A recent post on the Careers for Boomers and 50 Plus group combined with an email sent to me by a reader have prompted this post.

The post talked about one particular bank and accused it of hidden and rampant ageism. I don't know whether this is true or not, but the poster's frustration was loud and clear. At the same time, I received an email from a reader who was frustrated and upset (and a little hurt) over an implication that if one was not an entrepreneur they weren't applying themselves. I don't agree -- there are all types of personalities and workstyles and everyone walks to their own beat -- finding the type of employment their personality and strengths are best suited for.

There is rampant ageism across the US, Canada, the UK, Australia...it is rampant. Denying it is like being the ostrich with head in sand.

The ageism tends to be hidden, not talked about, avoided, but any jobseeker who has gotten "the look" knows what I'm talking about.

50 plussers, 60 plussers and 70 plussers are actively not being hired. The issue is the elephant in the room and the more people talk about it, the more attention will be given to the issue.

Our employment need is a good 10 years ahead of the willingness and awareness of employers...so that leaves many of us in tough situation.

I get hundreds of emails through this group and through my Gen Plus blog (http://genplus.blogspot.com) and I've seen hundreds of resumes. Believe me there are many, MANY people out there who are well qualified, who SHOULD be getting interviews and hires and are NOT simply because of their age.

Putting in a good effort helps, but the effort that a 50 plusser must put into job search is about 17 times greater than a Gen Yer. 17 applications more than a Gen Yer ...to get an interview...let alone a job. Keep the conversation going. The more talk the more this issue comes to light.

Wendy