A Woman Employee – The Recruitment Criteria In Two Conversations

Posted: November 21, 2016

Tags:patriarchy sexism stereotypes women at work women's bodies

It often doesn’t matter what credentials a woman employee has in a sexist society – looks are all that matter. To get chosen or rejected in the interview.

Conversation One

“What did you see in that girl?”

“Everything!”

“Come on! There were such good candidates, really deserving ones. And you chose that dimwit?”

“But she has all the qualifications and qualities her post needs. What more do you want? And everyone needs time to learn, isn’t it?”

“Oh really? She has a degree and little experience. Other candidates were much better qualified. And she didn’t even perform well in her interview. What exactly were you thinking by the way?”

“Take it easy, mate!”

“See, I have been observing her for the past one week, and I can confidently make a claim that she is just not interested in her work. She just loiters around, trying to make friends with everyone in the office, especially her seniors. No doubt, she’s got the gift of the gab.”

“Well, isn’t she beautiful?”

“So, that is it!”

“Come on! You are no saint either!”

“I am not. But I have certain ethics.”

“Dump them and go back to work. Meanwhile I have some important business to tend to. Could you please send the new girl to my cabin?”

“Sure, and enjoy!”

Conversation Two

“Hey Neha, how are you?”

“I am great. What’s up?”

“Good, good. You didn’t hire Vimla. Why?”

“Vimla? Who?”

“The maid. She visited you day before yesterday. She had such good credentials. I am really surprised you didn’t hire her.”

“Yeah. You are right. I didn’t.”

“But why? I have known her for a long time. The family she used to work with has just moved to London. She has two children and a chronically sick husband.”

“Yeah, she told me that.”

“So?”

“So? Have you seen her?”

“Why? Yes, I have. Her former employer Mansi is one of my very good friends, and I visited her often. I often gorged on the sumptuous food prepared by Vimla at Mansi’s place. She is polite, hard working and reliable. Too bad Mansi’s family has moved.”

“And you didn’t tell me that she was so pretty.”

“What?”

“And have you seen her figure?”

“What exactly are you talking about?”

“She is too beautiful to be a maid. And the brand new cotton suit she was wearing! Oh God! She wasn’t even dressed like a maid.”

“What are you talking Neha? Tell me, how is a maid supposed to look?”

“Not so pretty, not so smart. I can’t have such a beautiful woman around my house.”

“You are one jealous woman. But what do you fear? Your husband is a gentleman.”

“I know. Still! Also, I don’t want to confuse my guests.”

“But you always talk about women empowerment. I have seen your posts on social media. You’ll be doing exactly what you preach by hiring a jobless illiterate woman who’s really good at household chores. Besides, you need a maid.”

“Yeah, I do. And I am all for women empowerment, in every sphere of life. But, such a good looking maid? Not in my household please.”

“(Silence)”

“Please find me another maid – a good, reliable and honest woman.”

“With the looks of maid, right?”

“(Silence)”!!

Liked what you read?

Join the Women’s Web Network for women at work by filling in the form below. You will receive a monthly newsletter from us with great resources, plus we’ll keep you posted on all Women’s Web events in your city!