| Topic Name: |
Short, Fat and Balding |
| Message Name: |
The consulting firms are cutting their own throats |
| Date Posted: |
01/09/2003 |
| In Reply To: |
I recently had a second-round interview with one of the top 3 management/strategy consulting firms. I was asked about my age (I'm slightly older than the average applicant), and some of the employees there made comments about my height, weight and hairline (I'm short, fat and balding).
What should I do about this? I know the age thing is definitely illegal, but I'm not sure about the other stuff.
I thought about demanding an offer or I would talk to a lawyer and the EEOC, but this seems like blackmail.
Any ideas anyone?
And don't tell me this kind of discrimination is a fact of life at consulting firms.....I intend to do something about this, I just don't know what yet.
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| Message: |
I know of one firm who laid of an AP, guy who was way older than average for that firm (he is in his 50's, and fits your description.) He was always chargable, always profitable for the firm, and the clients always liked him.
It is strange, but duuh! Clients normally LIKE an older, balding, short and stout kinda guy there. Makes them feel like someone is minding the kiddies that the schoolbus let into their building. But, the consulting firm partners (almost universally tall, trim, white males) don't feel those kinda guys "fit in" and dump them for some foolish reason or another.
Lots of industries have had it tough during the current "recession", but I think it is telling that the consulting firms are being decimated. E&Y, now part of Cap Gemini E&Y. They are hurting badly. AA Business consulting - now gone, part of KMPG which is not BearingPoint. They aren't doing that well. PriceWaterhouse Consulting - bought by IBM, now IBM BC. Time will tell there. EDS - hurting very badly. Deloitte? CSC? Time will tell. But all are sorely wounded and are devouring themselves internally, shedding everyone not politically connected.
Good luck.
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