I need to rant!!

RE: I need to rant!!

Ian M — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 15:35:45 GMT

Yes, it is unlawful to ask that question and if you wanted to be really responsive to that, you could ask for a copy of the shortlisting and/or interview questions answer sheets (anonymised if needed).

I've definitely noticed that I ger less invites to interviews (I'm not in frontline nursing now) since I turned 50.

RE: I need to rant!!

Laura Nelson — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 15:42:59 GMT

I’m annoyed on your behalf. Surely managing the job due to age is YOUR decision to make. And obviously you would not be applying if you didn’t think you could handle it. This is straight up age discrimination.

RE: I need to rant!!

FINNIGAN — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 20:56:32 GMT

thank you, their loss

RE: I need to rant!!

Alison Clare Hickman — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 19:57:04 GMT

Unlawful

In most cases, it is unlawful to ask a candidate how old they are. If someone is treated less favourably because they are considered “too young” or “too old” for a role, this may amount to age discrimination under the Equality Act 2010 (as interpreted for 2025).

You Can’t Ask That! Illegal Questions In Interviews (2025 Updated)

I'm 62. I'd laugh, perform my latest Yoga pose, snap my fingers in their face and walk off saying "I've better places to be!"

Good luck with the search, kiddo!!

RE: I need to rant!!

Arlo Guthrie — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 18:39:10 GMT

[quote userid="4023" url="~/f/clinical-discussions/32588/i-need-to-rant/179129#179129"]Would they ask the same to a 20 yr old I wonder?[/quote]

No, but they might ask a load of other age-related questions like: "Just married eh? Planning on having children?"

Seriously, I would try and not let it get to you. As you say, you can respond to age questions by talking about how you bring wisdom and experience and common sense to the job, all things which I think would be very appealing to an employer.

RE: I need to rant!!

FINNIGAN — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 18:18:34 GMT

Would they ask the same to a 20 yr old I wonder?

RE: I need to rant!!

FINNIGAN — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 18:18:05 GMT

I’m sure the question isn’t allowed to be asked?

RE: I need to rant!!

Arlo Guthrie — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 17:37:40 GMT

FINNIGAN

Walk your dog without a zimmer?

At your age?

What are you thinking????

Joking aside ... not surprised you're cross. 61 is nothing these days. You're not even half way to the finishing post!

I think if it were me, I would answer the question by highlighting the benefits of age EXACTLY as you have. Bring experience to the role, inc 20 years experience lifting heavy dogs. And I'd make a joke about the maternity thing. Raise a smile and it'll help get you the job. I'd say: I don't need time off for child care, and it's fairly unlikely I'll need maternity leave.