new thread
Well, I went today to an employment agency and 1 thing I really intended to do was get their opinion of whether or not my hair, or rather, the length of my hair, was a blocker in landing jobs.
I interviewed with this woman who for sure I gather was 40+ yrs old. So I felt like I would get an honest, or perhaps, biased opinion from her, considering that it seems older generations have their own traditional and conservative views (unless you're a hippie at heart, lol)
So as she took me to a room where I was to fill out papers and watch their video, she started to say that her son also has a long ponytail like mine. Except he has curly hair so when it's in a tail, it still looks pretty thick. Then she started to tell me that he wanted to give it to Locks Of Love once he decides to cut it, if ever.
So that was my cue.
I had asked her what she thought of it, meaning, would it prevent me from getting jobs.
Her response was very refreshing and positive.
She said she really didn't see an issue with it. If anything, employers would make me wear a hairnet.
She ended her statement telling me that when she initially saw me come in, she didn't think I had long hair, and added that my ponytail was "nice and neat".
This meant alot to me, because I figure, since this is an agency, they only get paid when I get paid (i.e. get a job). So for me to be employed is to their advantage. And if they truly felt my hair was an issue, they would say so. Atleast that's what I assume to be the case.
***
Before I went there, I was truly leaning toward getting a trim, back to shoulder length, and possibly layers. But today's experience put the scale back to 50/50. (trimming/not trimming)
While the reason for the trim has more to do with maintanence and look, I can't deny that in the back of my mind, I wondered if my hair truly is a problem in the workplace. (and this is mostly due to family having their view of the 'corporate clone', and always giving me beef about it).
But that's not to say I'm not a realist who realizes he needs income, and I don't make an effort to compromise. I made a deal with myself that if I went to 5 interviews and didn't land a job, then I'd get a trim.
In the meantime, I may opt to go to other agencies and get their opinions too so I can gather a good consensus.
So for the time being, the hair is staying where it's at.
Sigh. Me not getting a job has more to do with the market than my appearance because the thing is, I am sending out resumes to places daily, for the past 2 months! And all I got was 2 interviews! I mean, it's not like they can see what I look like via a resume! I mean, had I gone to 20 interviews and nothing happened, then yeah, I'd consider the trim.
That is good input from an employment agent.
Thanks for sharing the info and the best of luck finding a job.
Walter
You know what they say about old people repeating themselves.
LOL
Another saying. When you come out of the mall and forget where you parked that's normal. When you come out of the mall and forgot you
have a car then your in trouble.
(grin)
Kevin
ughhhhh...HUH?
ughhhhh...HUH?
Sometimes I come out of the mall and forget that I DONT have a car xD
That is good input from an employment agent.
Thanks for sharing the info and the best of luck finding a job.
Walter
Well that was a nice story for a change. My employer wanted me to cut my hair but I politely said no and they consented. Been there over 6 months and no one mentions it or seems to care.
You can have your cake and eat it too.
Kevin
Well, although 'technically' this agency would be considered my employer since the paychecks would come from them, etc, they're not the actual company.
So in a sense, I'm not totally in the clear, but, it was positive news regardless.
If you don't mind me asking, what field are you in?
I'm in IT, more specifically, QA, which, for all intents and purposes, should be longhair-friendly.
It was awesome that you got the job and they respected your decision not to cut it. I think ultimately, companies look foolish if they don't hire based on hair.
I'm the 3rd shift manager in a 24 hour supermarket. It's a
family owned chain of 12 stores. I've worked for big boys like
Kroger in the past and hair was not an issue. My current
employer likes to brand themselves clean cut and aqueaky clean.
I pull my hair back at work anyway for practical reasons and I
look fine, I think. They also have a no beard policy and I kept
that too.
They even gave me a big raise after 90 days so I must be doing
something right. Aside from their hair policy they are a good
bunch to work for. So there is hope for Job seakers the trick
is not to get too discouraged too soon. That's easier said than
done when you have no money coming in.
Kevin
Thats a great story ATP, and hopefully you will find employment that is right for you soon.
My boss would be really upset if I cut my hair as its my trademark and helps to bring in work - wierd world eh?
~ Dave
It's good that the agency was so positive.
I'd have thought that working in IT, hair length wouldn't really be a problem.
One of our previous IT guys used to be referred to as King Charles or The Laughing Cavalier, so you can guess what he looked like - 6'6" with mid-back hair and a cheerful smile.
I hope it goes well for you and that you get a job soon.
Well it's so nice for a change to hear such positive news and for once it's about you doing the job than just about longhair. I've worked in IT for many years and not once have it had a negative word said about it. My view is if you turn up for an interview and are can do the job and you look presentable that should be it. But I know that's not always the case over there with some of the small minded people.
Still encouraging news and perhaps working for an agency it's a better foot in the door that just applying for jobs.
I hope that can get away without cutting your hair and you should not have to.
Cheers,
John.B