In the digital age, job applications have evolved significantly, with many companies now checking applicants’ social media profiles for potential red flags. However, one company took this practice too far by publicly sharing a bikini photo from an applicant’s Instagram account alongside a demeaning message.
A 24-year-old named Jessica Adams from Austin, Texas, applied for a marketing coordinator internship at a company called Bold Innovators. After submitting her application, she was instructed to follow their Instagram account to gain an edge over other candidates. Upon doing so, she stumbled upon a photo of herself in a swimsuit that she had previously posted. The company captioned the image:
“PSA (for those applicants looking at this),” they wrote. “Avoid sharing your social media with potential employers if this is the kind of material you post. I’m looking for a professional marketer—not a bikini model.” Another quote stated, “Feel free to enjoy yourself privately, but this isn’t helping you in your job search.”
This blatant public shaming was outrageous. The irony? Bold Innovators was founded and predominantly run by women who claim to support other women in business.
Infuriated by the post, Jessica shared the screenshot with the Twitter account SheRatesDogs, which highlights the harassment women face online. They tweeted, “This woman applied for an internship, and the company posted her bikini photo on their Instagram, publicly stating they wouldn’t hire her because of it.”
As the backlash grew, Bold Innovators shut down their website and social media accounts after facing severe harassment, including death threats. Jessica received an email from the CEO, Laura Mitchell, stating that there had been no communication about her disqualification and that she expressed continued interest in the position even after the post.
Jessica claims she only went public after the company blocked her for requesting the photo’s removal. Laura stated they eventually took the image down, but Jessica believed their response implied her bikini photo influenced their hiring decision. “I never thought they would use my application to ‘educate’ others on how to apply for jobs,” she said.
Despite this negative experience, Jessica does not plan to change her social media posting habits. “I won’t alter the way I use social media for future jobs,” she explained, adding that Bold Innovators has not reached out to her since the incident.
In summary, Jessica Adams’s experience highlights the dangers of companies publicly shaming applicants over their social media content. While the digital landscape continues to shape the job application process, it’s essential to recognize the fine line between professionalism and personal expression.
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