new thread
hey all,
quick question, has anyone ever ran into a problem having long hair in there field of study or profetion? i know some "jobs" out there dont like long hair. just wanted to know if anyone has had that problem. i mean is it really a "big" thing in the "real" world ? do you find yourself cutting your hair shorter.
im growing my hair out long while im in college, i would hate to grow it out only to have it cut you know.
thanks,
dave
There are plenty of professions that require short hair. It is almost universal that military, police, fire, and prison staff are required to have short hair. Other professions lean toward short hair such as law and politics. On the other hand there are professions where no one cares such as academia and most of the professions in the high-tech industry. There are even professions where having long hair is encouraged such musicians in some genres. Unless you have your heart set on being a soldier you will probably be able to find a job in your profession where you can keep your long hair. How difficult finding that job will be depends on your target profession.
Yes, unfortunatelly people see only the long hair. I recently saw a show on Montel Williams that showed several people with long hair having to cut it due to peoples reactions and therefore lack of promotions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Never. As long as your hair is clean and well groomed there should be no problem. If there is a problem, fight it or consider whether you want to work for/with someone with anti-longhair attitudes.
I'm not flaming you here but I think you might have more of a problem getting interviews if your resume has the word 'professional' spelled incorrectly. HR people can be very picky like that (I know I was)! :-)
Laurence
Long hair guys are showing up in a wide variety of professional fields. If you were watching the Mars landing, a couple of guys in Mission Control were sporting Tails. I work in a scientific field and those of us with long hair are not hassled at all and it certainly does not enter into the promotion/career advancement process.
However, even though there seems to be more open-mindedness concerning men’s hair styles, I would imagine that it is easier to be established in your field, then go “furry” as opposed to being longhaired and young when entering a new work environment.
And as others have mentioned, your hair must present a neat, clean, professional image along with the rest of your grooming.
Good Luck
...because I'm in my last semester of law school. I've got to start looking for a job now for when I graduate. I am seriously considering buying a short-haired wig so as to not go through any rejections due to my hair. I was actually going to post this to draw more attention and help. I can barely get my hair in a tail, but I hope that employers will let me skate by with a tail. However, I realistically don't see that happening. What to do?
I guess your comment about the wig is only semi serious (inspite of your claim otherwise.) Its best to go to Interviews an not hide anything that could cause a problem later.
IE: If your hired as a long hair, no one can insist you cut it later.
With a rotten economy people tend to look at their personal inventory and question each item there for a reason when work is hard to find. Most certainly there is discrimination for males with long hair. Any particular manager is more concerned about what "their boss might think" rather than reality.
In general, a pony tail is completely acceptable though you will have to dress with care. A good suit will overcome a pony tail .vs. a short hair who presents with jeans. In doublespeak you will want to inquire as to a companies "dress code." This will include any requirements for collar length hair on males. Most probably if you have trouble finding work it is due to the economy and not the way you look. Check your resume for spelling errors and do make sure every little thing you know is listed. It could be working with a particular model of telephone system is just what an employer is seeking these days.
Boycott companies like UPS who have a "dress code" for deliverymen.
I've personally had no trouble with my hair.
Of course, I work in radio, which is pretty easy going. The only problem I've had are my earrings (which are only a problem because they're stretched).
The field I'm going into doesn't even question it. That's one of the main reasons I've chosen it, not only for the hair, but for my piercings, tattoos, and goatee. Then again, hotrod/tattoo shops aren't for everyone.
I have friends who are in more "standard" positions (correctional officer, retail, and food service) and they are often required to be short hair and mostly clean shaven.