First of all, don't take it personal. It's a reason more than your age on why you didn't get the position. Look at it as a pass because you don't know... the insides of that position and you were given grace to not have to experience it.  more

First don't speak as junior instead speak as a mature adult who is able to handle tuff situations. You are competent only when you can solve... situations without supervision. Good luck more

Hullo Martin Waters sorry about that, in my culture we have saying going like " even the young can drum and the to old to dance so they would have... given you chance" BUT take heart one day you will be there God as our provider to all.  more

Shaming you for asking, if they did, would be wrong. However, with all due respect to your goals and achievements, I honestly believe, leadership of a... Dpt. usually requires life experience that most 25 y.o. people lack. Part of it has nothing to to do with performance! I am sure, you will agree in 5 years. I must add, I do not know your company, so there may be exceptions.
I think, nothing is wrong waiting a few years for a big leadership position. I personally may have difficulties with a very young superior - I experienced one young superior having no understanding for my physical/health issues in a meeting, and shaming me for it.
I am also asking myself if some of the people whose most important career goal is to climb the ladder are the best choice for leadership positions. Would they care about things like the well being of colleagues, a good work environment, ie. the flourishing of our company *long term* - ie., not only numbers for next quarter for which we get bonusses? more

Thank you for sharing your situation. I understand why you feel disappointed; it can be discouraging when your capability is dismissed based on age... rather than performance. The fact that there are already managers in your company who are 26–27 shows that age alone shouldn’t be a barrier, so your reaction is completely valid.
It may help to reflect on two things:
(1) whether the company has a consistent, fair process for internal progression, and
(2) whether your skills and achievements are being meaningfully recognised.
There is no harm in having ambition at 25. In fact, your initiative to apply shows maturity. If your current environment undervalues young talent or fails to give you a clear pathway for growth, it’s reasonable to explore other companies that appreciate drive, competence, and potential.

At the same time, you could use this moment to request constructive feedback:
“What skills or experience should I build to be seriously considered for such roles in the near future?” A professional company should welcome that question. If their response remains dismissive or disrespectful, then your instinct may be right, it might be time to consider an environment where your contributions are respected. Ultimately, focus on where you can grow, be valued, and advance based on merit, not age. more

How dare HR even bring up age, that is unprofessional, unacceptable and discriminatory. I agree with Brent (above); request a meeting to discuss your... qualifications, your career goals, and show them what you got!  more

Please take heart and do not move be patient some of these are check points to see how you face challenges. I f you are a Christian this calls for... your patience leading to maturity in mind and experience at work  more

I would advise that you go for it.You will grow older there.

Based on my experience, you are too valuable in your position to be promoted. Get your resume together and find a company that recognizes your... potential and starts you where you should be. Ii had a similar situation and although I brought in millions, wasn't promoted when I left they had to hire 2 people to do my job. more

It's a feedback you should take positively and work towards meeting the qualifications and professionals requirements for that position. Learn and... work hard abd definitely your time will come. more

Let’s put aside the emotional aspect of this. Being sure that you can do this job is not “I am the perfect candidate for this job”. Since you already... manage people at the Jr level, especially in your capacity, I have not heard any mention of what you used as a sales pitch. You know what you do to your customer list when pushing a new plan. If you are laughed at, then there is definately something wrong. Are you a top earner? Has your team broken goals or records? Are you the team member who asks questions or has the answers? Did you question the laughter? I have worked in a pit environment where ties & suit jackets fly when two brokers are fighting over a high commission close. There is no job that requires age. The fact that others may be in a position you desire who are a few years your senior would not hold water in my book. What have you accomplished in the pit, that justifies you climbing out. What’s your sell. What’s your close. Facts not feelings is what raises eyebrows.  more

Congratulations on becoming a junior manager at a young age. It was probably not a routine progression. Chances are that they had an open position and... from your non managerial performance, they saw a spark and decided to take a chance on you. You have been doing that job for 4 years and are disappointed that you were not considered for the new position.
It all depends on how you are doing in the current position, whether there were many fumbles after you were promoted. Also how your employees, coworkers and superiors rate you and how much bigger and critical the new position is.
It is unfortunate that you were given a quick answer in a joking way. Such matters are serious and I would have made an appointment with HR to discuss it. In any case, I would try to establish a reputation for getting the job done well. You can also approach HR for their advice on what areas you need to focus on, to be ready for next opportunity.
Good Luck. more

Very true I support you

Get a hold of your self! The fact you said your deputy director laughed and HR laughed tells me you’re not working with professional s. It’s one... thing if you don’t have the qualifications and another if you don’t. If you have the qualifications schedule a meeting and ask for facts not laughter. This is YOUR career which I hope you believe is not a laughing matter! more

You should stay in your position, work harder and get more experience as you grow. Meanwhile, read more for intellectual knowledge to support your... practical work. Do not panic for higher positions yet, time will come  more

Let the moment (even though it seems that your HR handle this unprofessionally based on what you wrote) drive you. If you like working there, stay;... bear down, and continue to work hard. Maybe... even decide to spin the discouraging reaction as an encouraging one. Otherwise, while working there, look for growth elsewhere. more

First let me congratulate you for taking that step and applying. Do not listen to the noise, instead continue to be courageous and ask the HR head... and Deputy what would make you a stronger candidate. Their response was by no means professional, but don’t allow that to deter you. You said that there are other 20 something year olds heading Dept’s in that company so clearly being young isn’t the issue. Be inquisitive find out what the other young head of the depts did to get their promotions. Find the missing piece and fill it. Then try again. Ask/ volunteer for assignments that will demonstrate your leadership quality. If you have been treated well by this company thus far why quit? Being the head of a dept or anything takes maturity and the ability to make sound and reasonable decisions. Sometimes you have to stand by those decisions when they aren’t the most popular. If you’re considering quitting because of what HR did then maybe that’s the missing piece, maturity and confidence. more

Remain positive, energetic and consistent, regardless. Be at your best, don't hold grudge against them regardless of what eventually happens...sooner... or later it's either the situation changes or those unhealthy superiors get changed. more

If you jump you may be labeled as a quitter. If you like the company and the business I’d say keep working hard and show the sr mgmt you are the one.... I was passed up for a few promotions but stayed in and proved my worth. I wound up getting several promotions and reached sr mgmt level before I retired. I know “sticking around” isn’t the thing anymore but I have several friends who run good sized companies and they specifically talk about young workers who they know won’t be there long so they don’t invest time and resources to promote and train them. When they see determination and loyalty they think very differently about that person! Good luck! more

Start looking actively and see what s out there for you. Update your LinkedIn and let recruiters find you. My director laughed when I wanted to be the... manager at my clinic and a few months later I started working at one of the biggest clinics in London and within a year I was promoted to deputy nurse manager.
It's ok to be upset make sure you plan your next steps and be logical no emotional! more