Do you think age should be a factor when applying for work?

That has been my problem ever since I became unemployed at the age of 35. They were even polite enough to tell me that I am 'overqualified', although I know for a fact that it's the age factor. I think it's unfair and discriminatory. I believe this is only here in our country (Philippines), as people in other countries can get a work as long as they are still able and healthy.

Yes, it is very unfair. I know for a fact that that is the usual case in some countries (such as Philippines). I guess because of the very high unemployment rate, employers can actually afford to be picky, especially if the position is not considered highly technical. If you know that you're already way past the required age limit, I don't think you should still bother applying as you'll definitely will only get disappointed anyway. If you're already past the hiring age group, you'll probably be better off if you'll just try to start on something on your own, like a home business or something. Who knows, you might even surpass whatever you could have earned if you did get employed in the first place.

Your very right girl it's kind a disapointing that's why people rather go out of these country. They need a job to earn not only for their sake but their family. It's like they are useless here. Even me I can't understand it. As long the person can handle the work it is not the age that matters a lot It's the performance and doing the job well done. Have a nice day!

Even though how one looks or how old an applicant is, if their skills are right for the job, they should get hired yet, that's not always the case. Most often, the employer has no choice but to choose those who would 'best' represent their company. Visually pleasing employees imply good and well equipped capabilities while those who don't look like it, even though if they are more competent than new comers, are ignored or deemed to be among those who have been 'left out' which is unfair. That's why there are some jobs that inadvertently discriminates aspiring applicants due to requirements not being met yet, such requirements would either be just those that are superficial. Some of the jobs that I think that anyone can grow old in but still be employed would be in teaching since, the higher the educational attainment the applicant has acquired, the more the school prefers to include to be among their faculty.

i have been put to this situation very recently and i hate that i missed ma job because of me being a year elder to others...i don't think this is fair and i can't take this..jobs must be offered for people who are really talented rather than age issues...

Hello there. Well i think it all depends on the position anyone is applying to. I live in spain, and at age 30 you're considered old alreay. but then again in the States you can work even if you're 60 or over, As long as you're fit for the job and have the experience I dont think age should matter...but then again it depends on the job.....Like I would freak out if i see a 60+ bouncer you know...

i think in some cases the age should not be there. it can act as blunder to some. but now the competition is so much, so companies are making some limit.but still i think it happens very bad at times.

I say all age discrimination - both the kind that says you're too ol d and that which says you're too young should be illegal all over not just in the United States. And even in the states, it goes on because no one takes employers to court over it even though it is unlawful. I think as long as an individual can do the job and do it well they should get the same chance as others. You say you are focusing on those that are "too old to do work for a certain job" and I think you mean those who are unfairly disqualified from a job simply because of their age. Well I say, as it seems you do, that age doesn't define us. An older person can be as strong or stronger and their mental capacity, learning and experience could also outweigh that of a younger person. By the same token, those who are disqualified because they are too young - but of age - could be just as responsible, intelligent, knowledgable about the job and even experienced as someone older. So no I don't think age should be a big thing, I don't think we should be defined by our age. I after all, will be returning to school again and I'm 38, which means I will be entering my chosen profession late, although I worked in somewhat similar fields. Further, I can't be defined by my age in that I have a twenty months old.

I dont think age should be an issue when applying for a job. Infact I think with age comes experience and thats where employers are getting it wrong. An older person might have been working in that field for many years than a younger person who is coming fresh from college hence less experienced. The age thing should be totally scrapped from the requirements.

I do not think that age should be a factor in employment. As long as you are capable of performing the duties of the job, you should be able to be hired for the position. I don't believe it is actually even legal in our country to place age limitations on employment.

Hi there! I think age is an important factor in job requirements. But it also depends on what kind of job. If the job requires to much physical activity then companies will require age limit. But for just clerical works then maybe age won't be a requirement. Unfortunately all jobs requires age limit. Companies always looks for fresh faces and young employees because of the fact maybe that they are more energetic than older ones. Young employees can also work longer years. Ciao!

I don't think that age should be a factor, but ability. If you are still able to perform up to the company's standards, then it is only fair that the company should hire you. A lot of elderly men and women need jobs still. If I were elderly, and if they gave me a fair shot and told me that I was not performing up to their standards, then I would understand why they would not hire me. If they turned me away, then I would be both hurt and angry. It's a form of discrimination.

This is a growing problem that is to a large extent illegal in the United States. Outside of the military, police departments, and fire departments I don't think age should be an issue. We are all living far longer than ever before.

age, looks and what you know. you have to be good in your first interiew. you see, first impressions last. there are different kind of interviewer, some don mind the age or looks. some looks for what the applicant knows. the knowledge and the effort to work.

If you visit Florida you will see that in USA age is not a problem regarding work. I think if I had a company and that is just an idea I would hire older people as the majority because they would not cause so much trouble as some young do. They do not have problems like kids, they already did that and many other things, they have more experience in some fiels, so I am pro of work does not matter in what age!

I don't think that age should be determined as a factor. I think it might go on in the work force but it seems like discrimination to me. Some employers might have an age group in mind for what they want in their place of business however different people of different age groups especially over forty can still be competent. They can be as competent as the younger generation with more experience. As long as the person is able bodied and perform the task without problems then age shouldn't be a problem.

[i]It depends upon the kind of work. If that work requires physical strength then old people will be out of it.If it is only more on paper works like in office then it is more advantageous in the part of the old because of their experienced.[/i]

I for one doesn't like the idea that some of these company requires an age limit as per qualifications for their future employees. But it denotes the quality of works by finding the best applicants, because the company thinks that younger generations can performs the job well. I don't know how the Human Resources (HR)of the company comes to a conclusions thats these certain ages makes the best employees. Whatever their reasons, it is still unfair to some who can perform the job more than enough than there young employees.

There are companies that are particular with age limits. For me it is unfair. That is why there are lots of people who are jobless because of that. They should accept qualified people regardless of age for a job. Here in the USA, as long as you can do the job assigned to you, they will hire you.

I don't think that there should be an age limit,there should be an age limit to get work,which is like at 16 you can start here in the states, other than that there shouldn't be"Your too old to work" unless you have health problems like,you can't stand to long, or you can't see very well etc even with glasses some people can't see very well. Depends if its a medical condition then no.