A Canadian company was forced to take down this ad and apologise after a huge backlash on Twitter.
Vestra Inet had posted the job vacancy for a "Content Writer and SEO Specialist" on LinkedIn and, as is normal, described the responsibilities and requirements necessary for the role.
But they added a kicker at the end.
"Please note that the Position requires filling in the responsibilities of a receptionist, so female candidates are preferred."
*facepalm*
As you can imagine, it provoked quite the reaction on both LinkedIn and Twitter.
This is an actual job posting for #VestraInet. This is why we need feminism. https://t.co/jh6UbzXPH4 pic.twitter.com/2QqP5VP2oc
— Hannah Pratt (@HannahRosePratt) November 23, 2015
A well-articulated job ad should have a list of job duties & skill sets needed, not preferred gender 😒 #VestraInet https://t.co/UAUYa4hNmz
— queenbean (@slurrysoslurry) November 24, 2015
The company has since taken down the offending ad and posted the folllowing statement to their Twitter account .
But not everyone is satisfied with the company's apology.
How NOT to apologize 101 from #VestraInet pic.twitter.com/dN6YEXf7YF
— Cory Richard (@movemetohalifax) November 23, 2015
@Vestra_Inet That doesn't really work when the note deliberately singles out an individual gender. Apologise and get out of the dark ages!
— Adam Walker (@MaleStylist) November 24, 2015
So what do you think? Is it sexist to assume receptionists should be women?