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I just graduated college magna cum laude, don't drink or smoke, and I don't have a criminal record. I do have hair that is long enough to be pulled back into an 8 inch ponytail. Anyways, I'm taking the Civil Service exam to try to work for state government (but not in law enforcement ). Probably in the clerical realm or perhaps library, archives or museum work.
So could I face the possibility of being told by my own government to cut my hair if I want to work for it ? I'm being rational in that I assume that a neat appearance, with my hair pulled back into a tight ponytail, would be professional enough. Anybody have any experiences they can share with me ? thanks,
Aaron [ Nearly 2 and a half years since my last real haircut :) ]
Jin's posts about the same problem? He handled it quite eloquently, and won't have to cut his hair in the near future!
If there are no actual rules written concerning hair length, they shouldn't be able to make you cut it as long as it's neat.
I can't believe this can be an issue anymore. I have had long hair now for almost 7 years (I can't believe it's been so long), and annual trims. It is about mid-back in length, and has been for about 4 years. During that time, I was in graduate school, completed my Ph.D., attended several engineering and academic conferences, been interviewed for 4 job positions (all with private companies, though I would imagine a government agency is more lenient) and received 4 job offers, gotten married, bought a house, etc. I don't feel my long hair has restricted me in the slightest. Heck, I even wear an earring in each ear. In fact, I feel it makes me stand out more from the crowd.
Just go in, be neat and confident, and do your best. If you start compromising yourself now, right out of college, you will spend a lifetime living a life you don't want. And I am not just talking about hair. Trust me, life is way too short to be worrying about what others think about your hair.
I don't know where you live, but assuming it's in the USA, unless it is Louisiana or Arkansas or some other totally hick state, I wouldn't worry about it. And if you live in a place where this is a concern, I would leave!
I was going to tell him to get it cut for the interview, but then I guess I would. I live in Arkansas.
I share the same opinion as Jim. It is not likely that they would not hire you because of the length of your hair. If there is a policy, the politically correct action they may take is, if you have the skills they are looking for, they may mention it to you in a follow-up call. Then you can decide what to do at that time. As Jim stated, go in there with your hair as neat and professional you can, be confident, keep eye contact and win the position over.