I actually got Amir's CV via our site two weeks ago too, but I don't think we'll be offering him a job anytime soon. There's no shortage of people of Arab or Muslim origin with Western passports, but it doesn't mean that they need to A) shout it from the rooftops at every opportunity or B) act like they're superior to people of other nationalities. Please take a chance to read through this email exchange between Mike and Amir, and if anyone gets a job application from him, please keep in mind that he is "neither indian or paki" and expects to be treated better than them since he is a Canadian.
From: Amir Saffar Sent: 02 December 2006 01:22 To: Amir Saffar Subject: multimediator/web designer position Amir Saffar 889 Bathurst Road Toronto, Canada To Whom It May Concern: I am a web developer/designer with experience in designing corporate, commercial, retail, and business web systems. With more than 6 years experience designing Internet/multimedia systems professionally in a production environment, I could be a valuable asset to your web design and multimedia team. Managing projects, task delegation, and client relations have been necessary skills at my previous employment positions. These have always been tasks that I excel at and enjoy. My experience in web site consultation critiquing usability, functionality, aesthetics, and search engine placement can help clients with their existing web content by introducing them to innovative and cost-effective solutions. My enthusiasm, creativity, communication skills and ability to work without supervision are my strong points. I have extensive design experience using Flash, Dreamweaver, HTML, CSS, VB, C#, SQL, Photoshop, Illustrator, QuarkXPress, 3dsMax, and other programs. I would be able to create a dynamic company presence for you on the Internet. I am currently on vacation for two months in the region. Since I have a Canadian passport, traveling to the UAE would not be an issue for me at all. I also have to mention that since I have lived in a multicultural country and because of my background, I have been trained to work with people who have different cultures and backgrounds. Therefore I hope my experience in this field could be a valuable asset to your company. I would welcome an opportunity to discuss my qualifications and experience in greater detail. I am available for an interview at your convenience.
Mike Platts wrote:
Hi Amir Thanks for sending us your CV - we'd certainly be interested in speaking with you. Just to clarify, are you planning to visit Dubai during your vacation? If not, perhaps we can arrange to speak over the phone. Regards, Mike Platts Creative Partner, North55 Dubai
From: Amir Saffar Sent: 11 December 2006 00:18 To: Mike Platts Subject: RE: hi again Hi again, I guess people work for free in Dubai. Am I correct!?? take care Amir
Mike Platts wrote:
Sorry, you've completely lost me there...how did I imply that people 'work for free' in Dubai? Mike.
From: Amir Saffar To: Mike Platts Sent: Friday, December 15, 2006 9:11 PM Subject: RE: hi again it's very simple Mike. You are interested in my profile and i wanted to know how much you were able to pay. no response means: you either can't pay that much, or you only hire indians and pakistanis who don't ask for a good salary. but dude, i am neither indian or paki and i have never worked for less than 2000 usd/month. You got it now!? Amir
Mike Platts wrote:
Jesus, that's some chip you've got on your shoulder there pal. Before the email I received on 11th December, I'd only gotten one from you - the first, which included your CV. As far as I can see, it didn't mention money. If you sent another after that, then sorry, but I didn't get it, which is why I didn't reply. Anyway, it's all worked out well. I wouldn't want a bigotted arsehole like you working with us, and I'm sure that the Indians and Pakis who work at North55 - most of whom earn more than US$2,000 a month, some by a factor of three - are glad that they won't have to put up with your small-minded bullshit either. The Brits, South Africans and Canadians will probably be pretty cock-a-hoop too. Best of luck finding a job in Dubai - I'm sure you'll get exactly the kind of position you deserve. Cheers, Mike
From: Amir Saffar To: Mike Platts Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2006 10:39 PM Subject: got it? i'm sending this e-mail twice. i wanna make sure you get it this time!! 2000 USD/month is a joke bro. I got paid that much when I graduated from College/without any exp. I'm pretty sure most of you guys work at coffee shops when you finish your work at the studio. What doesn't make sense to me is, why would a guy from N America or Europe want to work for that amount. Perhaps you've had a low paid job back home and you are satisfied with 2000 USD! weren't you a cleaner/or a security guard...Mike!?
From: Mike Platts To: Amir Saffar Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2006 1:41 AM Subject: Fw: got it? You really are an irritating little troll aren't you? You can barely write English, and you seem to have a problem reading it too. So I'll break it down for you: not. wanted. here. Now fuck off. All the best, Mike. PS - I've taking the liberty of copying some of my colleagues in the industry here, just in case they too should have the misfortune of hearing from you. I'm sure they'd be kind enough to forward it on to their pals, too, and with any luck you'll be back fucking moose in time for Christmas. (Oh, and by the way, if you're such hot shit, why the reluctance to include a link to any of your work in your CV? So you've got six years' experience - big deal. You don't seem to have been able to hold down a job for too long - or were they short-term cleaner/security guard contracts?)
From: Amir Saffar To: Mike Platts Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2006 11:06 AM Subject: Re: by the way, Mike you were either a 1. Security Guard 2. Cleaner 3. On Welfare 4. had a criminal background, so you couldn't get a job back home 5. a bad designer who never worked for a real company. One of those guys who is a pain in the ass in the production team. who knows, maybe one day you'll be working for people like me if you ever decide to return to Europe or N America. * I guess would lose the job within 3 months. good luck Mike.
[Mike] wrote:
Congratulations - you're famous: www.chrisdiclerico.com/2006/12/17/how-not-to-get-a-job/ www.flipblogspot.com/2006/12/17/amir-saffar-and-north55 Much Love, Mike.
From Amir Saffar:
Don't you really have anything else to do, other than forwording useless e-mails to other people and writting a blog. Dude, if you work at a pro company, you don't even have time to drink coffee. you are not a pro!! that's it. and your e-mails are going to the garbage bin from now. take care
Leave a reply
Comments
Karim January 30, 2009 at 07:59 pm
I dont really understand the way Amir was so agressive with negotiating or trying to job hunt a position,i think that`s totaly unacceptable as well as Mike saying there is no shortage of people with Islamic or Arabic race,with westerm passport(that`s totaly racism)
People should be mre open minded!
Perl57 February 27, 2009 at 10:04 am
I am not critical about mike here but there was no need to reply back after the cover letter. Perhaps mike was trying to impress the management that he was hiring more of muslim origin with NA country passports. What are the chances that he would even look at it if the same was sent from Subcontinent? none. As for Amir, I wonder if he "was" living in North America because people like those would have been set right long time back. I used "was" because amir might have impressed some idiot in UAE who eyes religion as a more important criteria for selection after passport. I respect all nationalities including UAE immensly and just like any nation, few morons like one mentioned here, always hog the lime light. UAE in Asia plays the role what USA played prior to 1999. And now perhaps UAE is even better. Thats the place to live but, you get morons such as Amir from time to time.
Ahmad April 8, 2009 at 06:38 am
I'm absolutely against Amir's pathetic reply, but the fact that Mike went through this sterile argument doesn't make him any different.
Amir: See a shrink
Mike: Get back to work
P.S. Why is there a reference to muslims? No one mentioned anything about religion?
MARTace July 17, 2007 at 09:05 am
interesting ........
but just wonder if the asian worker and european/western worker are paid the same???? $2000-$3000 (for same skills ~ except english)
and $2000 per month is not much i think for web designer skills........
i've heard that asian are paid less than european/westerner worker at the same skills
last month company at dubai ask me to work there as interior designer for $1200 per month.... (i'm an asian)
so sad......
but i wonder if i am a european/westerner... are they going to offer me the same amount (with my CAD, photoshop, 3DMAX skills??????)
mmmmmmm think not.........
so sad..... that these things are really happen..........
Vik Rajagopalan June 20, 2007 at 02:24 pm
Very interesting write up and I wonder if the guy - Amir was retarded to have on the offense for no reason and I guess he is done for. But this does not really mean such a bigot thought for an Indian is one off. Thanks to the marketing strategies, inspite off true MNC's coming inshore to India to have their offices set up to beat prices, the word "Cheap labor" is interestingly attached. And that is where people like Amir are going to keep poking and living on the scabs and re-iterating that "Indians are cheap laborers".
I wonder if this attitude would change at all.
Mohammad June 19, 2007 at 07:33 pm
To play the devil's advocate, I will also say that modern advertising/design, being a field that so heavily relies on cultural and artistic intelligence of the West ( art history, typography, history of graphic design, Bauhaus, etc. ) as well as the necessary experience in an industry/economy shaped by that very Western culture seems to have at least some right in placing the employee's culture ( not race, religion ) as a factor of performance. A designer, after all, uses the cultural visual language as the main toolkit for creative work, in my view.
What do you think?
thanks,
Mohammad
Mohammad June 19, 2007 at 07:09 pm
Hi everyone. Sorry for joining so late into the discussion. People like Amir believe that nationality is an important aspect of one's professional performance and individual worth. It is a wrong belief, one that is immoral and illegal in the West, but a belief that is promoted in Dubai.
Thats why I am surprised that Westerners working in Dubai who have been brought up on these beautiful ideals do not speak out against such obvious racism towards their fellow collegues. If anyone, it is probably them who are in a position to somehow change things. Question is, does anyone really want to?
Thanks,
Mohammad
Jules May 30, 2007 at 02:52 pm
I read this last year and it is doing the rounds again, classic piece of banter and Mikes responses first class. Where is Saffar now, anyone know what company is unfortunate enough to be employing this A1 numpty mentally challenged shit wit.
Riaz May 29, 2007 at 06:57 pm
Its True,in the UAE you are paid by the colour.Even the appointment pages very clearly state that "only UK/USA/SAF and native english speakers need apply". The fact of the matter is that Asians (Indians, Filiponos, etc) have better knowledge of written and spoken Engliah (As english should be spoken), Work much harder then the whites but still gets paid only half or less. The biggest problem with Asians is that they do not know how to Finally Wrap the Pack which is done convincingly by the white.
Kit Ruzicka May 25, 2007 at 04:17 am
Thanks for posting this. I'd hope any half wit professional applying for a job would know better etiquette. It's a nice reminder of how any instances of miscommunication should be handled with tact. Obviously, Amir thought he was being insulted by the lack of response from the e-mail that never got sent. Of course, after realizing this he would have been smart to be more respectful.
Vijesh Rajan May 20, 2007 at 07:41 pm
As much as I hated Amir Saffar's biggot-faced tone and his overall lack of respect or even a sense of humour for that matter, I'm a 24 year old Indian working for a very well-known advertising agency, tied up with an international name.
And people managing this very 'reputed' agency have embarked on the same train of thought a long time ago. It's all just a really messed up mentality. I've actually been told - "Yes, we know you put in late nights and weekends and public holidays - but that's only because you're an Indian - your white counterparts get paid more and have to work less because they're white."
To make matters worse, the company isn't even doing that well. So they're letting people go. I was actually called into the HR manager's room - and get this - he's a fellow Indian. And this is what he has to say to me - "I'm sorry, boy. They're cutting back expenses and so they're letting people go - and you're not white. So you're on the list."
Well I'll be damned. What should I do, now? Apologise for being Indian and go Michael Jackson on Middle Eastern advertising agencies?
Nikalank Jain May 20, 2007 at 03:23 pm
One of the most difficult things I have had to deal with is discrimination in this part of he world... Its tragic that such episodes are now amusing. It just goes to show how much they have sunk in that its humour now.
I have met recruiters here who are the same nationality as me and have told me that I should expect a certain amount in comparison to the "whites", "arabs" and "locals." I have been told by my previous employers that "Its not fair, but its the way here."
If the ones in recruitment and HR have mindsets and attitudes like the ones I have mentioned, such blogs will be floating around for a while.
Good job Mike. I appreciate your responses. I do pray that all the "Amir Saffar"s of da world land up in hell on earth.
Cheers.
Mamta May 15, 2007 at 08:03 pm
what an absolute JERK!! Such people do exist, am glad this fellow got exposed!!
Kamal February 21, 2007 at 04:12 pm
I was surprised to read emails from Amir, apparently for him all "Indians / Pakis" are low paid labourers. Is he still living in stoneage??????
Farrukh: Copywriter & Journalist February 10, 2007 at 09:30 am
Hilarious!
I believe this post has now assumed the status of a chain mail people are sending to each other - Amir's a famous guy now - not that it's a good thing for his future prospects. I loved the replies by Mike.
What I am afraid of, though, is him making it through anyway because of a few recruiters who have an unhealthy fetish for scouting talent based on nationalities even before asking to see the portfolio. I guess its recruiters like that who fall for candidates like these... LOL.
farrukh
Selma Yalazi February 6, 2007 at 08:54 pm
hahaha, this was a classic, thanks for posting... I am gonna forward this to everyone I know.... watch out for Amir people, he definately has some screws loose!!
Nader February 4, 2007 at 10:35 pm
What can I say?
Either...this guy really is a tool who just so happens to be a Cannuck with over 6 years of experience in every possible web desgin skill there is...OR, with all due respect to Mike of course, is a genius way of getting extra web hits on your blog!!
Either or, great article
Anil Natha Dot Com » Blog Archive » Would You Like Fries With That? January 12, 2007 at 08:40 am
[...] Why you should look out for Amir Saffar if he sends you an application. This isn’t anything racial. Hell I’m indian myself. This is actually a mocking of someone, supposedly by the name Amir Saffar, and his so called “perception” of himself and what he expects from others. [...]
Silentspace Blog » Blog Archive » How Not To Get A Job - Very Funny, Such A Twat Though! January 11, 2007 at 11:32 pm
[...] http://www.flipblogspot.com/2006/12/17/amir-saffar-and-north55/ [...]
MUnit : Mun Talks Technology » How Not To Apply For An IT Job In Dubai January 10, 2007 at 12:37 am
[...] A friend pointed me in the direction of this: Amir Saffar is not ‘Indian or Paki’. It’s the email correspondence between the dubai-based web agency North55, and job applicant named Amir Saffar (who’s clearly the kind of person you don’t want to employ). Hilarious stuff. Read it! [...]
Jamie Huskisson : How NOT To Apply For A Job January 8, 2007 at 05:09 pm
[...] Original story link Digg link Alternate post 1 Alternate post 2 [...]
Lost! » How Not To Apply For A Job January 8, 2007 at 01:06 am
[...] Congratulations - you’re famous: http://www.chrisdiclerico.com/2006/12/17/how-not-to-get-a-job/ http://www.flipblogspot.com/2006/12/17/amir-saffar-and-north55 [...]
Yousef January 7, 2007 at 10:30 pm
The conversation's been picked up by Digg: http://www.digg.com/design/How_NOT_to_Apply_for_a_Job_2
Loai December 21, 2006 at 01:57 am
People just come to dubai thinking they are gonna get a huge pay package because of their nationality, Dubai is changing competition is on the rise.
Sionara dude and with the attitude to
Why Say Muslim?? December 20, 2006 at 08:00 pm
Agree in full. This guy shouldnt be let out of his cage... I just wanted to ask you why the reference to "muslim" in your intro? As far as I've read, I dont see a reference to religion in the exchange of e-mails.
Jacob December 30, 2006 at 06:25 pm
Thank GOD this guy isn't Indian or Pakistani!
Mike, do you mind if I make a post of this on my group blog, www.mutiny.in ?
Sumair December 28, 2006 at 06:34 am
Mertin:
"So to Sumair, discrimination is still rampant in Dubai."
Thats what I was thinking because thats what I have heard from a few friends who are sill in UAE. I thought this forum was a more objective place to gather some opinions about both sides.
Rasha:
"I am not good enough, I am discriminated, they won't like me'...yeah...that's what your'e going to get."
I guess that is also a possibility. It is similar to the point where it is argued that 'victim' behaviour has become a part of psyche Aboriginals or Blacks in North America when its not really the case. Personally, I have hardly come across people who would be in a position to discriminate...so I wouldn't really know if recruiters do actually look at other 'non-skills related' attributes. I have only heard from one side of the issue though I hardly believe someone would admit to discriminating.
Rasha:
"p.s nice to see you on the Flip Blog at 5:51 am!"
Personal jab, nice! I don't live in UAE, the server registers the UAE time but I am in a totally different time zone.
Secretdubai December 27, 2006 at 11:50 pm
You know what's really tragic?
Google "Amir Saffar". Long after this place is dead/deleted, that's going to live on in Google's cache. Given this guy is applying to web companies, the first thing they are going to do is Google him.
Oops. That's a GoogleCV I really wouldn't like to have. Time for a name change, in all seriousness.
Rejected December 27, 2006 at 08:59 pm
This Amir figure really deserves Mike's answer. What an **********. Quite low and unprofessional.
I was now allowed to get a visa or residency in Dubai because of my Iraqi passport. They hate Iraqis but that would never make me go back with another passport making it like some big deal. He must have been tortured by his old passport but he deserves it being a horrible racist. He's not different from those who rejected me because of my nationality.
Rasha December 27, 2006 at 07:37 pm
Urm, Sumair.....Ofcourse it plays a role..when you act like that. If you walk into a company saying 'I am not good enough, I am discriminated, they won't like me'....yeah....that's what your'e going to get.
Welcome to life honey!
p.s nice to see you on the Flip Blog at 5:51 am!
Secretdubai December 27, 2006 at 06:10 pm
Looks to me like he sent a second email asking about salary levels (or thought he had sent one) that the company never received.
Not that that justifies his reaction.
The "missing email" effectively gave the company a lucky break, or they might not have found out what a psycho he was before hiring him.
Merlin December 27, 2006 at 04:52 pm
In my own office I have seen country of origin play a big role in the amount of money an employee gets to take home.
In fact, having completed my masters and with 6 years of working experience, I get paid the same as someone with 2 years working experience and no bachelors or even dimploma. Difference between that person and me is the colour of skin.
I can name several companies and people who are will pay less to a certain race for the same job. So to Sumair, discrimination is still rampant in Dubai.
Sumair December 27, 2006 at 09:51 am
Loai:
"Dubai is changing competition is on the rise."
Varun:
"you are judged on your performance not your nationality"
I used to live in UAE (I actually grew up there) and I was under the impression that discrimination is rampant there. I once met a South African recruitment officer from Clarendon Parker and she compared the situation in UAE to South Africa during apartheid. Ofcourse, this was aorund 5 years ago and probably the situation is not as bad as before but the news I hear from the UAE doesn't seem to point in that direction. Infact I have heard to the contrary with the government sanctioned/promoted discrimination on the rise. Is the ground reality different? Is it accurate to say that, generally, religion/nationality don't play a part in a candidate being selected for a job?
Spicegirl December 21, 2006 at 11:35 pm
I applaud Amir's stupidity!! Thank God he showed his true colours before landing himself a residence visa here, even better still ....before he got a first interview and wasted Mike's time - what a dumbass!!!
Please make sure this jerk doesn't get a job here - we don't need more of his kind walking around like they are god's gift to this planet just because he paid for a 'Western' passport - we have a few of them here in Dubai already so the less we have of these jerks the better. I so understand what you went through Mike and support your reaction - don't you hate it when these kinds of people force you to be nasty??.. then they turn around and abuse everyone else when in fact, it is their attitude, their pea-size brain and narrow-minded mentality that works against them.
Varun December 21, 2006 at 04:46 pm
get rid of that attitude - you are judged on your performance not your nationality
Mike55 December 21, 2006 at 06:52 am
I hope Yousef won't mind if I answer on his behalf WSM?, but I'm certain that there was no offence intended - I believe he meant to be inclusive (ie. Pakistani-, Indian-, British- whatever-Muslim) in preceisely the way that our friend Amir wasn't.
I'm sure I needn't add that YTT is himself Muslim. (Although I just did. Sorry!)
AmEr December 20, 2006 at 09:05 pm
Unbelievable!!
But you know what... I have heared about similar cases -of course, not as bad- and what catched my attention is that most of them ends up by having huge exposure into the right industry, people get interested in "checking-out" this creature, and then - in his mind - Bingo!! He gets a great job, and Thanks Mike ;-)
M@N December 19, 2006 at 02:45 pm
I wish i was in London.....
or at least in canada...
Woke December 19, 2006 at 12:50 pm
Unbelievable!
Rayan December 20, 2006 at 07:00 pm
Inferiority Complex... possibly caused by Childhood Trauma
The Salami From Killarney December 20, 2006 at 06:04 pm
Brilliant!! I guess Amir was trying an "aggressive negotiator" tactic. Mike's response was top class, though!