Recruiting Dilemma

[TEAK36]

Hi,

I am looking for some advice on a recruiting dilemma.

I am in the process of recruiting a Customer Support/ Sales Representative, and have narrowed it down to two people, but am not sure which one to choose.

Candidate 1: Male, late 20's, well educated, well presented. Seems like a nice guy and well able to do the job.

Candidate 2: Male, also late 20,s, superbly educated, lots of experience, would be very able to do the job with the minimum of training.

My dilemma: Candidate 2 is gay. Before you all crucify me, please let me explain.

Candidate 2 , although he wears a suit and tie,dresses very unusual, wears eyeliner, and is as camp as they come, but I really liked his personality and think he would be fantastic for the job. The problem is that about 50% of the work involves going out and visiting customers, and although I hate to say it,I just know that some of my customers will find him offensive.

I would really hate to lose the opportunity of employing someone who I think fits the bill, because of some small minded customers, but on the other hand, I cannot afford to lose any of these customers.

I have spoken with some of my colleagues, and the opinion is divided. Half say that I should employ the right person for the job, regardless of their dress sense or sexuality. The other half say that I should not employ someone who may have a negative impact on our customers.

My heart says candidate 2, my business head says candidate 1.

Any advice would be welcome.

[NORMANTHVVOG]

For ******** sake there is no question. You are in business to survive and CANNOT afford to offend your customers.

Your Heart has no place in for ****** , just get on and choose the straight candidate.

Like it or not, queers are unnatural.

[TEAK36]

I am sure the real NORMANTHEDOG would have thought of a much better response. You dont seem to have quite mastered his expert use of expletives yet. Keep trying though, and one day you may get to be a full grown NORMAN.

Thanks for your answer anyway.

[monkeyeyes]

Why not call Guy 2 in again and explain your dilemma to him ?
If his demeanour is an affectation he would surely be prepared to dress a little more soberly to get the job ?
Some guys can be veryqueenybut it is not beyond them to be less flamboyant given an appropriate set of circumstances.

Having said that, you know your market and if Guy 2 will have an impact on your business, then I believe you must choose Guy 1.

[Dassie]

So ask candidate 2 back for a second interview and explain that whilst you have no problem, some of your customers might, and naturally his role is to generate business and not lose it. Would he mind not wearing the eyeliner to work etc. If he gives a negative response then offer it to candidate 1.

[MAD BUTCHER]

Just to consider employing someone who is going to offend your customers is ridiculous. Unless you are a closet queen yourself, I do not see your problem.

[Wellard]

On the one hand you make it sound like it is your decision alone for your business. On the other hand, you refer to your colleagues as if you are all responsible for the continues existance of the business.

If you are employed to make decisions which can make or break the business then do the sensible thing and employ someone who will be a good representative - there is no room for sentiment or political correctness, we have enough of that foisted on us. Your colleagues may be supportive of you now, but when your firm goes bust through lack of customers you will see a different side.

[taperface]

I had a similar problem when I used to recruit and place staff. An extremely charming young man applied for a position which meant being in contact with the public on a daily basis, but I noticed a smudge of blue eyeshadow on an upper lid & it was obvious that he wore mascara. I took him on anyway, and he proved to be excellent at the job. I think we need to get away from judging people on appearances. I also took on my PA who had multi-coloured hair & a unique style of dressing, but she was more than up to the job. When you get to know this young man, maybe you could have a quiet word? Good luck.

[EngTeach]

If you recall candidate 2 and explain the situation yet he refuses and loses the job you may be opening yourself up for a law suit of discrimination. This is a tough call. Like the other have said, you are there to promote business, but if you feel # 2 is better qualified that seems sound also.

Good Luck. Let us know what happens.

[Black Noir]

I have been in the position of having to make recruiting decisions for many years. So if you want some sound advice and the decision to hire one of these gentlemen is yours and yours alone pick the one that is the best qualified and suited to the job.

If you liked candidate 2 because you think he will be fantastic at the job and you find him likeable then surely most of your Customers will also see these attributes in him also, there will always be Customers who dont like the appearance or personality of what you would consider a perfectly normal individual !!

Another piece of advice - Never ask the opinions on such matters with other staff members who are not involved in the decision making process as this will only undermine your own position and authority.