new thread
Hey everyone, I'm new to the board, although I've been browsing the threads every now and then for a little while and everyone seems really nice. Since this board populated with long haired guys, I figured you would be able to offer some advice.
I'm a student at the University of Arizona and I've been growing my hair out for about two years now. My hair hasn't been a problem yet since I haven't had a job while attending the school (I've been living off of scholarship money and grants), but the cost of living is becoming too much so I'm currently looking for employment. Since you all make a living somehow, I wanted to know if you have any advice as to how I would go about approaching employers during interviews, since I imagine my hair is going to be a problem.
*Should I tie it back during any interviews (I almost always wear it loose)?
*Are there any types of jobs or companies that you've noticed don't mind long hair in men?
*Are there any types of jobs where my hair will definitely be a problem?
*Is there anything useful to say to employers to dissuade them from making me get a haircut?
I'm pretty worried I'll have to get a haircut, so I'll be very grateful for any advice you can give.
I would recommend applying for a job at a bookstore or a library. Usually, but not always, those places tend to be more liberal. Coffee shops and independently owned shops also might be good choices, although its often hard to find a place thats hiring.
Good luck in your job search!
The issue more important than your hair length is the overall perception a prospective employer gets from your overall appearance, bearing, and conduct - not just during an interview, but also during the initial contact (which is kind of a mini pre-interview).
Standards may vary, depending on the job desired, and the kind of business doing the hiring, but the common thread is this - to be taken seriously by an employer, you have to take the employer seriously. Even if the job is dishwasher at the local diner, pay attention to your grooming and appearance when you first ask about the job as well as during any formal interview.
Yes, tie your hair back in a well-groomed ponytail, or even a neatly tied braid, if you feel comfortable with that. Right or wrong, most people will get a more positive impression of you if your hair is restrained, than if it is loose.
You can get a sense of the "hair culture" of the employer by observing the other workers, or asking around. If you long hair is important to you, discreetly inquire about policy, but don't make such a big deal about it that you give the impression you are obsessed (even if you are). you can always turn down a job offer, so keep your options open and don't say No until you have to.
Sorry this rambled a bit, but I hope there is at least a little worthwhile advice in all of this.
Good Luck!
Arizona, eh? That's where I live, although I don't think University of Arizona is anywhere near Phoenix. Most employers will probably be cool about it, don't sweat it. Most of mine have never even commented on my hair, which I found a bit strange at least. Probably behind my back I'll believe, long hair is hardly that commonplace to be sure.
Yes, most definitely, --- even women with long hair applying for jobs know that restraining their hair is best for interviewing. I never ob ject to a boss suggesting I restrain or wear my hair in any certain way, as it's only 8 hours that I have to do so; but, I will NEVER cut my hair for a job again!!
Yes!! And, thank goodness, nowadays there are too many to mention... But, it didn't used to always be that way, --- I certainly remember more trouble with longhair acceptance when I was young than now.
Unfortunately, yes; but, if your long hair means anything to you (which it does to most longhairs), I would simply suggest avoiding considering working at those companies altogether. Since there are PLENTY of jobs and companies that have no problem with a guy's hair length, though, you can rest assured that you WILL find a good job match that will not request cutting your mane as one of their requirements.
Just show up at the interview as neatly groomed and as neatly dressed as possible, WITH YOUR HAIR SECURELY TIED BACK, --- and then just emphasize how well you feel you can do the job, and how excellent your work attitude, habits, and ethics are.... No more needs to be said! If they like you, but then state that you'll have to cut your hair in order to work there, then this is what I suggest you do: simply thank them very much for the interview, but that you're not willing to cut your hair for it, --- and then calmly and politely get up and walk out the door! People will respect you for your convictions, --- and seeing where and how much you're willling to compromise (and where and how much you're NOT willing to compromise)... And, who knows? They might even change their hair policy, and apologize and call you back for the job, anyway!!
I understand your worries; but, trust me, they are more unfounded than you think. I have had PLENTY of different jobs throughout my lifetime (including in different career directions), and looking back on all the jobs I've hated vs. all the jobs I've liked... the jobs I've most hated all had one thing in common: they didn't alow long hair!!! All the jobs I've enjoyed and felt job satisfaction and appreciation at had the exact opposite in common: they didn't care about my hair length; they only cared whether or not I did a good job!!!! The moral of my story, and the lessons I have learned are these: KEEP your long hair, --- even make a COMMITMENT not to cut it --- and it will help you find not just, "a job"; but, the RIGHT JOB for YOU!!
- Ken in San Francisco
Any job where you will be around food or machinery will require you to have your hair restrained - if that is where you are applying, be prepared to answer that question.
I find large towns or cities with big campuses are more hair friendly then small towns out in the middle of nowhere. Coffee shops bookatores among others seem to be longhair friendly. In the interview if they indicate they have a dress code requiring hair above the collar politely ask if they would consider making an exception. If the answer is no maybe keep looking, my last three employers had such dress codes but made an exception without hesitation in fact it never came up.
Good luck
Kevin
hello, fellow arizonan!
since you are in tucson, i wouldn't stress about it too much. tucson is known for being much more artsy and liberal than phoenix. (maybe not quite as much as flagstaff, but still a lot more than phoenix.) as long as you look neat and clean for an interview, you shouldn't have any issues. i can't think of anything in the 'downtown' area that would have an issue with long hair.
gool luck in your search!
peace,
nic
gotta agree with everyone else coffee shops bookstores. just stay away from publix!!! they probably have the harshest dress code made my catholic school seem liberal lol :{ ]
Really? My friend works at Publix and has long hair. Maybe corporate didn't spot him yet.
Thanks for the advice everyone. Since the consensus is that my demeanor and personal presentation is more important than simply having long hair, I'm much more confidant about finding a good job. Thanks again everyone