16784: Systematic Systemic Racism From VML.

 

Take a close look at this actual LinkedIn job listing from White advertising agency VML—it exposes all that is wrong with hiring practices in Adland.

 

The post appears to be a raw template, literally including phrases such as:

 

*Insert Intro paragraph about the role*

 

(PLACEHOLDER)

 

Top 3–5 attributes on scorecard go here

 

First, the job listing underscores that agency talent recruiters are stupid, lazy, or useless—and they’re often all three. In these times of AI, it’s a wonder such roles aren’t replaced by automated technology. It would be so fitting for Artificial Intelligence to handle Artificial Inclusivity.

 

Second, the base salary range is indicated as $60,000–$140,000. That’s quite expansive, and final pay offers—in terms of receiving crumbs versus cold cash—are undoubtedly tiered based on candidates’ gender, race, and ethnicity.

 

Third, the scenario feels like a deceptive stunt routinely executed by White advertising agencies. Specifically, firms will post job listings when no real jobs exist in order to satisfy faux DEIBA+ goals; ie, VML can now report to watchdog entities (eg, the EEOC) that they’ve opened opportunities to applicants of color.

 

Fourth, it’s most outrageous how VML engages in sneaky and systemically racist tactics—aka box-checking bullshit—while positioning itself as pioneering and culturally competent. The pathetic practices are performative, not progressive.

 

Finally, that 38 people applied for the fuzzy position presents a sad statement on the employment situation in Adland—even sadder if the job seekers include minorities.