Is There Really Fair Employment?

I am not sure how it began just that having looked through various job advertisements asking for all sorts of strengths that a potential candidate should possess, I keep seeing “Please send your resume with PHOTO to <email>. Only shortlisted candidates will be selected.” I don’t mean to be skeptical but does that mean that only nice looking candidates with some skills will be selected?

To think I keep seeing the bus advertisements about fair employment act. Forgot to take photos. Sorry. From what the Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices (TAFEP) site:

The 5 principles of Fair Employment Practices are:

1. Recruit and select employees on the basis of merit (such as skills, experience or ability to perform the job), and regardless of age, race, gender, religion, family status or disability.
2. Treat employees fairly and with respect and implement progressive human resource management systems.
3. Provide employees with equal opportunity to be considered for training and development based on their strengths and needs, to help them achieve their full potential.
4. Reward employees fairly based on their ability, performance, contribution and experience.
5. Abide by labour laws and adopt Tripartite Guidelines which promote fair employment practices.

The practice of fair employment will help to foster an inclusive workplace,  one that is built on merit and based on progressive HR practices.

Now, the first part is important. That’s why I spent S$30K on a degree that’s ultimate NOT recognised. Gee, should have gone to London and spent more in order to get a recognised degree. Now, the problem was the money.

So, why are photos required? I never knew that Miss Singapore or Mr Manhunt was ever held in companies. Or were they selected employees to face some judges from Miss Singapore or Mr Manhunt? I am rather obsessed with photo issue because it means whether I will get a new job or not. Did I mention that I hate putting photos on resumes? What purpose do they serve? Are they beneficial to adding value to the companies?