How do job seekers address age-related stereotypes?

As reported here on the university website, Ann Marie Ryan, Michigan State University professor of psychology, has a study which will appear in an upcoming issue of the Journal of Managerial Psychology, entitled “Strategies of job seekers to combat age-related stereotypes.”

Ryan and colleagues surveyed unemployed job seekers of all ages under the theory that older people perceive more discrimination and make an effort to downplay their age during interviews. The theory proved correct.

The study also found that younger workers avoided discussing their age, apparently so they wouldn’t be seen as too inexperienced.

This of course may be a finding that would not be replicated in the UK because of the legal differences between the countries. In the US, the law on age discrimination applies to those aged 40 and over whereas here as in all EU countries, age (any age) is a legally protected characteristic.