I'm applying for an admin assistant job at my former high school but apparently I'm too young...?

Question

I graduated high school in 2003 and have been at university ever since, graduating with a BA in Sept. 2007. I'm finishing off my classes at uni on May 1st and want to go on to take a Masters in Education Admin some day. In order to get in though you need a few years of work in an educational setting so I figured I would apply to my old high school since I've worked there for 5 years as a summer student - doing secretarial, translation, marketing and camp counsellor work. I was young in my grad class and so I started working for the school in grade 11, at 15 years old.

I'm now almost 21 and have all of the credentials they want, plus a university degree, but when I inquired after the job this morning the director of the school (he's a new guy since it was recently bought by an American firm - it's in Switzerland) said I needen't even apply since he wanted someone older.

I want to change his mind, but how should I go about it? I'll send you my resume by email if needed... Thanks!!

This is the ad for the position by the way:

Dynamic Administrative Assistant

This full-time position requires fluency in English and French – other languages are an advantage; excellent organizational, coordination and planning skills, office administration and secretarial skills, excellent telephone and communication skills. Computer literacy is essential.
A happy and lively personality is required even for attacking the most mundane of office tasks!
Ref. Administrative Assistant

Steve, I think you're wrong about my intentions. I am applying for a job at this specific school because I think it would be a good first step in a career in education management or student affairs (something I decided to pursue 5 years ago). I did have a great time there as a student, and I think I would have a good time there as a staff member (for 2-3 years) but I don't plan to hang around forever. I've had awesome leadership and educational experiences in my undergrad years (I went to the other side of the world to study) but I need to earn a stable salary in a job I'd like for a couple of years before going back for a Masters in Ed. - my old school just seems like the ideal place to do that since I know it and love many of the people there.

Answer 1

Do they have laws in Switzerland regarding discrimination in their hiring practices or is there a Department of Labor that you can check with about the position? I know it is a pretty liberal country as far as legal stuff is concerned, so check on that.
Regarding you changing his mind, If you can have some respected (MUCH OLDER) friends, co-workers, etc. write reference letters regarding our work and maturity level, it may help.
I disagree with him not even allowing you to apply and be disqualified appropriately, however, I do understand that he may want someone older, that can demand the authority that is often hard-pressed to come from high school students. At your age, the students just may not take you seriously as an authority figure, and I am sure he wants someone who will exude authority, and not someone who has to earn it from proving themselves to their peers.
Not an ideal situation, but we don't exactly live in an ideal world!

Answer 2

Even if you got the job, you would never be happy there. You are applying for a job there because you were happy "before." You have to grow up; in a sense, you have not yet graduated from university. You have stop being Jane Eyre trying to stay at "Lowood School" and get on with your life.

This profit-driven Swiss-American conglomerate will soon implode. You don't want to be there when it does. How would you explain your responsibility for the consequences to the pupils?

Answer 3

First of all that's age discrimination and it's illegal. But truthfully, he just doesn't want a young hottie working around all those horny high school boys.

Best bet is to apply at elementary or middle schools.