Charles Carter, 49
Retired from the Royal Engineers after 25 years handling Army logistics in the UK, the Falklands, Germany and Northern Ireland. Wanted to be your new head of operations, but the CEO said: 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks.' Next year Charles will start his own business - and steal 10 per of your market share.

Emily Jones, 69
Left the UK in 1953 to work in France. Recently widowed, she returned to the UK this year and applied for work as a bi-lingual secretary, but your hiring manager said she might find the computer system 'confusing'. Your main rival now has excellent contacts in France - thanks to Emily.

Jane Tilson, 38
Left her accountancy job in 1992 to have the first of two children. As they are now settled at school, she applied for a part-time post in your finance department. However, the CFO said the profession had moved on and she was too old to catch up. By 2005 Jane will be working for a management consultancy - you'll be paying £1,000 a day for her services.

John Salawu, 25
Promoted to head of postal services at 21 after developing as an excellent team leader and manager. Applied for a similar job with your company, but the facilities manager thought he was too young to handle the 'old lags'. Next year John will be recruiting for his new employer - some of your staff will apply.

Anna Davis, 18
Despite Anna's good GCSEs and two years' experience, your hiring manager thought she looked like a 'party animal'. The rejection letter suggested she try again next year. This time next year Anna will be at a party - to celebrate 12 successful months with a rival firm.

Sandra Smith, 41
Worked for 12 years in accounts. Wanted to re-train as an IT specialist, but her manager said she was 'too valuable' to let go. She resigned five years ago and now works for your main competitor - in IT.

Jai Singh, 17
Applied unsuccessfully for a job in your graphics department. The recruiting manager said he was a 'good boy' but lacked experience. In 10 years Jai will have his own graphics company - you'll be a customer.

Margaret Pierce, 51
Ran your PR department for six years as number two to the communications director. When he retired she applied for the job, but you opted for a younger candidate. Another company is now benefiting from Margaret's 30 years of experience.

Julie Chang, 33
Wanted permission to attend business school two days a fortnight, but company policy restricts college placements to the under-30s. Julie resigned and became a full-time student. You just lost the businesswoman of the year - for 2011.

Henry Johnson, 63
Made redundant by his last firm after 40 years in sales, despite never missing a target. Applied for a job with you as sales manager, but HR rejected his CV in the first sift. Next year Henry will be hitting sales targets for your rival.

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