new thread
Well, I've heard it here a lot and now I'm getting to experience it for myself. The company that I worked for closed about 2 months ago and I've been putting in a lot of applications. I have already been told by 3 different companies that the hair has to go. These were good paying jobs too. I won't cut my hair, but it looks like I'm really going suffer financially over it. I have an outstanding work record and an incredible letter of recommendation from my former employer. I spent 15 years there. It's really odd that a company would pass up an employee with such a work record over a thing like the length of his hair. I keep it very clean and restrained. From the front it even looks like I have a short haircut when I have it in a ponytail. I guess a man's hair means more to a lot of companies than the quality of his work. I think I'll do my very best to never do bussiness with a company that has such a hiring ploicy. This is purely gender based discrimination. I'm a very easy going guy, but this is extremely frustrating. I think I'll try the Harly Davidson dealer here in town. "Maybe" they won't mind the hair. Not really sure though.
jeffrey
Hi Jeffrey,
I'm sorry to hear what you're going through. While it is certainly disconcerting to be turned down for such a petty reason, take heart; for there are plenty of good-paying employers out there that take no issue with hair length.
For example, location is very important. Longhairs are going to have a more difficult time finding work in the more conservative states than in, say, California. I'm sure our Californian friends here can attest to this. You are living in Arkansas, correct? I'm afraid this could be part of the problem. If at all possible, perhaps you may wish to move to another state? I hope you don't have to resort to that, though.
Never cut your hair for any job. So many people have made this mistake regretfully. It seems you are staying strong and have the right attitude, but just in case you have been having second thoughts...
Best of luck,
Dan
It's a shame that such discrimination still goes on. I'm afraid it will never dissappear completely unless we can change the law, and there are few enough of us that it isn't likely unless we can ride the coattails of some other discriminated against group or groups of people. Of course, a statute already exists, but has been wilfully misinterpreted by the courts. Maybe the other way would be to get the courts to overturn their previous precedents. Stranger things have happened.
In the meantime all we can do is to keep knocking doors until we find someone who isn't prejudiced. Nearly everyone here has successfully done that, we just don't know for sure because most of those who won't hire us for that reason are too craven to admit it.
Jeffrey;
Great to see your name on the post again....it seems like it has been a long time. I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing outright discrimination due to your hair and I am a bit surprised. Over the years, it has been my observation, both in the MLHH community and real life, that guys with established careers and over 30, were not getting the grief that younger folks new to the job market are getting.
As someone has already mentioned being in the deep South may be part of the problem.....what line of work are you in ??
Being in the casual SouthWest and (way) over 60 I am not experiencing any negative reactions to my hair and many in my age group are wearing their hair long.
Good luck with the quest and keep us updated with your progress.
Walter
Well there is hope. The job I hold now had the same attitude yet I held my ground and declined their request to cut it off. that was the first interview and I got two more and an offer so cheer
up with perseverance you may yet find that company that would rather have a quality employee than a short haired idiot.
Kevin
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I know this can be frustrating, but there is away to fight back. Picketing those companies that discriminate against male long hair may be effective. Announcing it to the world which is politically correct in my view will most likely cause them to lose business, and potential money. (It would likely be best, if possible, for a few friends to picket for you, so that company can't trace it to you.) In these tough economic times, that company may have to give in just to survive. I personally would not feel one speck of guilt for doing something like this. They deserve it. Ruining a company that discriminates against long hair won't get you hired, but could be very satisfying. (Evil grin.) Just be ready to flee to another state.
A better way may be to do the same on the internet, but do it from a remote computer so they can't trace it back to you. Twitter might work very well.
The Harley Davidson dealer would probably welcome you, hair and all. Many hardcore bikers have long hair.
Scott
Jeffrey:
I am so sorry to hear of this turn of events. It is ridiculous as we well know to not hire someone based on appearance. But as we all know too, there are lots of shallow people out there working on the hiring committee who beleive that everyone is as shallow as they are.
While it is somewhat of a cop out to work within the system rather than fight against it, it may be that there exist possibilities other than places you are looking. Oftentimes, employers will be less concerned about a "professional" appearance if the employee is in a "non-customer contact" position, say, in a warehouse or manufacturing facility. These can often be good jobs too, with benefits and the rest.
Good luck though, and maybe you will get that position at the Harley dealer. I pray you don't have to bite the bullet.
I was actually quite lucky in that regard. The day I was hired, I asked the manager if my hair would be a problem. She told me as long as I kept it neat, it would be fine.
I asked her a while before I cut it, if I would be able to grow it back without any company complaints over the "awkward phase," she said she believed that was discrimination and as my manager she would not tolerate that. (Incidentally, if she would have told me I would be unable to grow it back, I doubt I would have cut it)
I live in North Carolina, which is in the bible belt, and in the south, but sometimes it really does make a difference the kind of people you are dealing with. My manager is a super lady who is really down to earth and sensible.
You know the old saying "Clothes make the man?" I'm afraid there are still a ton of people out there who believe it. I used to go around in worn out jeans and holey t-shirts with my long-ass (almost ass-long) ponytail, and have had people suggest payment plans or cheaper versions of things I whipped out cash for, much to their surprise.
My point is, if a company can't take you on for the quality of your person, they don't deserve you working for them anyway.
Thanks for the support.
It has been a while since I've been around.
For many years I was a truck driver for a window and door company. I delivered windows to a wide array of customers. I spent most of my time in Florida and Lowe's Home Improvement was my primary customer. I was trying to avoid an OTR (over the road) driving job, as I do like to spend a little time at home. I had a lot of very positive comments from my customers. I was always neat and professional and this is why it's so frustrating when other companies won't give me a chance unless I cut my hair. I've attached a pic so you'll know what I mean. Other than not having a belt on I think it looks ok.
jeffrey
In the photo you look like a very successful Hollywood agent.
Central casting would hire you in an instant.
Well, thanks! I could certainly live with that job.
jeffrey
I agree, you look great in that pic. I drive a truck over the raod myself (currently) but I used to deliver windows locally in Missouri and surrounding states in a box truck for a few years as well. Like you I always got possitive comments from my customers and I never heard anything negative about my hair. My boses were very conservative older church going folks, but they didn't have a problem with my hair. As long as I got the job done and had a good relationship with the customers, that's all they cared about. Hope you are successful in finding a good job pretty soon without having to go OTR, now's isn't a good time to hit the road as frieght has been quite slow for awhile. Luckily for me I happen to be in a segment of the trucking industry that hasn't slowed much. I pull a refer and you know the saying, "everybody has to eat".
Daniel
Thanks, Daniel.
You're right about the refer. Looks like I may finally have something. Got a call today.
jeffrey
I want to wish you luck jeffrey and I hope yo stick to your guns.
Did you tell them you hair doesn't do any work? What some idiots.
Are ya'll sure you don't want to get some kind of legislation going?
Damn,
Paul
That would be great. im tired of the long hair comments, especially when they get down to 'youlook loke a girl hehe.' they can't say anything about being stupid because of my taking honors/colledge courses in highschool right now. something to atleast make this illegal for employers would be a good step.
Thanks, Paul.
I have been hired, pending the results of my drug test. No problem there.
Legislation sounds like a wonderful idea, but, I don't believe that it will ever work (in most cases) because of silent discrimination. It might work in schools, etc. In other words, your application gets quietly tossed in the trash. I'm sure you know exactly what I mean. I do think that employers should be up front concerning their policies regarding hair length on a man and not wait until he is hired before they tell him to get a hair cut. This would prevent the employer and the applicant from wasting valuable time. They may have the option to discriminate, but, it is my right not to do business with such companies. Even if I am fully qualified, some companies would not hire me based on the length of my hair, yet, they will readily take my money.
jeffrey
"told by 3 different companies that the hair has to go"
at these companies - did you notice any long haired females there? If so (and I suspect so) this is sexual discrimination - get their reasons on tape / mobile phone (dont let them see you do it) and see a lawyer.
If you cant do that - be ready the next time at the next interview and if they say it again - ask them to write that down on paper - so you are clear (they'll turn everything around and you wont get the job) - again get the phone recording - practise at home - and get every word. And get a lawyer. If you are an expert at your job, fully qualified then there is no reason except discrimination and bullying.
You could also say you are Celt or a Sihk - religious prosecution there too - they are not allowed to discriminate and if they do go for the jugular.
Be firm, polite and professional. And always look them in the eye dont be bullied.