Stay classy, Craigslist.
Was browsing Craigslist today and came across this little gem: Law Firm Seeks Attractive Female Receptionist.
I particularly enjoy this bit: "We are a young, energetic, yet professional law firm. We seek someone that will fit in with our attitude and culture." ...And by "attitude and culture," we of course mean that of the 1950's. Puh-lease. How can they put the word "professional" in their ad and yet specify that they're only looking for an attractive female? That doesn't sound particularly professional to me.
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And now all I can think of is Secretary.
sadly, a lot of companies do this, they just don't actually type it out for all to see.
Yeah, I know of a lot of places that WANT attractive receptionists, they just don't actually put the word "attractive" in the job listing. Isn't that illegal? And wouldn't a LAW FIRM know better?
no. it's not illegal. there are only certain parameters of discrimination that are legally defined (ie, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or age). but in the US, most employees are 'employees at will' and can be fired for a lot of reasons, like being annoying, being ugly, too 'fat', dressing poorly, bad body odor, etc. not that i support this practice, but it is generally very difficult to file a suit against an employer for wrongful termination based on appearance (or hiring discrimination in this case) because companies often argue that certain employees are the 'ambassadors' of the corporation and therefore portray an image of the corporation. and having the corporation appear 'unattractive' is not in the job description.
Just to elaborate further, states & cities sometimes have more expansive anti-discrimination laws then the federal ones, and a couple touch on issues similar to this: Washington DC prohibits employment discrimination based on personal appearance, and Michigan does for height and weight. Not that this law firm is in either of those, tho.
It's not illegal for them to solicit an "attractive" receptionist... but my understanding is they cannot legally refuse to hire a man for this position. If a man applies who is qualified (and attractive), he could sue if he is told "no men need apply."
thank you for the further clarification. i didn't bother to look where the listing took place so i kinda generalized. i vividly remember the days of working here in NY in a legal clinic and having to periodically tell people 'no, you actually can get terminated for that...' and feeling really shitty about it.
sorry that should have been a response to you llevinso.
it's probably just a scam anyway. they did that to get people to write to them, then they send you webpages to go to and they make money off it. or something like that.
Uh, totally fucking illegal. did anyone take action?
thanks
The ad posting is for California, which as far as I know is still part of the United States. When did it become a crime in the US to spend your money on whatever you wanted? A private company should be able to hire whoever they want, for whatever reason. Does feminism equate with socialism now?
ooh socialism is BAAAAD. Because any kind of social glue that isn't based purely on money is obviously wicked. headdesk