[macspoofing]

>Had the woman been hired she would have been denied by him the satisfaction of knowing she earned the position through her hard work, intelligence, and capabilities.

Meh. People get hired for bad, or unfair reasons all the time. Nobody cares about that. If that wasn't the case referrals and affirmative action wouldn't be allowed. The reality is that reasons for getting hired aren't as important as being competent in the job you were hired for.

[pjzedalis]

Sure nobody denies hiring happens for unfair reasons all the time. That does not mean its not an ideal to hope for. I would expect more from authoritative figures who have already found success in our industry and looking to assist the next generation.

Is it so much to ask that a venture capitalist who is looking for the best and brightest to propel our industry to hire you know... the best and brightest? She should not have to look herself in the mirror and ask "Did I get this because I am qualified, intelligent, and worked hard or because he wants to hit on me?"

Let me phrase it differently. If he had asked her "Would you accept an employment position with us because I find you very attractive?" Do you think she would accept?

Maybe she would but that is besides my point. A little empathy for how she feels demonstrates that she was applying for a job she felt qualified for intellectually and not physically.

[macspoofing]

My point is, being hired for the wrong reasons for a job you're qualified for is a nothing-burger. It just isn't that big of a deal. But yes, I do take your point about respect and common decency.