new thread
Hello~
I am at about 15 months growth, and I wear a full beard which is always neatly trimmed. Before I decided I wanted long hair, I religiously shaved my head once every three days for over a decade. Long hair or a shaved head are the only two hairstyles I have ever known.
When I had a shaved head, nobody gave me a second glance, although some people thought it was funny to call me "a Nazi" (it isn't). I suppose people actually considered that haircut which I gave myself "professional". Now, I have recently graduated college, and I am having a very hard time finding a job in my hometown. I have many connections in this city (Burbank, California!) but during the interview phase it almost always seems to come down to my hair. Deep down I feel like I am a harder worker than most of my peers, and I do things until they are done, even if that means staying overtime, unpaid & off the clock. That is the kind of person I am, but I can't exactaly go around saying that - it sounds too much like I am selling myself.
In addition, I have been getting the feeling from strangers that I am less trustworthy than before - This of course is based on my perception of the reactions strangers give to me. I find this troubling, for I have found peace in my long hair - the short haired person they knew was angry and uneven, yet somehow more trustworthy? Makes me laugh!
What I find curious is that I am having a far more difficult time finding a job with a degree and long hair than I ever did with no degree and very short hair.
Phew! It feels good to merely write all that out. Thanks for letting me rant!
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C.M.S.
Wow, I'm really sorry to hear that. =o(
I would have thought Burbank would be more open minded than some places, with all the studios and such around... I lived there for a few years back in the early 80's, on Buena Vista St. =o)
What type of employment are you seeking?
Thanks a ton for replying to me. I sincerely feel reinforced by your kind words.
I believe I will take the advice of persistance and leading with a strong foot forward. I'd much rather find a place that has no problem with shoulder length hair (mine grows kind of slow) than be forced into a really whacky haircut.
I have what the Newton side of my family lovingly refers to as "Newton Hair" which looks pretty good left alone, but resists any and all types of styling...it is straight for about six inches, and then gets wavy.
I've worked in IT at a printing company on Van Owen Blvd in Burbank before, which was a really great job. However, I'm hesitant to attempt going back there, because as I see it, I only get one shot at the interview there (even though they know me...) and I don't want to mess it up before I have as many kinks as possible ironed out of my appearance.
As for the type of work I am looking for, I studied History for my bachelors, which I feel is dually helpful and hurtful - I am not necessarily primed for any particular field of employment, but at the same time I feel that my studies have granted me a kind of insight which I am discovering to be extremely rare.
My tentative plan is to go to a temp agency for a month or two while the hairs just above my forehead finish reaching pony-tail length. I'm not a huge fan of the ponytail, I prefer it loose & combed, but I think that may look more professional.
Also I intend to use my tax return to buy a supply (beyond what I have) of dress shirts and slacks. : )
Thanks for everything!
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C.M.S.
Man, I hate when I hear about things like these. I can´t believe people are still so dumb in the 21st century.
How do you wear your hair to the interviews? Maybe you can put your hair in a way that looks differently?
Man, I hate when I hear about things like these. I can´t believe people are still so dumb in the 21st century.
How do you wear your hair to the interviews? Maybe you can put your hair in a way that looks differently?
Undeniably this still happens. And it shouldn't... Discrimination will never die :(
Anyway, maybe you should try different styles that make you look more professional. (ANd having a degree and getting less opportunities than when you didn't have a degree makes it clear why this world SUX)
I've had one occasion where the "dress code" was mentioned which of course included hair above the collar and my polite response was thank you for the interview good day, as well as I was hired on the spot for a management position in retail of all things. My feeling is if they have issues with hair length they will undoubtedly have other issues, and maybe it's not a place you would like working. It's true opportunities will be fewer with longhair but one of the things that makes one successful in life is persistance so don't give up and don't cut it
Hang in there. I have long hair and work in the IT field. Been gamefully employed for over 12 years now. I've had no issues with my hair. I try to look as nerdy as possible and I think people just write me off as a computer geek.
Vince