Equal Employment Opportunity: Is It Really Equal?

Equal Employment Opportunity: Is It Really Equal?

Is equal employment opportunity really equal? My thoughts are that they aren't for real.

As a management student one of the very tasks I have been given is research on job postings. If my goal is to be a manager of sorts, at some point in my career I will have to come up with a job description. With some research, more than a few HRM classes under my belt, my own personal curiosity in the state of the job market (ha, ha) and the fact that I just love to read everything; I have seen some crazy job posts.

First I want to point out a paradox, entry level means that the person applying need not have experience. When the title of the post says "Entry Level..." then within the job description the hiring manager states "1-2 yrs experience necessary" you negate the title. Not equal. How can an entry level position require experience? What was that phrase again? Oh, not equal.

When you post a job opening for a receptionist but require applicants to have Ivy League backgrounds with 3.5+ GPAs and then disclaim that you are an EEO organization you are lying. Not Equal.

Why would anyone require a degree to pick up the phone? However the ability to state something to the effect of "pleasant appearance" is better suited for the job. The receptionist is the voice of the company and they are also the face of the organization so ideally you would want someone who is good looking with a nice voice. The need for a BS to say "hello" is totally crazy. I say it again, not equal.

I understand that in order to discourage absolutely unqualified people from applying certain key words/phrases are added: degree required, 3-5 years experience; but an Ivy League education? Really?

My husband has tried and true sales and management experience. He is not the school type (although he is considering it) but he has real money making methods to run your business as his own. Great stuff, and I know that unless I have a masters in management (as I plan anyway) it is the only way that I can really compete with him since my experience and expertise lies with administrative duties.

However, I have over 10 years experience as an account manager and inventory specialist. I practice best methods, I am constantly improving my own processes and I am absolutely genius! Okay not really genius, genius but my ability to see a problem, give it thought and come up with a solution has value; real value. How can an EEO organization see that? I am still researching, but I am going to try a few changes and see where it gets me and really test this EEO thing.

Sincerely,
~Cher
Sent from my iPhone