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Ageism Haunts Some Tech Workers in the Race to Get Hired

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Re: Ageism Haunts Some Tech Workers in the Race to Get Hired

#41

Post by 7thaccount »

imbusy111 wrote: post #29

I did feel a disadvantage myself when I was job searching a few months ago, but for me it was my personal attitude coming through more than anyone judging me by my age. I felt that I just cannot get excited anymore about some of the bullshit the company leadership is throwing around, and neither could I overlook the massive mistakes the companies are making based on my own interview questions. But I do understand tha…

Lol. Yeah once you've heard the HR hype a few times you know how hollow it is and just want to fast forward past it. Glad you found what you need.

Re: Ageism Haunts Some Tech Workers in the Race to Get Hired

#43

Post by 7thaccount »

wheaties wrote: post #31

I feel this. I got the "you look older than your profile pic" comment during an interview last year. That one was fun. Dude wanted to know if I could even code anymore.

Isn't that illegal in the US and opens up doors for lawsuits?

Re: Ageism Haunts Some Tech Workers in the Race to Get Hired

#45

Post by DragonStrength »

rm_-rf_slash wrote: post #32

In my past experience, Apple was full of graybeards who could code circles around younger devs. They’re the ones who knew how to build and maintain high quality software. I’m not sure if it’s the same way now, but I was highly impressed with my former coworkers’ caliber. Ageism isn’t an inevitability, it’s a choice.

It was true when I left a year ago. I was surprised to find the next hire after me was 20 years my senior. I actually felt like my mid-30s “youth” worked against me at times there.

Re: Ageism Haunts Some Tech Workers in the Race to Get Hired

#46

Post by supportengineer »

77pt77 wrote: post #39
wheaties wrote: post #31

I feel this. I got the "you look older than your profile pic" comment during an interview last year. That one was fun. Dude wanted to know if I could even code anymore.

Once that impression has been made (and it takes a fraction of a second) it's effectively engraved in stone and can't be changed. You disproving their assumption by showing you can code will only elicit extreme disgust from them.

"If you ever feel the need to defend yourself, you have already lost."

Re: Ageism Haunts Some Tech Workers in the Race to Get Hired

#47

Post by georgeecollins »

wheaties wrote: post #31

I feel this. I got the "you look older than your profile pic" comment during an interview last year. That one was fun. Dude wanted to know if I could even code anymore.

How about: We're not sure the team will be comfortable working with someone so experienced.

Pretty obvious what that was about.

Re: Ageism Haunts Some Tech Workers in the Race to Get Hired

#48

Post by sethammons »

slibhb wrote: post #11
nvy wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Do you have any reputable research that shows people produce better-quality work in their 20s vs say, their 40s or 50s?

Virtually every genius is most productive before 40, usually before 30. Counterexamples exist but are rare.

https://www.zippia.com/founder-jobs/demographics/

The average founder is over 40. They are the folks making money. Not sure what geniuses have to do with where you are coming from. Sure, most mathematicians who make a name for themselves are young. But most people changing the world and making money with tech? That's the over 40 crowd because they have been professionals and understand what other professionals need.

Re: Ageism Haunts Some Tech Workers in the Race to Get Hired

#49

Post by georgeecollins »

johnny99k wrote: post #9

That's why it's better to start consulting as you get older. Much less discrimination. We have 65+ year old consultants/developers at our company.

100% agree! Or have a "lifestyle" business. If you are experienced you should think about learning how to hunt and kill on your own.

Re: Ageism Haunts Some Tech Workers in the Race to Get Hired

#50

Post by panzagl »

77pt77 wrote: post #37
antisthenes wrote: post #30

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> So what about everyone else? They probably just move laterally to another tech company with a decent pay bump. Not the worst outcome.

No. They get kicked out of the field. Like someone said, it's an open secret.

Depends on how you define 'the field'- if you mean SV cutting edge unicorn selling ad stuff, then yes. If you include some place like Lockheed Martin or Northrup Grumman doing boring non-cutting edge stuff like aerospace or signal analysis, then no.
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