Around the Web: If Age Is a Barrier

Around the Web: If Age Is a Barrier

Of the thousands of age-discrimination claims filed each year, about 10 percent are related to hiring. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, “Age discrimination definitely increases during tough economic times.” The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 offers a protection against this, but as with every law, there are processes that need to be followed and certain conditions that need to be met. Below you’ll find a variety of resources for helping you determine whether or not to file a claim and how to do so.

• If you feel you’ve been discriminated against in any way throughout the hiring process, you can file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The EEOC has specific instructions on how to file.

• Working Fairness has an extensive rundown of what acts legally constitute age discrimination and who is covered under the ADEA (Age Discrimination Employment Act), as well as tips on how to prevent and deal with age discrimination in the workforce.

• The AARP offers information on how to file a claim and what to expect after your claim has been filed.

• The AARP also has advice and resources for employers on avoiding age discrimination during the hiring process. For those thinking about filing a claim, it might also be interesting to look at the issue from the employer’s perspective.

• MarketWatch has put together a highly comprehensive series of articles on age discrimination. One article offers advice for older job seekers about the job search process and how older job seekers can proactively and preemptively deal with age bias. A second story provides additional information and advice on filing an age-bias claim.

• Aging Workforce News is a news Web site that tracks developments, tools and resources for managing older workers and boomers in the workplace. Its comprehensive links section features a wealth of information for older workers, including “Interview Questions for Older Workers to Anticipate,” “10 Job Ideas for Older Workers,” and “Approaches and Tactics for Older Workers Who Can’t Find a Job.”