Despite HR’s hard work, some managers just don’t learn to avoid saying stupid and biased things to job candidates. But you’d think they’d know better when talking to an HR pro.
Frank Bruno, a 55-year-old with 25 years of experience in HR, applied for an HR director position at Unitek U.S.A., a communications firm in Blue Bell, PA.
He almost got the job, until he reached one final interview with a top company official.
One of the questions posed: “How old are you, 78?”
Bruno tried not answer, but after he was pressed, he told the exec his age.
He didn’t get the job — a 36-year-old woman with 11 years of experience was hired instead. Bruno filed a complaint with the EEOC, which is now suing the company for age discrimination.
The case is still pending. But given the explicit age-related questioning, it looks like Unitek will have a tough time winning this one.
