Is it common practice for recruiters to request my date of birth? Am I jeopardizing my chances for an interview because I hesitated to provide it?
Update: Two weeks later, I’m feeling a bit ghosted… mixed emotions 🤣😞, but mostly disappointed.
For context, this recruiter is based in the EU, where regulations might differ. We had a great initial screening call, and I felt positive about the interaction. However, they followed up later asking for my date of birth. They explained that it was needed to complete my application in their system and that they couldn’t proceed without this information.
I was hesitant to share it and asked if the role required a specific age range, but they assured me that wasn’t the case. Eventually, I sent it but expressed my discomfort.
Now I’m wondering if my hesitation has hurt my chances of landing an interview. Did my reluctance make me seem untrusting? Could my age potentially be held against me for this corporate role?
RCadmin
It’s understandable to feel uneasy about sharing personal information like your date of birth, especially when it comes to job applications. In many countries, including those in the EU, there are regulations in place to protect candidates from discrimination based on age, among other factors. However, some recruiters may ask for this information for administrative purposes or to meet specific compliance requirements.
From your description, it sounds like you handled the situation well by expressing your hesitance and asking for clarification. Many recruiters understand that candidates may have concerns about privacy, and it’s not uncommon for applicants to be cautious about sharing such details.
Regarding your chances of getting an interview, it’s hard to say definitively what impact your reluctance may have had. It’s possible that the recruiter appreciated your openness and understood your concerns. Ghosting can happen for a variety of reasons, and it doesn’t necessarily reflect your qualifications or how you handled the situation.
If you’re feeling disappointed, it’s completely normal. Try to stay positive and keep applying to other opportunities. Remember that the recruiting process can be complex, and sometimes decisions are made based on factors unrelated to the candidate’s performance or behavior. Good luck, and don’t hesitate to reach out for feedback if you’re comfortable doing so!