Think about the perfect person to fill a position in a high-technology area like SharePoint expertise or web development. Think about the skills the person needs. How many years of experience? What personal qualities should they have? Should they be organized? Friendly? Personable? Should they have knowledge of an area of expertise, proven by working in the field and doing the job already, or is there some leeway due to an emerging technology?

Now....this is hard....I want you to really picture that person. What do they look like? It's okay to answer, really...it will just help to prove my point. The stereotype is that a male between 25 and 40-ish would best suit that position. Perhaps the person is wearing glasses....that will help.

Now, picture a blonde female, age 30, attractive, and fashionable. You probably see where I'm going already,

The Scenario:

Pretend you are hiring for a position in that high-tech field and you really need an "expert."

There are curently 2 people who have applied for the position:

Person 1 walks in with all of the stereotypical physical requirements of Bill Gates (glasses included), but possibly lacks a bit of experience in the position.

Person 2 walks in looking like Elle Woods from "Legally Blonde," but has proven experience and expertise on the job in the same industry, and is pretty much doing the job already.

Did you think stereotyping on the job was dead?

I hope not! Person 2 did not get that job. As soon as she walked in for that interview (that she got because of a stellar resume) she had a harder sell than the Bill Gate's-looking guy.

What should she do? Is stereotyping the same as sex or age discrimination?

If this female broaches the subject, she is probably just whining. I mean, look at her. She doesn't look like someone who would have anything to complain about, so someone just shut the whiner up. She should just teach or become and administrative assistant. It's not like women can really think anyway. (Note the sarcasm here, please!)

I know many, TOO MANY, young women in the technology field that happen to be very attractive who are overlooked for positions because they "just don't seem to fit the picture."

All hard-working, intelligent women in the technology field need to WHINE LOUDER!! Women could use a big boost in this area.

For now, I'm geting my best debating outfit on and getting ready for a good fight. Adding fire to my argument is the only way I know of to get someone to listen to a pretty face.