I'm a state visual merchandiser at 20 and am finding it so hard to get a job in my next challenge as a national. I've been told I just need to be cocky & make it clear that I really want this but companies just don't seem to care because I'm "only" 20 and cannot justify paying me at a national VM's worth...


anyone else been in this position?? any tips??

I've been in exactly the same position, people simply don't want to promote you because of your age - they simply don't care about the experience or skill set you have to offer.

I've never tried it, but I do know of people who have lied about their age (increasing it) to avoid the issue.

wait for them not to hire you. research everything you can about the person they hired. then sue their ass for discrimination because you're more qualified and the only reason they didn't hire you was because of your age (illeagal under the discrimination act)

I think it's also illeagal for them to ask your age so you could always just "let them believe" that you're older than you are



I'm in a similar position. people don't take me seriously but I'm finding ways to circumvent it all.

Post Last Updated:05.06.2007 at 23.25

Strange, I didn't realise that was the case. Twice during an interview I've been told directly that while I was capable, experience etc... as a result of my age I wasn't going to be given the position.

i have had the problem- when i was 19 and had a degree and a diploma, trust me it was hard. My little sister however, was 19 and under-qualified for most of the positions she went for but always got the job. Eg- she was selling cars before she was old enough to even drive one! I think her trick is over confidence and down-right asking for the money. She got a job at one of the cities snobbiest IP Law firms and she 1)didnt wear a suit to the interview and 2) went in with pornstar pink fingernails! She also asked for double what she was making at her previous job and managed to get it. I think you basically have to show that you have the ability and that you know you are worth it. I think something else that may come up is the fact that at 20, you do not have much life experience and you really have to prove your motivation. I may onlybe 21 but when I'm hiring, I wont get anybody under 25 unless they are really really serious about what they want and have the drive in them. Experience does not count for as much as enthusiasm, drive and tenacity.

My friend from the classy clubbing scene ;) I think you should take the initiative & create ur own label & go national & merchandise it! They will really be spewing then ;)

Post by heLen

My friend from the classy clubbing scene ;) I think you should take the initiative & create ur own label & go national & merchandise it! They will really be spewing then ;)

haha thanks helen, i am actually in the process of starting my own label and hope to have some stuff out by the end of the year but for now and money wise... ill need a good job. plus ill be applying for a homeloan early next year so i need stability & a good income (sometimes it good to be over qualified at this age with the right employer willing to pay) I won't settle for under 60k for a merchandising job at state level.

Sass&Bides old VM was on 72k!!! crazy stuff. but they then sacked her because she was getting paid too much for them (industry talk).

the jobs are out there its just a matter of the employer looking past my age and believing that I am responsible enough to looking after a state or country. I'm not a typical 20 year old lol


thanks for the advice everyone!

good luck Adriana- i'm not your average 21 yr old either- got where I am working for family and in my network, and i have a huge mortgage too! Don't give in though!

Post by dpd

Strange, I didn't realise that was the case. Twice during an interview I've been told directly that while I was capable, experience etc... as a result of my age I wasn't going to be given the position.

domestic jobs are excempt as are curches etc.

if they told you in writing you could take them to court or alternatively you could record them. you have to be able to provide evidence of it.

unless the job is something where you're required by law to be of a certain age or have a certain amount of years experience then they have no legal leg to stand on.

I'd quote the relevant section of the act but I can't find my copies.

The D they just say the other person was more qualified. or that they had a better attitude. or that they were better suited to the work environment. or that they were better presented. or more intellegent. or answered the questions better. and seriously, if I asked your age at an interview and you didn't tell me, you would be off the list.