Jobs asking for photo when applying

Question

Why do I keep seeing these job postings? They all ask for a photo, I am probably what they are looking for I just think it's so degrading to send a photo for a non modeling job...

"Baja Cantina is looking to hire an experienced hostess or someone looking to

break into the restaurant industry. Applicant must be able to multi-task in high volume fast paced environment and spend upwards of at least 6-8 hours on their feet. Applicant must be out-going, enthusiastic and friendly!

Resume, picture and references when applying. "

Answer 1

Is that even legal?  It d**n well isn't in CANADA.  However, I know of certain restaurants where if you drop off a resume the hostess "rates" your looks and if you don't make "the cut" they just toss your resume.  Nice, eh.

Answer 2

I have been to many a hiring manager training session in my career.

those sorts of postings are a really good way to get into legal trouble in the US, because it is trivial to argue that you are making looks, and perhaps even race or gender or age, things that you can tell from a photo but are not allowed to discriminate on, a hiring factor instead of ability to do the job.

i bet you don't see those from chain restaurants, which have legal advice from corporate to guide the local managers, but instead from local mom and pop places that can least afford someone deciding to get a lawyer involved, am I right?

btw, in the ad above, if either clause "an experienced hostess" or "someone looking to break into the restaurant industry" was left out, it would be well into the established gray area for age discrimination too. Having both is OK I think, but only one can be really iffy....

Answer 3

they wanna make sure you dont look stupid or inappropriate.

the same way you go to work looking nice, maybe even a tie.

you try to avoid going in a t-shirt and shorts.

they wanna make sure you look your best and professional.

correct me if im wrong.