Documents In Order, Ducks In A Row
Towards the close of 2015, I applied for an online writing gig with PNNG, a non-profit organization that runs a Paleo nutritional site. I prepared a carefully constructed cover letter to send with my resume and appropriate writing samples for the position. After uploading my documents I had a problem with my captcha.
Were My Eyes Lying?
I uploaded my documents and as I was preparing to send my application off, I was instructed to type the captcha provided. I was astounded by my captcha. It read, “Nigg*r.” I must have stared at my computer screen for a good 60 seconds. My eyes had to be lying. I blinked in disbelief thinking, WTF! I grabbed this screen-shot before it disappeared.
Seeking Understanding I Made A Call
The organization was unavailable until the next day. I called at exactly 9 am and reached the Marketing Coordinator, “Ms.W.” I explained what had happened and my subsequent outrage. Confirming she was one of three hiring managers, she asked for more specific details of the captcha. I shared the offensiveness found on the site and she apologized profusely. I was told an outside vendor handled that detail and she would make contact and have it removed asap. I was invited to forward my resume and cover letter directly to her.
Could It Have Been A Mistake?
I thought about not doing it, but decided that PNNG may not have been directly at fault if she were willing to make amends. She had stated that I may not be a good fit because the site uses medical journals with “lots of research.” While I have a grasp of nutrition writing, it isn’t Paleo diet specific. My research skills are good and I went with her suggestion that we’d give my sample article a shot.
Writers Get Used To Rejection, But This Was Too Much
I crafted a word count, specific sample article on Food Deserts, linking appropriate sources while carefully noting the organization’s style requirements. She didn’t like it, stating my article dealt too deeply with society issues. That was okay. I knew I could pitch the piece to another publication and that it would be picked up. It was. The new suggestion was for me to send another topic along with an outline. No problem. She didn’t like that pitch either.
Miss Me With The Games, Please
At this point I understand that I’m clearly being Punk’d by PNNG and their efforts to appease me. Once, twice, and the third time was the charm. I thanked her for her time, glad that I had captured the racist captcha. I surely intended to write about the experience.
Temp Agencies Called Out For Racist Hiring Practices
It seems I’m not alone in being presented with questionable hiring practices. According to Reveal News, some temp agencies are working with racist employers who send explicit but coded instructions not to hire people of color. One company didn’t even bother to be subtle, “NO Ni**ers” was the directive to agencies.
Sometimes You Aren’t A Good Fit
I understand that not everyone will be a good company fit from time to time–for whatever reason. However, this does not excuse racist actions in hiring practices that speak to exclusion based on the color of a person’s skin. I will call bullsh*t every time.
A Racist Captcha Can Be Costly For Employers
Discriminatory hiring practices are wrong, however captchas are more egregious. I am hoping my experience was the exception and was in fact an anomaly but I fear it was not. Let’s not forget that captchas are programmed by people and companies need to be held accountable less they be liable.
Featured Image by Shannon McGhee via Flickr, available under a Creative Commons license.
