However I chose to take time out a few years ago so that I could support those who matter to me, I've absolutely no regrets.
On the plus side I was successful at the interview I did have so haven't lost it completely! It just wasn't the right job
What would you advise I write for the gap in employment please? I've got no there gaps whatsoever. I hate dishonestly and have just written that I had family commitments

Definitely don’t worry about mot having a degree. If it’s admin roles etc, someone with a history degree doesn’t have an upper hand . The roles you sound like you would be applying for would need experience over unnecessary quals.

Cordial11
Yes, thank you that's really helpful

Not *

Jobs aren't admin but paid similar. And you're right, the experience is much more important than a degree in this line of work