Maybe this is why the Wine Curmudgeon works for himself.
Researchers have found that employers see job seekers as less worthy of being hired and less "intelligent, scholarly and intellectual" when they ordered a glass of wine instead of a soft drink at an interview dinner. Wrote Scott Rick and Maurice Schweitzer: "Merely holding an alcoholic beverage may reduce the perceived intelligence of the person."
This news is, if reasonably accurate, stunning. I'd like to think that, in the 21st century, we have put these kinds of prejudices about drinking behind us. It's one thing to be a wine snob, and look down on those of us who don't drink the right kind of wine. At least we all accept that wine isn't evil. But to lump all wine drinkers into some sort of less than professional category is hard to believe.
Interestingly, Rick, a professor of marketing at the University of Michigan, said he got the idea for the study after doing job interviews where he had wine in a social setting. "I chose alcohol often and there were a lot of interviews with jobs that I didn't get," he told the Reuters news service. "Now I wonder about that choice."
No need to wonder, professor. If ever need to hire a marketing expert, you'll be at the top of my list.
Comments