10 Age Discrimination Interview Questions You Might Encounter (And How to Answer Them)

In this economy, more and more workers are foregoing retirement and choosing to continue working out of necessity. Although age discrimination is illegal in the United States, an August 2023 iHire survey discovered that 33.6% of workers over the age of 50 experienced ageism in an interview during their job search. Many received no response to their initial application, while others attended a career interview only to be "ghosted." If you do land an interview, it's important to be prepared to face some questions that may dance around (or even directly address) your age.

Read on to find out some potential ageism interview questions, as well as how to combat ageism with your answers to those questions.

10 Age-Related Interview Questions (And How to Answer Them)

If you find yourself in a job interview, you may encounter some of the following age discrimination examples. Here's how to field them with professionalism and aplomb.

1. "How Old Are You?"

This question violates the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA). Even so, it's best not to answer in a confrontational manner to maximize your chance of being considered for the position. 

How to Answer

One way to answer this question is to address it head-on, such as: "I don't believe age is important, so let me talk about how my experience makes me well-suited for this position."

Steer the conversation toward some of your more recent job experience, but avoid giving a play-by-play of your decades of experience.

2. "What Year Did You Graduate From College?"

By asking about the timeline of your education, the interviewer is likely trying to get an idea of your age. This question is not technically illegal under the ADEA, but you can still answer it without providing details.

How to Answer

Guide the conversation toward your educational accomplishments rather than its timeline: "I graduated on the Dean's List with a bachelor's degree in business administration. Can I tell you a little more about my education?"

Looking for a Rewarding Career?

Create your free account today to access more job search tools and resources.

Job Seeker Sign In

Sign in with Google

Sign in with LinkedIn

Sign in with Apple

Or, use your email address:

Next

We Value Your Privacy

3. "How Long Have You Been Working?"

This is another question an interviewer may ask in an attempt to ascertain your age. Another indirect but truthful answer can redirect the discussion to where it belongs.

How to Answer

Cite a non-specific range that aligns with the position’s requirements and again, focus on your recent experience without detailing the total length of time you've been part of the workforce: "I’ve been in this industry for more than 10 years. In my most recent position, I spent several years performing very similar duties listed in this job description." 

4. "Will It Bother You That Many of Our Employees Are Younger?"

By asking this question, the interviewer is trying to determine whether your age will make you bitter about being a senior member of the team. It's best to be ready to answer why you look forward to this.

How to Answer

There are a couple of different approaches to answering this interview question. You could explain that you welcome the opportunity to work with and learn from younger people – and vice versa. Or, you could discuss how diverse teams perform better and that you look forward to being part of a high-performing workforce.

5. "How Do You Feel About Working for a Manager Who Is Younger Than You?"

This loaded question tends to imply that seasoned professionals may have a hard time taking direction from younger managers. 

How to Answer

Use your experience to provide an answer to this question. Provide an example of a time when you worked successfully with a younger leader, and explain that you're comfortable collaborating with people of all ages, backgrounds, and perspectives. 

6. "Have You Kept Your Skills Up to Date?"

Of course, it's important to keep your skills sharp throughout your career journey. Use this question as a chance to highlight your pertinent skills.

How to Answer

Give the interviewer examples of ways you've worked to hone your skills over time. These may include:

• Taking online courses
• Following industry professionals on social media
• Attending conferences, workshops, and networking events
• Obtaining updated certifications
• Volunteering or interning 
   

7. "Are You Comfortable Using New Technology?"

There's a stigma in our society that stereotypes older people as less than tech-savvy. Show the interviewer you are adaptable and willing to learn new things.

How to Answer

Ask which specific technologies the job requires. If you aren't familiar with an application or tool, be honest – and explain to the interviewer that you're a quick study and will have no problem learning the technology on the job.

8. "Will This Position Be Challenging Enough for You?"

In other words, the interviewer is trying to determine if you're overqualified for the position at hand. 

How to Answer

Tell the interviewer that you glean satisfaction from doing any job well and that you see a variety of challenges within the potential position. You can also mention that at this stage of your career, you find mentoring and learning from others highly rewarding.

9. "Why Are You Looking for a Job at This Stage in Your Career?"

It may be hard to fathom for some less-savvy hiring managers that someone with your experience is interested in furthering their career instead of retiring. While your reasons for staying active in the workforce should be none of their concern, you can still answer confidently.

How to Answer

Describe your desire for new challenges, growth, and continued success, and explain how your passion for learning has helped you throughout your career journey.

10. "How Much Longer Do You Plan to Keep Working?"

With this question, the interviewer is likely under the assumption that you may seek to retire sooner rather than later.

How to Answer

To answer this question, it's best to focus on how continuing your career brings joy and value to your life. Provide examples of recent successes of your own, as well as future projects with their company that excite you.

For additional guidance, enroll in iHire's self-paced ageism masterclass for job seekers today or check out more resources on how to handle ageism in our free library, such as job search tips for Baby Boomers and proven tips for changing careers over the age of 50.