Same old story | Age bias complaints soar in hiring, Glassdoor data shows

Age discrimination is emerging as a growing concern in recruitment, according to new research from Glassdoor that shows job seeker complaints have jumped sharply.

The jobs platform reported a 133% year-on-year rise in ageism comments during the first quarter of 2025. While the rate slipped slightly in the following quarter, analyst Katherine Engelman said complaints remain 20% higher than the same period last year.

Engelman noted that people over 50 are struggling to secure interviews, with cases spanning multiple industries. Marketing and large technology firms drew particular criticism. “How are we supposed to feel secure in this employment when we know that we could go at any moment?” one worker asked.

Older workers face interview barriers

Many older applicants are reentering the market after years away, facing hiring practices that have changed significantly. Some are turning to peer advice on Glassdoor, including suggestions to limit resumes to the past decade or explore fields that place a premium on experience such as teaching or local government.