Comments on: Hidden bias in online job ads?

By: Cindy

Cindy — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:29:51 +0000

Sure, access to the Internet and web fluency are not universal. We don’t even teach this to all our students in our education system, just some. By only allowing application online many individuals are eliminated from the applicant pool. For positions that do not require these as prerequisite skills it is inappropriate to presort in this way, particularly since data supports that access has socioeconomic bias, which often directly translates into race, culture, national origin bias. There may also be an embedded age factor and other cultural biases playing a part here. If what you are doing limits access or excludes any group, it certainly seems like bias to me.

By: Mary Simms

Mary Simms — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:41:15 +0000

No pubic libraires, schools or community job placement facilities with computer access? Next we will be required to go door to door asking people if they want to apply for a position. If there is a will, there is a way. Although the government beleives it is the right for every person to be handed a job with little to no effort, it is creating the lazy victimized culture. I bet China and India loves to watch or devolution of work ethic. Power to the medoicore!

By: TXHR

TXHR — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:20:23 +0000

The bias lies in the application process. Because many minorities may not have access to computers, it creates a barrier to application for them, thus the bias.

By: Lajeli

Lajeli — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:41:48 +0000

How can his be discrimination?? Isn’t it the candidates choice whether or not to apply online or over the phone? If the candidate wants the job but refuses to apply online and will only apply over the phone, isn’t that kind of a red flag; the sign of someone who needs everthing to be on his/her own terms? If the job was fairly offered to everyone, I have trouble seeing how the method of application creates bias. Maybe someone can help explain this to me?

By: Chris Davis

Chris Davis — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:55:22 +0000

As long we have an open position all of our locations are instructed to take in-person applications.