How old is old? Apparently, not all that old, according to a friend. The bad part, though, is that it apparently makes you a bad risk.

Let me back up. A friend is "exploring new career directions" and was interviewing for a job in a different field, but one that was more junior in required experience. OK, but she was starting over, and was perfectly willing to do what it takes.

Cut to the interview. The hiring manager asked a few routine questions -- "why did you leave your last job?" (because they laid off half the staff?) And then asked the zinger -- "Why are you looking for something that you're overqualified for? Won't you just leave when the job market improves?"

So my friend is facing long-term unemployment in a field that's shrinking. She's interested in moving onto something new. She has a flawless track record, staying at each of her previous employers for several years. And she's staring across the desk at a hiring manager who equates her desire to bring HER work ethic to HIS company to that of a newbie, with no track record of loyalty. Sorry, but I really don't get it.

Until the job market tightened up, many young professionals saw job-hopping as the route to follow to sure-fire career success. Work for a year, maybe year-and-half at the absolute most, then jump to the next rung on the ladder. The HM (hiring manager) was ready to pass on my experienced friend (who had never jumped after a year) to hire a totally untested recent grad.

And that's what he did.

We're still shaking our heads, not comprehending the logic. (And we're trying to figure out where the line for age discrimination really lies). This, by the way is not the first time I've heard stories like this. So if anyone can enlighten me on how this makes sense, here I am. Please tell me. I'm not unsympathetic to recent grads, I assure you, but some hiring practices baffle me.

Photo by joi