I’m 62 and no one will give me a job interview
HAVING worked for my employer for 15 years, moving up from being a telesales agent, through team leadership to the dizzy heights of retail sales and services manager, I was made compulsorily redundant in September last year. Foolishly, I thought my years of experience would make it easy for me to find another similar role. All the agencies with which I signed on were impressed by my CV and assured me I’d have no problem finding future employment. So, every morning, I log on and spend two hours e-mailing job applications to potential employers from the 20-odd online agencies and checking LinkedIn, thinking I’ll at least be offered an interview. What could go wrong? I’ve got excellent references, a good profile on LinkedIn and top-notch recommendations. I’ve lost count now of how many positions I’ve applied for, only to be rejected, told I’m over-qualified, ‘not quite what they’re looking for’ or ignored. I started applying for non-managerial positions, reception, PA or admin roles. Still nothing. Then, it finally dawned on me where the problem lies. In applying for these roles, you’re routed via the relevant company websites and have to give information such as your date of birth and exam qualification dates to proceed with the application. I believe that, regardless of the law, I’m being well and truly discriminated against — because I’m 62. Shock, horror! I must surely have one foot in the grave by now and can never seriously undertake a managerial role again, can I? This is the only reason I can find as to why I haven’t even reached interview stage with any application. It’s not because I’m useless; I’m very good at what I do. I’d love to know what people’s perception of a 62-year-old person is. Give me an interview and you will see that I am a totally switched on, professional individual who has lots of qualities to offer an employer. We have a Prime Minister who is 61 this year — but I’m still banging my head against a brick wall.
LEE McGRATH, Hayes End, Middx.