Iconoclast Blast

HoS #1 - Google

This post initiates my Recruiting Hall of Shame - Job ads that are in essence discriminatory on the basis of disability or age. The first in it, is, appropriately, Google.

The Ad

From Craigslist

Server Assembly Techician
Reply to: jobs@google.com
Date: Wed Dec 11th 10:29

Contract position based in Mountain View, CA.

Not only does Google offer the best search experience on the internet, but we also offer a Google Search Appliance that allows corporations to search their intranets. The Google Search Appliance makes it easy for employees at a corporation to quickly and accurately find the documents and webpages they are looking for on the corporate intranet.

This is an excellent entry level opportunity where you will be working with highly motivated, intelligent individuals while advancing your Linux knowledge.

Responsibilities include:

Help manufacture, test, and ship the Google Search Appliance.
Installing Linux OS.
Help test and troubleshoot PC hardware.
Preparing Google Appliances for shipment to customers.
Testing and QA of computer components.

Position Requirements:

A minimum of 1 year of Linux experience.
Capacity and experience working with tools.
Able to lift/move 20-30 lbs equipment on a daily basis.
Exhibit excellent problem solving skills.
Must be dependable, flexible and able to work in a fast paced environment.
Ability to complete tasks on time and with proper attention to detail.

The Problem

Note the item that I have highlighted. It means Only able bodied need apply - we're too cheap to buy carts for moving equipment!!. Now, I can lift 20-30 lbs, if it's the right shape and size, even with only one working arm. But I doubt they'd think that. What about people with bad backs, bad knees, or other lifting limitations? Clearly, blatantly, those people shouldn't even bother to apply.

These clowns are the same ones who asked me unix trivia questions when I applied as a sysadmin (e.g. "How do you multiply two numbers on the command line" - I nearly replied "I don't, I use a calculator").

Their sysadmin and NOC type positions also have these ludicrous "lifting" requirements. Nevermind that you hire sysadmins and techs for their brains, not their brawn. You hire stevedores, construction workers and warehouse workers for their brawn. Yet many of the Google sysadmin/technician/production ads have a lifting requirement, or a requirement for "recent college graduates". It's obvious that they only want young, able bodied people. Yet they'll howl that it's an "essential function" of the job.

How do the get away with it?? Simple. The unemplyment in Silicon Valley is > 6%. Why should they hire the disabled when there are so many able-bodied people available?

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