Comments on: Employee recruiting: Ask them the last time they bought sneakers

By: Sherry

Sherry — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:11:45 +0000

I fear that someday we won’t be able to ask applicants their name for fear this could be considered discrimination.

By: Richard

Richard — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:00:31 +0000

Sneaker frequency purchases as one “indicator” for deciding an applicant’s potentiality for employment? Puh-leeze! I’ve enjoyed working at the same job for 20+ years; have one recorded absence during that time frame and numerous awards and recognitions. I take pride that my employer appreciates and respects me. And the feeling is mutual.

In my initial interview, I was desperately needing employment. Our family was facing serious medical surgery for one of our children. Hospital costs, physician fees, and associated prescriptions were all we could handle, in addition to putting food on the table and paying the mortgage. I owned one pair of sneakers and they were “hand-me-down’s” from our oldest son. I shudder to think my qualifications may have been overlooked because my budget didn’t allow for leisure footware.

I could probably walk in the front door, bare footed, and be welcomed with open arms.

By: Julia

Julia — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:45:50 +0000

My immediate thought is that a person who goes thru “sneakers”, aka trainers or running shoes in my closet, is more active and therefore healthier (less absenteeism). Also that person has demonstrated follow through in his/her personal life with a commitment to fitness.

I don’t think anyone is suggesting that you ask this question in lieu of other questions about his or her qualification and experience.

A little sense of humor can brighten your day –

By: Jose

Jose — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:14:42 +0000

WHAT!!! Why would any hiring authority ask that question? I don’t care about your sneakers. My job is to make sure you can perform the necessary functions of the job. I don’t care what type of car you drive as long as you can get to work. As a staffing specialist I would not allow my selecting authority to ask that question.

By: Susan

Susan — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:13:09 +0000

I have to wonder it this could be considered discrimination. If I ask the question of someone who is not able to afford new sneakers, would it be discriminiation? Some of the employees we hire can’t afford descent housing.

By: James

James — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 21:51:46 +0000

When I looked at the date of this article I was hoping to see April 1, 2008. I’ve always been trained and have trained our potential interviewers to keep the questions work related. I’d risk outright saying that considering the rate of sneaker purchases could be deemed disproportional discrimination although pleasing to the sneaker company Marketing Team or sponsored that Mindset Media survey.

By: Melony Leach

Melony Leach — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 21:10:10 +0000

Mike,

I could not have said it better. I only happen to own one pair of sneakers and I bought those 6 years ago (I’m not very hard on my shoes) I still have boots from highschool and I’m 45!

I would hate to think that someone is making a decision based on my footwear instead of my abilities.

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 20:18:51 +0000

I would say that anyone who decides to hire based on how many sneakers they bought is an HR BLUNDER waiting to happen. Such a question might open an area of inquiry, but basing a hiring decision on statistics found in some study is just not sound.