Mussman Introduces Initiative to Prevent Age Discrimination in Job Interview Process

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To address and prevent age discrimination in job interview processes, state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, recently introduced a new measure to prohibit employers from asking applicants for their college graduation date or other age-identifiable information on an application or in an initial job interview.

“Barring employers from asking applicants their college graduation date or their age on a job application will help ensure that qualified candidates are being given a chance based on their merit,” said Mussman. “Age should not be a determining factor when evaluating whether a candidate is qualified to begin the interview process.”

Mussman is spearheading House Bill 5159, which would prohibit employers from requesting job applicants to submit their college graduation date or other information that could identify their age on their application or in their initial job interview, and would make doing so age discrimination and a civil rights violation.

“What may seem like an innocent question on a job application could make the difference between a person getting called in for an interview or not being considered at all,” continued Mussman. “This legislation will ensure employers are giving applicants a fair chance and not discriminating against them because of their age.”

Mussman represents the 56th District, which contains portions of Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Roselle, Rolling Meadows and Palatine.