new thread
So, I've been interviewed for a job that has a section in the dress code requiring men's hair to be above their collar. My hair is just too long for this. The interviewer mentioned I would need to cut off a "little bit". I made no concessions at the time and don't intend to. I plan on pinning my hair up or something of the sort should I get the job. However, I can imagine getting flak from my superiors even then. So, my question is: "Has anyone ever falsely claimed a religious exemption just to keep their long hair?" I've read that a Nazarite vow in the Jewish faith keeps men from cutting their hair, but to keep up the charade I wouldn't be able to eat meat in front of my co-workers.
Before you ask: My money situation is desperate so not taking this job is out of the question. And yes, I am perfectly content to use and manipulate my co-workers and organization to attain this end.
The Nazirite vow involves three things:
No hair cutting
No alcohol
No touching dead bodies
There is nothing about not eating meat.
Sikhs don't get their hair. I don't know if you'd have to been Indian to make that convincing. It just really sucks that this is even an issue when getting a job.
Kalsha Sikhs don't get their hair - true
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khalsa
nor do Celts/Vikings (even in this day & age)
http://www.uphellyaa.org/about-up-helly-aa/procession
I have no idea what you look like but if you are desperate it perfectly understandable and getting in the door is not easy. e firm and polite and stand your ground if you are serious, if not good luck anyway :)
Lying isn't the answer. Man up and either...
1... figure out a way to keep the long hair and get the job,
2... cut your hair to get the job, or
3... stand your ground, keep your hair, and find another job if necessary.
I'm not a fan of organized religion to begin with, but to feign devotion to a religion for the sake of a job would demonstrate an embarrassing lack of integrity.
To use a religious term, Amen, my friend. Your integrity is one of the few things that no one can take from you, the only way to lose it is to give it up yourself.
And if nothing else, think of the practical aspect. How long will the job last when they figure out you lied to get in the door? And lies like that have this nasty habit of coming back to bite you.
You also have to realize that if your hair is only just reaching your collar, it's not long enough to convincingly make a religious claim because your potential employer would realize you're making it up. They won't believe you just made the conversion or took the vow you're claiming.
Hey soviet_ska,
Don't lie.
Respectfully stand your ground and say that your hwir is important to you. Offer to wear it up while you are at work. If this is not acceptable to your potential supervisors then you must decide if you are going to cut it or look for employment somewhere else.
You may find that you potential supervisors may respect your integrity and your strength of character.
Raymond
I don't think it's right to pretend to be a member of a religious group - you could end up in a much worse situation as a result, and it's insulting to those who genuinely believe.
Better solution - use a wig until (all) your real hair is long enough to tuck inside your collar.
So, I guess it doesn't matter, I didn't get the job anyway. I'll try to find a more long-hair friendly company I suppose.