My boss has put me in charge of recruiting his new secretary/PA. He said for me to make sure it's a gorgeous, young, blonde (he wasn't joking). Part of me feels that's not right - surely you should recruit according to ability; also "blonde" implies white which is surely racist. On the other hand I want to keep him happy, and it's true that I like having pretty girls around at work, it's good for the atmosphere, morale etc
2007-02-27 04:59:32 · 20 answers · asked by superscorer2003 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Singles & Dating
Liking blondes doesn't make you racist (I like blondes, myself). However recruiting only blondes, means you're only going to recruit white women which must be both sexist and racist and probably against the law
2007-02-27 05:07:05 · update #1
Recruitment is a very costly business - it pays to get it right first time - every time, and PC has nothing to do with it - it's a matter of employment law! A good PA is worth her weight in gold and can make her boss's working life run like clockwork. On the other hand, a bad one can make his workday hell on earth! The 'gorgeous blonde' (should you find her) may look good, but may turn out to be a dud. Employment law dictates that you should recruit the best person both for the job and for your type of organisation, ie., qualifications, experience, followed by mindset, etc., and consider how well that person is likely to perform his/her job role (men can apply as well) and how they will fit in with the existing dynamics of the workplace. Go to the website below for help in ensuring that you follow correct procedures, because in this day and age, you can't recruit on a whim. This is a text from the site: 'This guide takes you through what you have to think about before and during the recruitment process, starting from deciding what you need and where you are going to recruit through, to the interview and the offer letter. It will also remind you that you must treat all candidates fairly and avoid discrimination - for example on grounds of their sex or race, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or because they have a disability.' And perhaps you should make your boss aware of these criteria too, as if any of the unsuccesfull applicants challenge you on the reasons they haven't been successful, you must be able to give a convincing reason. Good luck in your quest and I hope you recruit someone who pleases all! We all like to look at nice things, but getting the job done well is what's required as an end result.
2007-02-27 05:33:37 · answer #1 · answered by uknative 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All this talk of equal opportunities is bullshite. My boss used to pass me application forms, from women in the local town I lived (it was a small town, where I knew most people) and wanted a description of there bodies, face etc and if they were easy or not!!! I used to be honest, but if I didnt like who was applying I would say that they were mingers and put the form in the bin, with the agreement from my boss, looking back I think I was doing them a favour because it was a shite place to work and is nearly bust now, lol
2007-02-27 05:11:45 · answer #2 · answered by SCOTT B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could argue that it is racism but it is definitely sexual discrimination. He (and you, as you are doing the recruiting) will need to be careful as if you are suspected you could be in big trouble for breaking the law - best thing is to recruit based on the person's ability and skills.
I used to work with discrimination laws etc and had to be so careful not to exclude any groups while recruiting. It's serious stuff.
2007-02-27 05:10:44 · answer #3 · answered by JoJi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It wouldn't be quite legal, get him a male, young, gorgeous blonde- that'l teach him. If you are responsible for the recruitment I would look into the legalities before following his request as it will come down on you if anyone ever found out- though unlikely
2007-02-27 05:03:49 · answer #4 · answered by emily_jane2379 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have got the brains that got the job for you in the first place then recruit on cv/experience alone. If you boss doesnt like it he will not be able to do much about it cos you have got staminer to do the right thing - he could be testing you - play safe - go for credentials.
2007-02-27 05:05:49 · answer #5 · answered by deep in thought 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, try to interview as many people as possible to find an attractive blonde gorgeous young lady who is also capable of doing the job.
2007-02-27 05:12:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is what I would do:
First, see if there's a girl who's blonde, gorgeous, and really qualified.
If there isn't, talk to your boss about your concerns about discrimination.
You're only REALLY discriminating if you're choosing a lesser-qualified girl because of her looks over a more-qualified one who isn't as attractive.
2007-02-27 05:18:26 · answer #7 · answered by kate 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess it all boils down what you feel comfortable with. Well done for realising that the request was idiotic but what are you going to do now?
Refuse to hire someone?
Pass the task on to someone else?
Confront your boss about his rather demeaning requests?
Sounds like it is time for you to be the big guy.
2007-02-27 05:08:02 · answer #8 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing wrong with it whatsoever. I'm quite certain I've got every job I ever had because I'm blonde ha ha. I guess it helps that I can also string a sentence together x
2007-02-27 05:10:33 · answer #9 · answered by Away With The Fairies 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In a perfect world, you should hire whoever is most qualified.
However, if it's going to cost you your job or get you in trouble, it's morally sound to hire an attractive blonde. If it doesn't hurt you, you should hire the most qualified.
2007-02-27 05:07:22 · answer #10 · answered by A L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋