As some of you know, I'm trying to find a job in Singapore that pays me the same or slightly better than my current salary in the U.S.. A company (not consulting though) was interested in me recently. We did an interview, all went well, until they asked me my age.
When I told them my DOB, they said they couldn't take me because I was "too old". WTH? I'm not even 30 (and 30 is not old anyway)!!! This is for a business analyst position that I'm very qualified for. I found it primitive and insulting that they would use my age against me.
I spoke with couple of friends who are currently working in Asia and they said that apparently this is quite common in quite a lot of Asian countries, where they want you to include your photo with your resume to make sure they like how you look before they interview you, and that they tend to prefer to hire women who are "not old", which in this case, means early to mid-20s.
Granted, this one is NOT consulting (that's my FIRST choice), but banking is my second choice (backup choice). It really concerns me that I'm at a serious disadvantage due to these unfair criterias (age and looks). Times like this makes me want to stay in the U.S. even more ...
Another thing, what do I do when ppl ask me how much I'm making right now? I don't like to reveal it because I'm currently being paid 15K below the market rate (I came to my current job when job market was really bad, and my company is notorious for not giving raises), telling them my current salary will only put me at a disadvantage.
I am feeling quite annoyed right now. Why in the world did my SO have to move to Asia?!!!
When I told them my DOB, they said they couldn't take me because I was "too old". WTH? I'm not even 30 (and 30 is not old anyway)!!! This is for a business analyst position that I'm very qualified for. I found it primitive and insulting that they would use my age against me.
I spoke with couple of friends who are currently working in Asia and they said that apparently this is quite common in quite a lot of Asian countries, where they want you to include your photo with your resume to make sure they like how you look before they interview you, and that they tend to prefer to hire women who are "not old", which in this case, means early to mid-20s.
Granted, this one is NOT consulting (that's my FIRST choice), but banking is my second choice (backup choice). It really concerns me that I'm at a serious disadvantage due to these unfair criterias (age and looks). Times like this makes me want to stay in the U.S. even more ...
Another thing, what do I do when ppl ask me how much I'm making right now? I don't like to reveal it because I'm currently being paid 15K below the market rate (I came to my current job when job market was really bad, and my company is notorious for not giving raises), telling them my current salary will only put me at a disadvantage.
I am feeling quite annoyed right now. Why in the world did my SO have to move to Asia?!!!