Age Discrimination

Here are the questions filed under this category. To read Ken's advice on any item, click on the link "Read Ken's Answer."

	I am a professional with 38 years of progressive responsibility in a technical field. I placed my resume on a job website and had 37 hits and zero inquiries. There is no apparent interest in a person 59 years old. Why are companies totally resistant to hiring someone my age? Should I mask the evidence in my resume? Read Ken's Answer
	I am a female in my mid 50's, and I would like to know why it is so hard to find a job in the administrative/clerical field. I have 12 years of experience as a senior secretary. How can I get a response from companies and employment agencies and let them know I am qualified for the positions I apply for? I have called and left messages and never gotten a callback. Read Ken's Answer
	The manager of our department does not like to hire experienced people. He says they have to be retrained and still end up doing things their old way. Although I wouldn't tell him, I think he's wrong. Does his approach make sense to you? Read Ken's Answer
	My boss just told me that I have too much of my children's artwork in my office, and I should take some of it down. I don't want to remove it. Having their work around me makes me feel good, and my children love it when they visit. How would you suggest I handle this? Read Ken's Answer
	I am a 58 year-old woman with over 15 years in executive support and a great resume. Even though there is not supposed to be any age discrimination these days, do you feel there is? What are we mature people supposed to do? I am applying through agencies, newspaper ads, and the Internet. What other advice can you give? Read Ken's Answer
	I am a 58-year-old maintenance worker with 33 years of experience in my field. I have had many interviews for better jobs, and every time they say that I would fit the job well, and they often use the word "great," but then I get a letter saying they picked someone else. I am in very good health, happy, and a great worker, but I am feeling left behind because of my age. What can I do? Read Ken's Answer
	I am a 55-year-old female, and I heard that I would have a better chance of getting a job if I looked younger. I am considering having some minor surgery, and I was wondering if you think that doing so actually helps make someone more marketable. Read Ken's Answer
	I am over 50 and I despise my job. It makes me tense and upset every day, and the problem is that I am stuck. The pay and benefits are good, and I know it will be very tough to find anything like this at my age. What do you suggest? Read Ken's Answer
	I am looking for a job, and although I am still in my 30’s, my hair has a lot of gray. I have had interviews for positions that I could definitely handle, but I have not received one offer. Some of my friends say that the problem is that I look older, and their suggestion is for me to dye my hair. Do you think this will help? Read Ken's Answer
	I am looking for a summer internship, and my college referred me to a company. I am a 20-year-old female art student, and one of the interviewers said he knows he is not supposed to ask, but he wanted to know if I am 21-years-old. I begrudgingly told him my age, but I am wondering how to answer this type of question. Read Ken's Answer
	I am 55 years old and having problems finding a job. I believe I am qualified for advertised jobs, but when I submit my resume, I hear nothing. One of my friends suggested I leave earlier jobs off of my resume, and then explain things if I get an interview. What do you think? Read Ken's Answer