Companies have a lot of tools they use to pick employees. Should an astrological chart be one of them?

An insurance company in Salzburg, Austria ran an ad to find applicants for part-time sales and management positions. In the list of qualifications, the company said it was “looking for people with the following star signs: Aquarius, Aries, Capricorn, Leo and Taurus.”

The reason for the unusual requirement? Statistics, according to a company spokesperson. Apparently, a “statistical study” showed that the company’s best employees were born under one of those five signs, the Daily Mail reports.

Civil rights groups were up in arms and asked authorities to look into a charge of discrimination. But here’s the problem: Similar to American laws, there are no Austrian rules against bias based on applicants’ birthdays.

Since candidates of any sex, race, religion, age or other protected class could have qualified, Salzberg isn’t breaking the law. The company’s holding steady and will continue to use the astrological hiring criteria.

What stories do you have about bizarre qualifications companies or managers have looked for in new hires? Share them in the comments section below.

Tags: astrology, Australia, lighter side, star sign