If you were running a cosmetology school, how would you feel about a 57 year old applicant?

Question

Would you think that they couldn't possibly do the job? Would you think that they couldn't get hired?

shiprepairwoman: Although it's illegal, I've been told by three different schools that they have no openings. They didn't tell me this until after I told them my age.

Nars: If that's what you want to do.

Angie: You immediately assumed that I was doing the discriminating. Why?

Answer 1

I wouldn't see a problem. They may have just retired and always wanted to do it. Many are very healthy at 57 so being on their feet all day isn't an issue. They will probably be better in many ways than a younger person because they are more mature and understand people better.
Also they may have enough money to open their own shop so don't need to look for work.
Why would you care about age? It is illegal to discriminate based on age as will as not helpful in any way.

Answer 2

What I wouldn't do is discriminate based on their age. I think if they are going to school, that will be the best test for them as to whether or not they can do the job once they get out in the work force. Whether or not anyone will hire them is anyone's guess, a 22 year old might not get hired if they don't have the skills or personality for the job.

Answer 3

That's not for you to decide. You should not be discriminating against someone because of their age. You treat their application like anyone else's. If they are accepted and they can't do the job or they don't get hired, that's their problem, not yours. You at least gave them every opportunity.

Answer 4

The applicant may be planning to go into business for her/himself..or they may want to accomplish an old goal. To put it clearly..I'm 51 and I never finished my Phd. Should I?.I'm retired.

Answer 5

it doesn't matter about anything other than ones ability..