Job Doc

Is age a factor?

Pattie Hunt Sinacole discusses whether age impacts hiring decisions

Ask the Job Doc. Boston.com

July 8, 2024

3 minutes to read

Q: For three years, I have been temping. I have applied to several permanent roles, but have not been successful. I worry about my age. Every recruiter seems to be very young, and it seems hard to connect with them. I am now very proficient at interviewing via Zoom but half of them don’t turn on their video feature, yet expect me to turn on mine. Then others are talking to me from their cars, gyms or other odd places. I don’t get it. Do you think my age could be a factor?

A: Your question is a good one but there could be other factors as well. First, you are probably aware that many employers are shifting to an increased reliance on contingent labor over the past decade or so. Companies have replaced full-time workers with outsourced options – whether they move one or more jobs overseas or to the temporary firm around the corner. Many workers have some type of contracting, consulting or temping on their resumes now, more so than even 10 years ago.

Since the start of the pandemic, in Massachusetts, the unemployment rate has swung from a high of just under 15% to 3%, as of this writing. This is one of the greatest shifts since the Great Depression. This shift was unsettling to many employers across the nation. The Massachusetts employment market was part of that turmoil.

Even though this low rate favors the job seeker, we know that there are many factors which impact a job hunter’s search. It could be industry, location, type of work, or a job seeker’s credentials. Sadly, age, race, sex or other similar factors can also impact a job seeker’s ability to find a new job. Though illegal, age does creep into an employer’s decision on who to hire. Sometimes, though not always, a more experienced job seeker is looking for a higher salary. This can be linked to age, but companies are almost always evaluating compensation levels and pay practices.

I am also not certain how you have conducted your job search. Networking is still the best avenue. Often times when I talk to job seekers, I find that their job search efforts are focused on efforts behind the computer. Introverts in particular often struggle to connect with others beyond their laptops. The PC is a very useful tool but not a replacement for networking. Here are some worthwhile job search resources to consider:

if you attended college, your college or university career services office or alumni association events
LinkedIn, an online professional networking tool
review your personal email addresses to determine if there are any strong professional contacts that you have not reached out to as of yet
former colleagues or co-workers
the temporary firm that you might be working through
inform your own personal network that you are looking for a new opportunity: your siblings, your neighbors and other contacts in your community
churches, synagogues, temples and other houses of worship are often places to develop or strengthen your network
contact former employers; rehires are often a good source of talent for many employers

One positive that you have shared is that you have been able to secure several temporary roles. Temporary roles are important in that they can help you develop your skills, as well as expand your network. Are there individuals at your temporary place of employment who may be good professional contacts, either now or in the future? Would the temporary placement firm consider converting to you to a full-time employee? Some employers use temporary employees to “try before they buy.” These temporary jobs also demonstrate that you are not staying home, and waiting for a job to drop into your lap. You don’t have lengthy gaps in your resume.

It is difficult to adapt to different interview styles. Some of our clients prefer video interviews, onsite interviews or a blend of both. I would agree that interviewing a candidate from a gym is not a professional interview. The only exception that I can think of is if you were interviewing for a role at a gym.

Unfortunately, age discrimination does exist. I can not ascertain whether you have been impacted by it or not. However, understand that although this is an encouraging job market, it is not a positive experience for all.