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Post by hop2 on Aug 18, 2014 16:20:40 GMT
I received a number of replies to my advert for an admin assistant. Most of the applicants were over qualified, older than what I am looking for etc. There was one that stood out and I felt I could call her for an interview. When I read her covering letter she asked what the salary would be. I was a bit put off by this but bear in mind this is my first time. Would you overlook this and interview her anyway? Or am I being weird? I guess if you have no other applicants your interested in then you over look it. But every applicant really does want to know the salary, most are willing to wait for that info until later but maybe this person doesn't want to waste your time if she can't live on what you want to pay. And may I ask why you would pass by applicants for being 'too old' if they are qualified then your breaking the law discriminating for age.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 10, 2024 2:28:01 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2014 16:21:23 GMT
Honestly, I'm so put off that you would disregard a candidate because they are "too old", that I think you deserve an admin who is likely too young and immature to know to not discuss salary in her cover letter.
If you want my real advice: take a second look at those "old" candidates. (And FTR, I'm 32, so my attitude is not because I'm part of the "old" group you are disregarding.)
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Post by Mary_K on Aug 18, 2014 16:31:07 GMT
Why in the world would you be looking for someone younger!?!
You are locking out a great amount of knowledge, life skills, maturity, etc.
Also, as far as the salary is concerned, I think the salary range should be in the ad. That way you waste fewer people's time and waste less of your time.
Mary K
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 10, 2024 2:28:01 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2014 16:32:28 GMT
Age discrimination is illegal.
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basketdiva
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,649
Jun 26, 2014 11:45:09 GMT
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Post by basketdiva on Aug 18, 2014 16:37:35 GMT
I prefer to know the salary range up front because I don't like wasting my time or a prospective employer's time.
FYI- your comment about age could get you into a lot of trouble.
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Post by sisterbdsq on Aug 18, 2014 16:37:50 GMT
I would not work for you. Age discrimination is AGAINST THE LAW and you freely admitted to disqualifying candidates based on that. If you don't want to tell me what the salary will be, I don't want to waste my time dressing and coming to meet you. Why would you want me to waste your time also?
Bear this in mind - Even if the employer did not intend to discriminate, if a jury perceives that discrimination has taken place, an employer can be found guilty.
Watch yourself.
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anniebygaslight
Drama Llama
I'd love a cup of tea. #1966
Posts: 7,402
Location: Third Rock from the sun.
Jun 28, 2014 14:08:19 GMT
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Post by anniebygaslight on Aug 18, 2014 16:44:35 GMT
Maybe she would not want to progress her application if the salary wasn't enough. I wouldn't be applying for a job if I didn't know what the salary would be.
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Post by gonewalkabout on Aug 18, 2014 16:54:29 GMT
I agree with what others have said about the 'old' category you are putting people into. As others have said, that's illegal!
I'm not in the old category either, but I will point out a few things here for you. What you consider old and what people are capable of are two completely different things. There are many older people who have learned on their own to build websites, coding, have more knowledge about admin, dealing with people, skill sets that younger people might not have. Experience counts for quite a bit!!!
You are getting 'over qualified' applicants because there are very few jobs and people NEED to work! Just because they're over qualified does not mean they will up and leave in a couple of months.
People are volunteering to keep up their experience and skill set, are looking for other under employed work because people with masters degrees are applying for jobs for bachelor degrees. This is making those with bachelors degrees apply for work meant for entry level or hs diploma. People don't have a choice right now!
End rant.
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Post by tuva42 on Aug 18, 2014 16:56:47 GMT
Wow, I hope other employers don't think like you do. I'm 54, I'm looking for a job, and one of my fears is that people will think I'm too old.
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Post by anonrefugee on Aug 18, 2014 16:57:25 GMT
I'm always perplexed by over qualified and "old" comments.
Did it ever dawn on you the person had a successful career, has changes in her personal life and did so well financially she can take a less paying job so she's got better life balance?
Sheesh. Way to pass up higher quality workers based on prejudice and ignorance.
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Post by nesser01 on Aug 18, 2014 17:04:51 GMT
This is all kinds of wrong. Firstly age discrimination is illegal. I know it happens but its wrong and even more wrong to admit it outright. There are a lot of 'old'good candidates that will probably offer you more than what you will find in someone fresh out of school.
Second of all, your getting "overqualified' people because it's tough out there to find a job. A lot of people are willing to have a job and are willing to work a lesser job just to have an income. Life isn't free....well for me it's not.
Third of all. How is wanting to know what the salary is off putting? She probably doesn't want to waste your time or her time. Salary should be put on a job posting. It would save a lot of headaches and wasted time.
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Post by BuckeyeSandy on Aug 18, 2014 17:19:50 GMT
I received a number of replies to my advert for an admin assistant. Most of the applicants were over qualified, older than what I am looking for etc. There was one that stood out and I felt I could call her for an interview. When I read her covering letter she asked what the salary would be. I was a bit put off by this but bear in mind this is my first time. Would you overlook this and interview her anyway? Or am I being weird? I guess if you have no other applicants your interested in then you over look it. But every applicant really does want to know the salary, most are willing to wait for that info until later but maybe this person doesn't want to waste your time if she can't live on what you want to pay. And may I ask why you would pass by applicants for being 'too old' if they are qualified then your breaking the law discriminating for age. What is "over qualified" or "too old" that is a slippery slope for employers to state that. There are millions out of work, that were doing other jobs that either were shipped off shore, or automated, or eliminated for other reasons that need employment, why is that a problem? One of the questions I ask at an interview is "what are the hours and what is the pay" if the interviewer has not previously addressed it.
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Post by anonrefugee on Aug 18, 2014 17:42:27 GMT
I One of the questions I ask at an interview is "what are the hours and what is the pay" if the interviewer has not previously addressed it. I agree! It's good to know a future employee can handle these issues, and has self esteem enough to care! A cover letter isn't best place to ask the question, but if an employer hadn't suggested a range what's a an applicant to do?
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Post by krc11 on Aug 18, 2014 17:49:41 GMT
I absolutely hate it when the employer doesn't want to address the salary issue early on. What a monumental waste of everyone's time! I get you don't want to put $50K in the ad b/c you will get a million resumes. I can't tell you how many calls I get from headhunters. First two questions are where is the office located and what's the salary range. Because if the location or salary range isn't better than what I currently have, we might as well not waste anyone's time. When given the salary range, I'm generally appalled, given the experience they want. But then a lot of people are out of work and willing to take less.
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craftchickapowpow
Full Member
My Circus My Monkeys
Posts: 206
Jun 26, 2014 16:12:18 GMT
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Post by craftchickapowpow on Aug 18, 2014 17:56:25 GMT
Okay well now I'm curious. What do you want this "admin assistant" to do for you, do you have education requirements, what is the pay, what are the benefits and what age range is too old?
edited to delete my head scratching gif because for some reason none of my gifs work anymore.
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Post by anonrefugee on Aug 18, 2014 18:01:26 GMT
OP, please come back and explain. I'm going to assume you were throwing out a quick question to the Pea Hive and know it's against the law, etc.
I've written things quickly before and it's been taken in a way I didn't intend.
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Post by stampnscrap1128 on Aug 18, 2014 18:03:27 GMT
This only confirms what I've been running into in my job searches. While employers cannot legally ask for my age (which is 57 - probably ancient to the OP), they will ask what year I graduated from high school, college, etc. Pretty easy to figure out my age from that. Unfortunately it seems the actions of the OP are not uncommon in the workforce.
I hope the OP will remember someday she will be among those 'older' employees.
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scrapaddie
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,090
Jul 8, 2014 20:17:31 GMT
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Post by scrapaddie on Aug 18, 2014 18:07:50 GMT
I received a number of replies to my advert for an admin assistant. Most of the applicants were over qualified, older than what I am looking for etc. There was one that stood out and I felt I could call her for an interview. When I read her covering letter she asked what the salary would be. I was a bit put off by this but bear in mind this is my first time. Would you overlook this and interview her anyway? Or am I being weird? And you have just presented proof of age discrimination! Shame!!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 10, 2024 2:28:01 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2014 18:12:46 GMT
I agree the previous comments about age discrimination and loosing out on the talent pool.
I just wanted to add one perspective on listing a salary range: our company does not, as a rule, list the salary rage. For many positions, we are willing to consider a wide range of skill levels (and train for what doesn't already exist) - we do this, in part, because we're looking to find a candidate who is a great fit with the team. We solicit salary expectations from the candidate and consider those hand in hand with the candidate's level of experience - i.e. better skilled talent is worth a higher starting salary.
Conversely - we found when we advertised a wide range, then the entry & lower level candidates had unrealistic salary expectations - and because of the range we posted, and we weren't able to overcome those expectations. Also, we're generally able to go 'above and beyond' for the perfect fit ---but realistically you can't advertise that either.
So, we really don't waste anyone's time, and we get a better range of candidates by not listing a salary range. Just a thought to consider when looking at job postings.
I also freely admit that a lot of businesses do waste people's time - and their own. It makes it harder on the rest of us.
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Post by anonrefugee on Aug 18, 2014 18:13:53 GMT
It confirms my fears too. I had a Career, for almost two decades but cut back with kids. Now they're teens and other family members are aging too. I want to spend more time with each because in the next 5-10 years many will be gone, one way or another. So I want I get a part time job- maybe even retail, that I'm over qualified for but carries less big picture responsibility. My friends who've tried to do the same have been turned down because employers think they'll leave. How to convince someone I am earnest, don't want all the bells and whistles and will work hard for less money because it suits my lifestyle and need now?
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Post by anxiousmom on Aug 18, 2014 18:18:43 GMT
Arg.
I will rarely, if ever, jump in and be contentious from the get go on purpose. But I am on this.
I am job hunting. Desperately job hunting. I am "of a certain age" (48) and as such, I know that while my age is not supposed to be a factor, the reality is that it is. As someone pointed out, it is obvious based on high school and college graduation dates how old I am. While age discrimination is not supposed to be legal, people get away with it because you can always point to some other variable that could prevent employment and it is very easy to get away with it.
I am smart, I am capable, I have a work ethic that would blow you away. I am not young- but I would be the employee of your dreams. I am never late, I don't dilly dally around, I do more than the minimum because I inherently want to do the job right.
And yet you would dismiss me based on being too old. Shame on you.
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MizIndependent
Drama Llama
Quit your bullpoop.
Posts: 5,836
Jun 25, 2014 19:43:16 GMT
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Post by MizIndependent on Aug 18, 2014 18:23:55 GMT
I received a number of replies to my advert for an admin assistant. Most of the applicants were over qualified, older than what I am looking for etc. There was one that stood out and I felt I could call her for an interview. When I read her covering letter she asked what the salary would be. I was a bit put off by this but bear in mind this is my first time. Would you overlook this and interview her anyway? Or am I being weird? You're being weird. Salary disclosure is really quite normal. P.S. Used to be that an older job applicant was kind of a coup because of the experience and professionalism he/she brought to the organization...unless, that is, you are actually looking for an immature twat to type your reports for you.
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Post by welshjenni on Aug 18, 2014 18:29:45 GMT
Perhaps the OP regards the admin assistant position as an entry level job with lower wages than perhaps an older or more experienced person would be prepared to accept.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 10, 2024 2:28:01 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2014 18:31:20 GMT
How old does one have to be for an admin assistant position? My mother could run circles around the younger folks the day she retired at age 70. She taught me PowerPoint and several spreadsheet packages for crying out loud. She now texts me for most of her conversations and she's 75.
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Post by chirpingcricket on Aug 18, 2014 18:32:08 GMT
I don't understand why the OP doesn't want to state the salary up front. It's normal for that to be printed in job ads where I live. I wouldn't apply for a job if I didn't know the salary.
And of course, I, too, would have been passed over by the OP. When my DH lost his job in 2009, I had been a SAHM for twelve years. I had had a good job that paid well and offered promotions, and I gave it up to be a SAHM and homeschooler. The minute DH was let go, I started sending out resumes. In two years' time, I only got two interviews. Then my job that I have now came along, and my darling boss saw past my age and the fourteen-year gap in my employment history. I adore this man. He's a good guy. I'm so glad I applied to his job advert, and not the OP's.
Shortly after I started working here, one of the other attorneys hired a receptionist. He took applications over Facebook and hired the youngest, prettiest person with a fresh, new associate's degree in paralegal studies. She was terrible. She answered the phones, "XYZ Law Firm! How c'n I hep y'uns?" She called clients "sugar" and "honey." She messed up pleadings; she couldn't take a phone number without getting it wrong; she would forget to mail things. The list went on forever. But she was very pretty and young. We were all relieved when that attorney left the firm and took her with him. Things have been so much more pleasant. Even though I lost my office with a window, at least I know that the person answering the phone is going to treat clients professionally and courteously.
Once an opposing counsel called here, and I answered the phone with my usual mellifluous tone, "Good afternoon, XYZ Law Firm. How may I help you?"
The attorney on the line paused and asked, "Oh, my goodness - are you a real person, or are you a recording?"
ROFL!
I love my job, I love my open-minded boss.
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Post by anxiousmom on Aug 18, 2014 18:33:08 GMT
Perhaps the OP regards the admin assistant position as an entry level job with lower wages than perhaps an older or more experienced person would be prepared to accept. It doesn't matter. Any person who applies for the position should be judged on the merits of their experience and shouldn't infer anything beyond that-particularly whether or not they not prepared to accept the job.
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luvnlifelady
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,428
Jun 26, 2014 2:34:35 GMT
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Post by luvnlifelady on Aug 18, 2014 18:34:31 GMT
Yah this whole thing just irritates me. I'm like anxiousmom and looking for a job. I just turned 48 and really feel the age discrimination when I go out for interviews if I can even get them. Applying to be a driver at Pizza Hut or working at Motel 6 and not getting a call back sucks. I've been at it over 18 months and I'm just wanting to contribute. I'd be a damn good employee too.
My kids are teens now so I just want something simple so I can help out the family. I'd take something in my fomer field of accounting too though. Just give me a chance.
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Post by anonrefugee on Aug 18, 2014 18:36:21 GMT
Perhaps the OP regards the admin assistant position as an entry level job with lower wages than perhaps an older or more experienced person would be prepared to accept. Then perhaps she should open her mind. As I've stated in my posts, some of us older types have are seeking balance in another form, and have the means to allow it. I know I'm lucky to be in this position financially. That doesn't mean I will be irresponsible or unable to perform the job. And although my tech skills will always be bless than a current grad, I am fluent in my industry's software. Even better- I understand it's purpose and what to do with the reports it produces.
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MizIndependent
Drama Llama
Quit your bullpoop.
Posts: 5,836
Jun 25, 2014 19:43:16 GMT
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Post by MizIndependent on Aug 18, 2014 18:38:27 GMT
Perhaps the OP regards the admin assistant position as an entry level job with lower wages than perhaps an older or more experienced person would be prepared to accept. Then perhaps she should open her mind. As I've stated in my posts, some of us older types have are seeking balance in another form, and have the means to allow it. I know I'm lucky to be in this position financially. That doesn't mean I will be irresponsible or unable to perform the job. And although my tech skills will always be bless than a current grad, I am fluent in my industry's software. Even better- I understand it's purpose and what to do with the reports it produces. You know, LOGICALLY speaking, women with grown kids that have already left the nest are a better option as they will not have to use sick days for their kids and will be more available during and after business hours since their family demands are a lot lower. Not to mention the fact that their benefits packages will be less expensive (if their own health is generally good) because it will be just themselves, not themselves and their kids. So...fewer missed work days, better focus (no home distractions), lower benefits costs (likely)...I can't see a reason for an office manager to NOT hire someone in their 40's/50's. Really!
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Post by Merge on Aug 18, 2014 18:38:37 GMT
I wonder if the OP will come back.
Most corporate jobs for which I applied (and those for which my husband applied in the past year) asked for my salary requirements. That allows the employer to eliminate those who would not take the job anyway and focus on qualifications and skills.
The comment about age was puzzling. I hope the OP will come back to explain. As a forty-something teacher who doesn't plan to teach forever, age discrimination is a real concern.
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