Startup Recruiters: Here are 3 Questions You Should Never Ask a Candidate over 40

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Startups are not just for young people.

I recently interviewed for a role with a startup. The company reached out to me to inquire about my interest. I was flattered by the invitation but left the call flattened.

I’m in my mid-40’s. Apparently, old for today’s startup culture. I’m not trying to hide my age, but I got the sense that the recruiter discovered my age mid-interview.

We had a nice conversation, but at the end of the call, she added some filtering questions that left me feeling the very real effects of ageism.

Here is what she asked:

Are you comfortable working with young people?

I may be in my mid-40’s, but I don’t need you to judge whether or not I’m interested in working with younger people.

Asking how would you feel about working with people half your age, sends a message that you believe that I am incapable of relating.

I had to explain that my mind still functions just fine and that I enjoy learning from younger generations. Heck, I’ve been in the background of my kid’s Tik-Tok videos. I get the lingo.