Ever think about what your mother faced when interviewing for a job before you were born?
Here are some women hiring guidelines for transit company officers published in a 1943 issue of the national magazine Transportation in the article, “Job Standards and Rules for Hiring Women:”
“Pick young married women. They usually have more of a sense of responsibility than their unmarried sisters, they’re less likely to be flirtatious, they need the work or they wouldn’t be doing it, they will have the pep and interest to work hard and to deal with the public efficiently.
“When you have to use older women, try to get ones who have worked outside the home at some time in their lives. Older women who have never contacted the public have a hard time adapting themselves and are inclined to be cantankerous and fussy. It’s always well to impress upon older women the importance of friendliness and courtesy.
“Retain a physician to give each woman you hire a special physical examination, one covering female conditions. This step not only protects the property against the possibilities of lawsuit, but reveals whether the employee-to-be has any female weaknesses which would make her mentally or physically unfit for the job.
“Stress at the outset the importance of time—the fact that a minute or two lost here and there makes serious inroads on schedules. Until this point is gotten across, service is likely to be slowed up.
“Give the female employee a definite day-long schedule of duties so that they’ll keep busy without bothering the management for instructions every few minutes. Numerous properties say that women make excellent workers when they have their jobs cut out for them, but that they lack initiative in finding work themselves.
“Whenever possible, let the inside employee change from one job to another at some time during the day. Women are inclined to be less nervous and happier with change.
“Give every girl an adequate number of rest periods during the day. You have to make some allowances for feminine psychology. A girl has more confidence and is more efficient if she can keep her hair tidied, apply fresh lipstick and wash her hands several times a day.
“Be tactful when issuing instructions or in making criticisms. Women are often sensitive, they can’t shrug off harsh words the way men do. Never ridicule a woman—it breaks her spirit and cuts off her efficiency.
“Be reasonably considerate about using strong language around women. Even though a girl’s husband or father may swear vociferously, she’ll grow to dislike a place of business where she hears too much of this.
“Get enough size variety in operator’s uniforms so that each girl can have a proper fit. This point can’t be stressed too much in keeping women happy.”
Talk about lawsuits! Can you imagine anyone, male or female, following any of these 64 year-old workforce tips for women today?
Source: The Lamplighter newsletter of the Broadalbin Kennyetto Historical Society, June 2007
Talk about lawsuits! Can you imagine anyone, male or female
Posted by: ugg bailey button | 10/30/2010 at 08:44 AM
We all get cheated on some of us accpet it some of us don't depending on how deep the commitment is. If the girl is by any means more beautiful why not just date her instead. My BF has cheated on me with a girl that I don't believe is prettier than me and trust me she did become my competition but I learned to respect myself and gave him an ultimatum now things are some what better good post.
Posted by: Marc | 08/13/2012 at 02:59 AM
I agree. I think that no matter how far along the poiialctl spectrum we've progressed, the innate need of a woman to feel protected and the pride that men feel by displaying their ability to provide is, in my opinion quite natural. What's unnatural is the confusion both sexes feel when a man can't decide whether to open the door or not, give up a seat for a pregnant woman on the bus, actually go to the door to pick up a date, rather that honk the horn from the car. Hell, if it were up to me, men would still be throwing their best coats over puddles so my Cole Haan's stay intact.
Posted by: Bruno | 08/14/2012 at 11:55 PM