Women turned down for jobs based on engagement rings

Here’s some disturbing news from the world of human resources: Some hiring managers admit they’ve rejected female job candidates based on the size of their diamond engagement ring.

HR consultant Michael Haberman cites examples in which organizations considered the diamond when making a hiring decision or giving a women a promotion or raise. (One was a nonprofit “serving women and children who were victims of violence associated with the diamond trade.”)

In one instance, a female employee said she was denied a raise because of the size of her diamond ring. That woman is now suing the company.

“Any company that makes decision solely on the basis of what someone has on as apparel is asking for trouble,” writes Haberman. “Yes I understand that ‘cultural fit’ is important. I too would be inclined to reject a candidate that showed up for an interview in a clown suit if we were a blue suit type of organization.