Alibaba pulls job ad asking for applicants with ‘porn star’ characteristics
Alibaba has axed a job advert for a “programmer encouragement specialist” which asked for candidates who physically resembled adult film star Sora Aoi. The job description was to wake the “code monkeys,” praise them and organise morning meetings.
According to a translation of the ad by Quartz, Alibaba was looking for a woman with “recognizably good looks”.
“Your appearance is adequately stunning to programmers. Even a quick glance at you should excite and inspire them greatly. You might be an open-minded lolita like Sora Aoi, who can face the greatest of challenges. Or you’re like Song Hye-kyo [a Korean singer].
“From a wealthy family and with a Korean demeanor, possessing female beauty that exceeds nature itself; even without makeup countless programmers chase after you.”
Strangely, she must also be able to "tolerate highly garlicky and spicy foods that may contain strong flavors such as MSG and soy sauce".
Alibaba claimed the posting was simply an attempt at humorous marketing to recruit talent.
However, Bloomberg Business reports that the job is still being advertised but references to Aoi have been removed and it now emphasises that both men and women can apply.
“We apologize to anyone offended by this ad,” the China-based company said in an e-mail. “Alibaba is committed to providing equal opportunity and fair treatment to all employees on the basis of merit, without discrimination.”
Nonetheless, the advert has drawn criticism of the company on Chinese social media.
Alibaba maintains that it is one of the best tech companies at supporting women. The company counts nine women among the 30 partners that nominate a majority of the company’s board. However, no female directors are listed on its website.