JOB HUNTING CAN be disheartening – but it can be worse when you feel that something beyond your control is impeding you. “More than one friend suggested that I remove my DOB [date of birth] from my applications. He believes many companies are using applicant tracking system software – which triages and ranks job applications – and suspects it is frequently screening out his applications due to his age and gap in employment. “The person who got the job – who is around 40 – had one year of experience in the area and had just qualified. “Teachers know that after 40, unless you are moving up to become principal, your permanent job opportunities are nonexistent.”