We wanted to know if you, our readers, think that being older is a negative when looking for work. You responded:

• Yes                          81%
• No                           17%
• Don't Know              0%

Commentary and Checklist

Younger workers on average cost less than older employees, yet younger employees often lack experience, skills, loyalty, and the hard work ethic older workers bring to the workforce. Older workers are especially adept at training and mentoring.

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects older workers (those age 40 and older) from discrimination based on age. For this reason, employers must establish an age discrimination policy that covers all areas of employment including hiring. In 2014, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received 20,588 charges of age discrimination.

Age preferences, limitations, or specifications should not be part of job notices or advertisements. Although the law does not specifically prohibit asking an applicant his or her age or date of birth, those questions can indicate a possible intent to discriminate and should be avoided.

To prevent age and other types of illegal discrimination, employers can consider these tips: