Caroline Madden, a 60-year-old personal assistant from Hull, faced significant challenges securing employment following a job loss in September 2024 due to a company restructure. Despite her extensive experience and qualifications, Madden recorded approximately 500 job rejections over two years, attributing much of the difficulty to potential age discrimination and the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in recruitment processes.
Madden’s experience highlights the growing role of AI in filtering job applications and conducting interviews, a development she believes worked against her candidacy. She recounted instances where applications containing her qualifications were rejected at initial screening stages, even when meeting job requirements. In response, Madden adapted her CV by omitting her date of birth and adjusting educational details—changing “O-levels” to “GCSEs”—to obscure her age. This strategic revision eventually contributed to her securing a personal assistant position with a local entrepreneur starting in June 2026.
She also described an AI-led interview experience involving a computer-generated avatar that posed questions with noticeable lip-sync issues, a test she did not pass. This technology, increasingly employed especially in public sector hiring, presents unique challenges for older applicants less accustomed to remote video interviews. Experts recommend candidates practice using dedicated apps designed for interview preparation to improve comfort with such formats.
Madden’s varied career, which began at age 16 working in family-owned nightclubs and pubs, evolved through roles including personal assistant, pastoral care adviser, lifestyle columnist, and production assistant supporting major events such as Liam Gallagher concerts. Throughout her job search, she focused on highlighting achievements and transferable skills rather than dwelling on employment dates, using keywords like “mentored,” “collaborated,” and “resolved” to align with job descriptions. Hannah Cornish of the job-finding platform CV-Library endorses this approach, emphasizing the importance of showcasing measurable outcomes and adaptability.
Career coach Dr. Sally Ann Law advises job seekers to circumvent AI barriers by engaging directly with employers through networking, attending trade events, and leveraging personal contacts. She suggests that building rapport in person can often be more effective than solely relying on online applications. Both Dr. Law and Cornish stress the value of perseverance in the face of rejection and encourage candidates to pursue refresher courses and skills training to demonstrate adaptability and technological competence.
Prospective applicants are also urged to explore sectors experiencing labor shortages, such as bricklaying and social care, as identified in the UK Government’s Annual Skills Report. Dr. Law highlights the importance of framing transferable skills to showcase problem-solving abilities and resilience under pressure, traits valuable across industries.
Throughout her extended job hunt, Madden maintained a disciplined routine, focusing on physical activity and social support to sustain a positive mindset. She adhered to a strict daily schedule that included regular gym sessions and social interaction with close friends, which she credits with helping her cope with the stresses of modern job searching.
Madden’s journey underscores the evolving challenges faced by older workers in adapting to technological shifts in recruitment while highlighting strategies to overcome age-related biases and succeed in a competitive employment landscape.