don’t trust anyone over 22
Is it legal to write such things in a job ad?
It’s absolutely legal. It does not explicitly say any age that won’t be considered, and it never even implies that you must be young to work there. What they do by posting an ad in that manner is give you an insight to the office culture without setting foot in the door. That way if you don’t like the way the ad is worded, you don’t need to apply. The same can be said for an ad that reads:
“Looking to hire a designer for an entry level position to detail CAD drawings. This is not a creative role. Must have AutoCAD experience, good work ethic and a clean driving record. No calls.”
Sounds like a great place, right?
how about “our pay check’s wont bounce, and you will work your ass off. You must have practical experience in the real world, and we are all replaceable.” …truth in advertising.
NURB: Forward me that post, I’m looking for a new job!
Rkuchinsky:
I know this is a few months old, but how do you feel about 40 year old grads applying for jr. positions? 
Have you personally known of any 40 year olds who got hired as entry level designers? With 6 months to go before I graduate, I worry about age discrimation. Even if I look like Robbie Benson (or Ralph Macchio, depending on your generation)… it might not help if design managers (even if they are in their 50s) have their minds made up about older entry level designers being stubborn, harder to exploit, harder to relocate (with wife, kids, mortgage), than a 22 year old.
Maybe I should highlight in my cover letter that I am not married, no kids, no mortgage, willing to start low on the totem pole and earn respect and a promotion, just like a 20 something or is that pushing it? But then, if they see my resume (and age) before knowing more about me, they might not want to give me a chance to try to convince them I am a good candidate.
Thanks.
CJ
I personally don’t know of any 40 year old entry level designers, but that’s not to say it’s not impossible. You may have some advantages of experience, stability, etc. that you can use to sell. Your skills of course must be up to scratch or even better than a recent grad.
It will most likely be a tough sell. The Design Manager is probably more like 30-35, not 50. It may be awkward to hire someone with such a large age difference, though of course they would never say so…
The biggest question you need to answer an possibly pre-empt in your portfolio, CV, cover letter is what you’ve been doing thus far and why are you looking to take an entry level job. Did you make a late transfer from a different career? Why the move?
Personality I think will also go a long way. Are you as eager as a young grad? Set in your ways? Up on the latest tech and trends? Easy to get along with?
Best of luck,
R
Thanks for the input. I will definitely have to try to sell myself honestly in my cover letter and probably not hide my age (even though, some employment websites I have found say it is best to not disclose dates, such a DOB or HS graduation dates, dates of employment, that might give age away etc). They will eventually figure it out after my interview when they do some investigating, so I should just emphasize what I used to do and why it took me so long to get to where i am at now (this is my first degree). I do have a great personality, friendly, relaxed and never cocky or thinking I can’t be told what to do, if that person is younger than I. Most of my professors are in their 30s and I don’t ever feel like I can’t learn from them.
I keep getting told that since I look very boyish and younger, I should just not mention my age at all, and see how far I can get on that. But I’d just rather play up my age, youthful demeanor and pluses of being an older, more mature designer with stability and who is not unwilling to learn and start at the bottom along with everyone else. But as you said, I will have to be just as good as or better than most 20 somethings in order get in the door! I will keep that in mind, to keep honing my skills.
Thanks R.
A possible benefit you could play up in a funny way is that you are not looking to graduate to get a job to pay for partying all night…
Thanks Michael. That made my day.
I am actually the most boring ID student here on campus in Wisconsin (the biggest drinking state I have EVER lived in!). I don’t go out to drink or socialize, but have been eating, drinking and sleeping ID for the past 4 years now! I am not sure if it is a part of being older, but I find crowds and bars so annoying and unappealing these days. Been there, done that?!
The only thing I have to worry about after graduating is finding a good job to pay off my student loans used to pay for living expenses and school! I am just glad I don’t have any partying bills to add onto that. 
Just don’t be too mature 
Chances are the ID team where you apply will be 20-30 year olds and may go out for beers after work sometimes. If you don’t join in at least a bit, it can be odd.
R
Oooh, good point! Hadn’t thought about that. Ok, I am not a big beer drinker, but I can do any vodka or rum flavored cocktails.
I am actually not adverse to socializing (even with 20 year olds) but I now prefer quieter artsy/fartsy bars and not loud, pulsating music clubs. I have talked to a few older 40 plus people who have partied hard back in their day (my partying was done growing up in NYC and then South Beach, FL and now Wisconsin… don’t ask… long story!!) and are now so sick of loud bars, they can’t stand being in them!
I would be curious to hear of any 40 plus people and see what they have experienced as they got older. I know this topic has changed slightly but that also happens when you get old; you change topics a lot!!
I don’t think you have to worry to much. Not too much I department meetings or after work socializing would be taking place in music thumping electronic house rave D&B clubs… more likely just the local watering hole for a few beers
R