Where are we?: Germany
countries Visited: 9
Days on the Road: 111

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

An Article writen based on a very good friends interview

"Uglies need not apply".... thoughts?
‘Uglies’ need not apply Choosing employees based on looks seems inherent to the service industry By KRISTY BROWNLEE
Trendy restaurants across the country are known for more than their tapas. Their employees, gorgeous, long-legged waitresses who strut over to tables like they’re on the catwalk, are not there by accident. Just like each menu item is intricately plated, staff members are screened for their busts and rear-ends, says a former restaurant manager. Darren Hawker, 40, a former assistant general manager at Yorkdale Moxie’s Classic Grill in Toronto, said he was directed by upper management to hire busty and thin applicants, regardless of whether or not they were qualified. “If I wanted to hire someone the immediate question was about their look, if they had a nice ass or a decent rack,” said Hawker, a 24-year restaurant industry veteran. “They had to have a good figure because that’s what attracted the men in to come drink.” But what if by the luck of the gene pool you’re not blessed with a perky chest and firm behind? Stacey Ball, a Toronto-based employment lawyer, said a case could made for job-seekers who are refused employment for being ugly. “A case could definitely be made under the human rights code. It’s a live issue,” Ball said. According to human rights law in Ontario, similar to elsewhere in Canada, employers cannot discriminate when hiring based on age, religion, ethnic background, sexual orientation or physical disability. “Let’s say you’re simply ugly due to your luck of the gene pool, is that a medical condition? That could be argued. That’s your genetic composition,” Ball said. To be sure no ‘uglies’ even got an interview, Hawker said he and other front of house staff were directed to screen applicants coming through the door at Moxie’s, and mark resumes with a “110” (one-ten) if they were unattractive. It’s an internal code for “do not call,” he said. (Put a diagonal line between the pair of ones and it forms ‘NO’). Similar practices are allegedly in place at other restaurants across the country. While on staff at Earls Kitchen and Bar in Edmonton - renowned for its bevy of beauties serving customers - Hawker said the hiring motto was “If you’d f—- them, hire them.” Spokespeople for both Moxie’s and Earls denied hiring for looks. “It is possible that people who have come from other companies have used (the 1-10 rating code), but it is not something we endorse or teach,” said Sue Thomson, vice president of marketing at Moxie’s. Ann Topp, a managing partner who helps hire staff for Earls in Toronto, said the company seeks applicants with a good first impression and experience. In the retail world, clothing chain American Apparel requires job applicants to submit head-to-toe photos of themselves along with their resumes. Stephanie, a former manager at American Apparel in Toronto, said only petite, good looking people are hired, regardless of experience. “Everyone is thin and attractive,” said the five-foot-five, 110 pound woman, who did not want her last name published. The former staffer said she feels badly that the company only hires the beautiful, even if an average person had more experience. “It’s awful. Just because someone is pretty doesn’t mean they know how to sell anything. Hiring people by looks may attract someone into the store, but it doesn’t mean they will get anything,” said Stephanie. American Apparel would not comment, but a post on the fast-fashion retailer’s website says that the body shots are to reflect “personal taste and fashion sensibility,” and adds, “Please remember we are open-minded and are looking for individuals who are of all shapes and sizes.” Less-than-average looking people avoid even applying for jobs at certain places to avoid disappointment, says an applicant. While waiting for a job interview at The Keg Steakhouse and Bar in Mississauga, Ont., a nicely-dressed slightly overweight woman with serving experience and her resume in hand said, “Earls only hires models. I wouldn’t even think to apply there.”

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