new thread
As I mentioned briefly in a recent post, due to "significant organizational restructuring," my position of employment as Community Health Nurse Administrator will no longer exist, as of October 1st, 2014. And so, the job hunt begins anew!
Of course, the thought that it might be easier to secure employment if I cut my hair did cross my mind. This time, though, it was immediately replaced by the resolution that, if the length of my hair is a deciding factor for a prospective employer, I have no interest in wasting my time and talents working for such a company. My perspective now, as a professional, is that I am interviewing the employer, and not the other way around. If what they have to offer is up to the standard I'm seeking, I will consider it. If not, I will keep looking. This is not just in terms of monetary compensation, but regarding work atmosphere, culture, and philosophy, as well.
I took part in a long-distance interview today (via Skype). This is what my hair looked like. I will not cut it for the sake of getting a job.
Cheers,
Val
Good choices, Val...
I recently had an interview for a good job- the first interview went very well - the second one, with the COO kind of fell flat. I was asked by someone if they thought I blew it by having long hair - I said, let me see... don't care - if they dismissed my talent and abilities because my hair is long then I don't want to work for that kind of person or company... I word a dress shirt and tie - my hair was pulled back in a tail- I look professional with an artsy flair, to be honest. That's my style.
Val, you are a good looking young man, and your picture here looks just fine to me (albeit I am prejudiced for you) I think if we present ourselves within the culture of the organization and we offer our talent, experience and abiltities - that should speak for themselves.
Thank you for the kind and encouraging words, Fitz, and kudos to you for taking a similarly strong stance in job seeking, yourself!
Cheers,
Val
Hope everything works out best for you!!!
Thanks, Frodo! It's a tough market these days, but there do seem to be some good options for me out there.
Best,
Val
It's good to hear of your resolve. Especially with a family to support, I can imagine it would be easy to immediately go to the conventional but how much better to look for a suitable longterm job environment in the first place.
It looks like you trimmed your beard a bit. The beard part is not so much of a big deal IMO (unless you have a very long one) because it can be quickly replaced.
Thank you, Jason. I really do feel I've reached a point in my life at which I can no longer sell myself out for the sake of "conformist convenience." I will find the right job, in the right place, and I will do so with my hair and my soul fully intact.
Regarding the beard trim, you are correct, though this was completely of my own choosing. Although I do prefer to maintain some facial hair, I have never been married to the idea of growing it extremely long. I enjoy experimenting with different beard lengths, but generally prefer to keep it trimmed fairly neatly.
Cheers,
Val
Good luck Val. I see plenty of male healthcare professionals with long hair.
Bruce
Thanks for the well-wishes, Bruce! Compared to some other professions, I am fortunate that the world of healthcare seems to be relatively longhair-friendly.
Cheers,
Val
Hey Val!
I love your resolve to find a work place and an employer that can accomodate you, and not only the other way around! 😊
I think you look very professional in the pic above, and I am yet again in awe of just how much our hair type is alike!
Thanks, Raul. I'll be interested to see future progress pics of your own, featuring your hair from various angles!
Cheers,
Val
They are coming soon, I promise! Long time since I posted any pictures here, besides my youtube updates :)
Hi Val,
Hey what the hell, I'd hire you just because you had longhair so there! Seriously, I feel your hair should be a non issue with your talent and experience so your doing the right thing with the right attitude.Last fall when I had to seek new employment, due to my layoff last summer,I just wore my hair up with my wooden hair sticks.I know some interviews I had didn't go well but if my hair was the reason then oh well.After more than 25 years of wearing my hair long I ain't surrendering now.I eventually got another job which is sufficient for now.Give em hell my friend ;) Cheers
Mârk
Haha... thanks, Mârk! I'd be happy to work for a guy like you! If you posted about your layoff last summer, I must have missed it... sorry to hear about any job difficulty you've had to deal with, but I hope all's well now. Anyway, NEVER SURRENDER!
Cheers,
Val
Looks good, Val! I like your approach about interviewing the employer, rather than the other way around...
Reminds me of when I was looking for a new apartment to move to many years ago, after a series of being stung in various bad ways by landlords of the past. I decided to approach the situation of me being the one looking for a good landlord, rather than focussing too much on the physical beauty of a nice apartment. That was back in 1984, and it turned out to be an excellent tenant-landlor relationship. I now live in a different apartment, but have been here since '94 -- but again, this landlord and I get along just fine, including he has been very kind to me and not raised my rent very much in the 20 years that I've lived here.
Similarly, my current job has been an excellent "fit" -- AND it just so happens to be very longhair-friendly (including our Administrator had long hair for many years himself, even though it is short now).
My best to you!!
- Ken
Thank you, Ken. It is certainly a refreshing feeling, to be approaching the situation from this perspective. I agree about dealing with landlords in the same fashion. You're the customer... if they want your money, they should strive to provide the right "product" and service! Glad to hear things have worked out so well for you :)
Cheers,
Val
You look just fine Val. And I sure like your way of thinking and level of confidence. We should all be like that.
A.D.
Thanks, A.D. Today's society sure could use more personal authenticity and self-respect!
Cheers,
Val
This is not just in terms of monetary compensation, but regarding work atmosphere, culture, and philosophy, as well.
Hey Validus,
I support you in your thinking and your resolution.
I will pray for your success in finding suitable employment.
God bless you.
Your long haired bro,
Raymond
Thanks for the kind words and good thoughts, Raymond. I look forward to sharing good news on the job front... and to seeing some updates on your own excellent hair-growing progress!
Cheers,
Val
Very interesting Val,
Yes - once you get past entry level, especially in a professional field like yours, it very much helps to keep in mind that the employer will be gaining by having you. I think it's certainly wrapped up in the concept of "confidence" which goes a long way in an interview. Your picture, with your hair at its current length, shows confidence. I have no doubt you will find the kind of position and company that you are looking for.
Chris
Thank you for your encouraging words and insights, Chris. Hopefully my résumé will win them over, before they even see my hair! Like I said though, if the length of my hair does factor into their decision, I'll gladly wait for a more open-minded employer to hire me :)
Cheers,
Val
Val,
Looks like you did a major trim on your beard though. Probably for the better impression in a Skype online interview.
I still think once you settle down in a new job, you should grow a busier and longer beard to go with your longer head hair.
FB - Marc
Nah, like I mentioned to Jason, I'm not really interested in growing a very long beard. I typically keep it trimmed fairly short, though I enjoy playing with it at different lengths from time to time. It grows rather quickly, so this is easy to do.
--Val
Hey Val! Your picture looks great, and I wish you all the best in your employment search.
Take Care,
The Spaf Man
Thanks, Spaf!
--Val
Hi Val,
Ha! I would hire that guy in a hurry! No seriously Val, you look great in this photo my friend! And I wish you much success in your hunt! I know everything will be just fine!
Ted
Looking professionally handsome, Val!
Sorry that you're losing your job, but may it be a "promotion" to much better endeavors.
Best,
- Oren
Don't fret Val (I know your not), but just wanted to offer some encouragement...
I've been on 2 interviews since I started growing my hair out the past 22 months. I was offered the job in both instances, and I chose to accept the most recent job this spring.
My new co-workers have made plenty of comments about my hair, nothing negative, nearly all in jest and some have admitted jealously haha.
I think you'll be fine!
-Tommy
Well done, your hair looks terrific.
I'm self-employed as a translator, so hair makes no difference to me. I send translations by e-mail, not shed hairs from my comb! As a priest, my Bishop has made no objection, and is as familiar as I am to the images of John Wesley with long hair.
Your principle is good. If an employer discriminates against you solely because of your hair, he would be a bad employer and not worth working for. It's a good test of tolerance!
Keep your hair - and you'll still find a new job. Good luck!
Anthony
My blog