"Assumptions in Hiring: Why Companies Need to Do Better"

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An experience I hope no one else endures when applying to Le Creuset—or any other company that follows in these footsteps:

During a recent phone interview, I was taken aback by assumptions about me based solely on my resume. Here’s what was communicated:

• I’m a single man.
• I lack cooking experience.
• My job history is “sporadic.”
• The pay is low, and it seems as though people are unhappy about it and are you ok with the low pay. Like... seriously?!

All of these judgments were expressed to me within a six-minute phone call, leading to an immediate decision. When I called back to confirm the interview, I was told they’d already decided to hire someone with cooking experience—someone living over an hour away. For a sales position, the focus on unrelated factors was baffling. Here’s what I have to say:

1. Single male with no cooking experience? What the FUCK does that have to do with sales? Seriously!
2. Sporadic job history? I’ve had instability in my career for reasons beyond my control. My last employer in Manchester Center, Vermont, didn’t pay me for 11 months—Jolley, if you’re reading this. I have court documents to back that up. I also relocated to a new city after the loss of my parents and my dog, so forgive me if my path has been uneven.
3. Low pay? Yes, I know it’s not a high wage ($14-$15-$17 ??? an hour). But to assume I wouldn’t be interested without considering my perspective? I was thrilled about the job’s proximity and the freedom it offered me to pursue my creative projects, like my screenplay and storyboarding, which will take me one to two years. But of course, I’m just “the guy with no cooking experience and a sporadic job history,” right?

To clarify, I’ve taken on roles I had no prior experience in and excelled:

• I had zero experience in education but thrived for 9.5 years.
• I managed a store at Jolley without prior experience, even training six others, despite high turnover due to pay issues.
• I had no experience writing books but have published multiple works.
• And being a single man? Well, there’s nothing I can do about that. I could understand if this were a position at Victoria’s Secret or another job specifically requiring a female perspective. But selling cookware? That assumption is just plain sexist.

I’m using my voice and platform to let others know about my experience. The job’s proximity was appealing, offering me the chance to walk to work, enjoy the winter, and have time to pursue my creative passions.

I may not be seeking a role anymore, but I’d be open to speaking with corporate on how Le Creuset can foster a more inclusive environment for men as well. It’s disappointing that this even needs to be said

So here’s my message to Le Creuset Le Creuset —and any company that operates similarly:

DO BETTER.

I’m not venting, and I’m not looking for a popularity contest. This needs to be shared because I know I’m not alone and not only that, It has been happening to me more than offen. I'm just speaking out.