Is 'young and energetic' in a job ad age discrimination?
'Young and energetic' is age-coded language that can support an age-discrimination claim. Describe the work and the pace, not the age you picture.
Words like 'young', 'energetic' and 'fresh' suggest a preference for younger candidates, which the ADEA prohibits for applicants 40 and older. The EEOC has long pointed to this kind of phrasing.
If you mean the role is fast-moving, say that. Describe the pace, the workload, or the rate of change, rather than the age of the person you imagine doing it.
Risky phrasing
“We're a young and energetic team looking for someone who fits right in.”
Compliant rewrite
This is a fast-paced role with a lot of variety and quick turnarounds.
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