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something that just irritates me to no end by David on 02 Apr, 2007 03:44
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So today my aunt(who works as a public school teacher in texas) comes up to me before she and my other relatives are about to leave and tells me, I don't want you to take this the wrong way but schools are conservative(which I knew already/didn't care). Then it gets worse....
'I saw a girl not get hired because she had a green streak/highlight in her hair." All I said was ok as to avoid a stupid argument, but a green streak compared to a shaved head. Those two things aren't even in the same ballpark as far as being "conservative in a job interview."
It doesn't change my feelings which is they can either take me for me or i'll find a different profession. It just opened my eyes and was appaling that somebody would think those two things are remotely similar. This wasn't the first time somebody suggested grow it back for interviews, but the comparison she made just was weird, and I can't believe she made it.
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#1 by jusbnme on 02 Apr, 2007 05:30
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Hey bro, I can totally relate. Like I've mentioned in some other threads I quit my job a little over a year ago to take care of my son. The first few months after his birth I was considering going ahead back to work and letting my mother-in-law take over responsibilities but then eventually decided to keep watching him. But anyway, when I started the job search I had quite a few family members telling me they thought it would be to my benefit to let my hair grow out just a little so that I would look "more presentable" in an interview. That's how they put it..."more presentable." I feel just the same way you do bro. If they don't want to except me for who I am then I can always find something else. As far as those family members of mine who used the term "more presentable"...How's this for presentable...(my fist goes up with one certain finger in the air) Now look at the "birdie."
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#2 by ross on 02 Apr, 2007 05:45
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Hey
Just joined.
You guys got a point. Im a Chartered Tax Adviser, but being as broad as Im tall, people do move out your way if you not smiling.
I've found that most people dont worry about it, esp younger people (not that im old at 29).
But you do get a few narrow minded wankers who judge a book by the cover and think Im a thug!!! Its really annoying, but some people are always gonna be that way. Most are more inteligent than that.
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#3 by jusbnme on 02 Apr, 2007 05:47
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Hey
Just joined.
You guys got a point. Im a Chartered Tax Adviser, but being as broad as Im tall, people do move out your way if you not smiling.
I've found that most people dont worry about it, esp younger people (not that im old at 29).
But you do get a few narrow minded wankers who judge a book by the cover and think Im a thug!!! Its really annoying, but some people are always gonna be that way. Most are more inteligent than that.
Welcome ross. Glad to have you aboard.
You're right, it is too bad that we have such close minded people in the world. I think someone else mentioned this before...It would be great if everybody had the same "mindset" as the great people on this forum.
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#4 by schro on 02 Apr, 2007 06:49
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Any problems you guys experienced on a job interviewer are the problems of the person conducting the interview and not you. Besides, would you want to work for that firm anyway?
Welcome Ross. Although I work out of my home a majority of the time, I maintain an office in San Francisco at a public accounting firm. People have given me countless comments on my look whenever I have gone into the office. In fact, I'm the 3rd bald CPA there. The other two are both partners in the firm. It's all good.
Cheers!
Schro -
#5 by Sgt. Pate on 02 Apr, 2007 09:03
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I suppose for us "average white guys" these small forms of discrimination can give us a little insight to what many people of color, ethnicity, handy capable folks and overweight people put up with all the time!
Unfortunately there’s no shortage of ignorance in this world!
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#6 by Tyler on 02 Apr, 2007 09:38
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I don't know how old your Aunt is, but I think she has forgot to open her eyes when she's out in public. I see more shaved heads in Texas than most places I go. I wouldn't sweat it for interviews - I've been offered several jobs with the slick dome.
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#7 by MC HammerHead on 02 Apr, 2007 10:13
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Interviews and interviewing are a huge part of my business (I am an executive recruiter in my "real life"). Over the last two to three years I have seen a marked increase in guys who shave their head as candidates and have sent them to clients with out any concern whatsoever.
Here ARE some interview points that you do need to pay attention to and can help your interviews go better.
1. Firm Hand Shake (yes, it sounds simple, but there is nothing worse to start an interview off wrong than a limp handshake..even if the interviewer is a woman)
2. Eye Contact (should go without saying but most people today don't look people in the eyes when they are talking to other people.)
3. Listen More Than You Talk (You have two ears and one mouth, use them porportionately.
4. Research the Company/Job Before Hand (My clients want candidates to come to the interviewed prepared and somewhat familiar with the company so they can focus on the interview).
5. Dress Appropriately! (The rule of thumb I use with candidates is that you should always dress at least one level above the people you are interviewing with. If they are business casual, where a suit or sport coat and tie. (Make sure the tie is current and not a novelty tie....if it has any kind of carton character, drawing, product reference, hula skirt, tiki hut, or seasonal, JUST SAY NO!). Polish your shoes. Shave your head..or get a hair cut...trim your beard, etc.
6. Prepare Questions Ahead of Time That Are High Value Questions (Make sure you take the time to prepare thoughtful, appropriate questions you need answered in order to make a decision and also will make the employer feel that you have put thought into the interview. It is ok to take written questions with you. I recommend it.
These are just some of the thoughts I share with candidates...there are a bunch more but these are key areas to focus on.
Send me a PM if you have specific questions.
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#8 by Lex Luethor on 02 Apr, 2007 12:24
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I don't know guys... I think if the interviewer is a middle-aged woman the job is mine to lose.
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#9 by MC HammerHead on 02 Apr, 2007 13:18
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I don't know guys... I think if the interviewer is a middle-aged woman the job is mine to lose.
Just show some cleavage and some leg you are a lock!!!!!!!! ha ha -
#10 by RuddyR on 02 Apr, 2007 13:28
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i didnt think a guy would get any weird comments or reactions shaving his head, this is pretty new to me. Especially in todays day and age where almost anything is acceptable. I never really think twice about it.. i see shaved-head-guys all the time. If it makes you feel any better, id hire a you instead of that green haired girl anyday
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#11 by Kajun on 02 Apr, 2007 14:03
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ruddy..its mostly older people(45+) that dont understand that shaving your head is actually becoming more and more "in style" these days ...they were conditioned to think that shaved heads were for criminals,racists and sick people...i'm almost 40 myself and i was brought up to believe the same thing....
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#12 by RuddyR on 02 Apr, 2007 14:07
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ruddy..its mostly older people(45+) that dont understand that shaving your head is actually becoming more and more "in style" these days ...they were conditioned to think that shaved heads were for criminals,racists and sick people...i'm almost 40 myself and i was brought up to believe the same thing....
thats true actually... -
#13 by blondeguy on 02 Apr, 2007 16:16
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My previous boss shaves his head. Shaved heads aren't uncommon in the business world, and wearing a suit while sporting a sly dome looks really sharp. In fact, all my clothes look better on me now.
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#14 by TXFergie on 04 Apr, 2007 10:20
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Hey all, Fergie here, and I thought I would throw in my two cents worth.....
Recently, with the addition of a new manufacturing plant at our facility in Austin, TX I have had the privilege (or pain) of doing many interviews for new technicians. Even when I had hair, I would still look at those with long hair (I mean LONG) and think "why on earth do they keep their hair that long?" I guess I'm becoming more biased towards short hair (especially NO hair). I'd hire sly guys (and gals, if they ever applied) anytime!!!
I think that above all, hair or no hair, just keep it neat. If you're sly, sahve before you go in for an interview. Just like facial hair - no 5 o'clock shadows at an interview.