I held the door open for a lady walking behind me to the entrance of my building.
I wasn't really paying attention and my hand lightly brushed against hers on the handle.
She clicked her tongue, scowled at me and produced a tissue to wipe her hand. I apologized and went off to my office, thinking nothing of it until my receptionist ushered her in a few minutes later for a job interview with me.
I made her squirm for 30 mins with questions about teamwork and manners and ignored her qualifications, all the while being super polite.
Then told her she won't be employed by me.
EDIT:
- On the basis of some comments and messages, I’ve decided to include an excerpt of a comment I made earlier:
“…She had every chance to explain whatever she chose. In the spirit of openness and mutual respect. Instead she came across as aggressive and dismissive…
…I didn't humiliate her. I didn't make her cry. I chose not to employ her because I know what it's like to be starving, tired and angry with the world but still smile and try to give my best to whomever I can.”
2. Further to the above, SA labour legislation is hugely protective of employees. I am required to question if the candidate has any mental or physical disabilities and the candidate is required to disclose any. It’s in my interests to employ a person with disabilities (due to SA economic empowerment policies) and reasonably accommodate such a person. Issues of prejudice and non-disclosure do not apply to this scenario.
3. Some drew parallels between them being openly sexually harassed and the incident described above. I take exception to the inference that I violated the physical space of a job candidate and showed no contrition by virtue of my ‘position of power’. I assume that those who feel that way are either on their own moral crusade or don’t read so well.
Thanks for the upvotes!