This is stated in an article by Gunnar Gíslason in Vísi entitled: “I am 57 years old and ready to contribute – but I don’t get the opportunity.” In it, Gunnar says that he reflects on the situation in the labor market today and especially based on his own experience, he is not looking for pity, but only to raise speculation.
Gunnar has been looking for a job for a year and a half, since January 2025 when he was dismissed from his job as the manager of Nordanfisk in Akranes. “You are in good shape, good mentally and can work for another ten years,” says Gunnar in an interview with Vísi.
With decades of experience
“When a person with decades of experience and a good track record in previous jobs, the right qualifications for the particular job they’re applying for, but doesn’t get a chance to show what they’re made of, is it age that has become a bigger factor in the hiring process? Even if no one dares to mention it.”
Gunnar points out that experience is not a weakness. It includes a deeper understanding, a better overview and the ability to deal with complex situations. He says that such qualifications should show the worth of the applicant and not be underestimated or considered a sin if enjoyed. However, experience does not seem to carry as much weight as before.
“I have worked all my working life with integrity, ambition and responsibility. I am 57 years old, with an MBA degree, a PMD management course and over twenty years of experience in the financial sector. I have led large projects, managed companies and participated in building operations that produced measurable results.”
Received invitations for three interviews
Gunnar says in the article that his career has been varied. He has worked in the financial sector for about twenty years, dealing with operations, strategic planning and improvement projects. Later, he took over as manager of a fishing company with over a hundred employees and operations in three locations.
After that, he managed a food company where the turnover increased from two billion to 2.6 billion in two years. EBITDA from seventy million to 215 million. That success was based on purposeful management, a clear strategy and good teamwork.
“Despite this acceptable experience, approximately 50 job applications have yielded nothing so far, except for three interviews that did not lead to employment. I have applied for positions as office manager, business manager, manager and operations manager, to name a few examples. For these jobs I have both the education and experience, but do not get the opportunity.”
Gunnar states that he is ready to contribute. He has the will, ability and extensive experience in creating value and leading people. The only thing missing is a chance to show what he’s got.
“My hope with this article is to provoke a discussion, not about me as an individual, but about how we evaluate competence in the labor market. If age has become an invisible threshold in hiring, it is important that we face it. The labor market needs both energy and experience. The question is whether we are using both.”
Held the same position for fifteen years but no interview
“It’s a struggle,” says Gunnar. He says the main problem is that when he submits an application, he never gets to communicate with the person in question.
“You apply with good education, experience and good recommendations, but you never get to sit down and talk to the person. I applied to Íslandsbanki the other day, a business manager position, which I held for fifteen years at Arion bank, but was not even invited to an interview. I have connections in the sector and I am not even spoken to, it seems so strange to me,” says Gunnar.
“That’s why I’m wondering, is it the age? I’m starting to take it off the resume, but it doesn’t matter, people just Google it. I’m just saying: Take advantage of these people’s knowledge.”
He also says he wonders if employers think he is applying for the jobs as a stepping stone because of his extensive experience. Whether they think he wouldn’t stay long.
“Because my experience is probably more than many others, but I wouldn’t be applying unless I was interested in it. Isn’t it nice to get a person with experience for the job? I feel like the companies are making a decision for you: You are too good for this job.”
