One of the issues I am finding when rarely offered an interview is the human-resources department asking for my Social Security number to check my credit background. While I don't have any problem with my credit, I assume they also look at my age. Can this be construed as age discrimination, even if I have no way to swear in court they have taken a look at my birth date? Any suggestions as to how to confront this issue? Should I decline providing my SSN? – read answer

I am looking for a job. I have a hearing disability. I had surgery and had a cochlear implant. Hearing is very difficult over the phone. I have a graduate degree in business and I am finding it difficult to get a job. Can anyone offer some advice as to how people with disabilities approach the job-hunting tasks? Thank you. – read answer

I'm 50 and my nonprofit administrator job will end in June. I have always been self-conscious about my appearance at interviews. In the past few years, due to depression and unemployment, I've gained a lot of weight and I don't think I have a chance of a snowball in hell getting past that initial contact with the interviewer. In fact, I have steered clear of applying for jobs that I might be qualified for, because a fair amount of the job description sounds like a lot of contact with the public and other professionals, i.e. where I'd be "on display," rather than working behind the scenes in an office.

I appreciated your suggestions... and will make use of all of them. Do you have any other suggestions, especially for me to deal with my weight regarding job interviews both in terms of how I should present myself and what I should wear? Many thanks! – read answer

I'm 66 years old and in good health with the exception of my disability as an arm amputee. I've been employed since I was 21 until October 2000 and don't have a college degree. My experience has been in military- and civilian-logistics management and sales. I'm searching for a sales position in the U.S. or Europe. Although I've applied for openings listed on several job sites, I haven't received any replies. Is it because of my age or something else? – read answer