At the interview I was dressed in my current office clothes which is a business formal skirt and top set, so I got offered a position at the front desk which I take as a sexist insult
A suggestion for your next mechanic type interview. Put together a "portfolio" with pictures of work you've done on cars. Get some pictures with you in them. Get a small binder and document protectors to hold the photos. Make a cover sheet with a photo of you pulling an engine with a hoist to slide into the front cover. First page would be your resume. Make copies of your training certificates and put those in. Keep a Master and make color copies so you can leave it behind. You can even tell them you have run into some "skeptical" service managers and want them to see you know your stuff!! I would also have a page with 3 or 4 references of folks they could call or email to discuss your ability.
I have run into age (old) discrimination and it pisses me off. I can run rings around people 15 years younger!! Thankfully, my current company values my experience and knowledge.
