Looking Professional

So, I went to a meeting tonight with a group I am involved in here at my college (Society of Women Engineers). Tonight's meeting was all about how to write resumes and what to expect/be prepared for when having interviews. It was very helpful since about 20 of us are going to the national conference in Baltimore, MD next week. One of the things she mentioned (which was kinda to be expected) was about hair. It was basically the obvious no unnatural colors. It made me start thinking because I know some of the people on AW have felt like they didn't get jobs because of being bald or felt the need to wear a wig. I basically flat out asked her whether or not people would look at it as unprofessional for me to wear a bandana. Obviously I'm not going to wear some crazy colored scarf or anything. It will match what I'm wearing. I said that I pretty much refuse to wear a wig and am proud of who I am and how I look. What she had basically said was that it shouldn't make a difference, especially since it was medical. She also seemed to think since the conference is focusing on women, that they shouldn't discriminate. I'm still not quite sure how true that is, but I think I will always have some doubt in how men or women perceive bald women. I know people shouldn't discriminate against us, but it does happen. I was just very happy that I received positive feedback from her! She told me that it was good that I am comfortable with who I am and that she definitely looked at it as a good quality, which is always nice to hear. I'm so excited for this conference! Now I just need to go shopping so I have nice clothes to wear!! :)

Views: 24

Comment by Carol on October 30, 2008 at 8:13pm
You are very lucky to be doing this with a bunch of women. I took a welding class - with men, then apprentised - with men and then tried to get a full time position - from a man. I was treated like the "little sister" that needed help with everything or a woman who knows nothing about "man work" (even though welding is a lot like icing a cake???) when I was apprentising. I was treated badly when I looked for work as I did not wear my wig. A majority of my interviewers were men who I'm nearly positive thought I was ugly, sick or stupid (even with all my experience he asked if I could read a tape measure!!!!) or like a woman who couldn't possibly physically endure this line of work. I'm not trying to put you off cause engineering and tech. are great jobs to get. If it's something women don't "NORMALLY" do then be prepared to have to defend yourself - unless it's with a bunch of geeky guys who are all into star trek and stuff. Good luck, let us know how this goes for you! :)
Comment by Trina on November 21, 2008 at 8:26am
From someone who interviewed people for quite a while as a manager. This is a catch 22. The reason is that if someone just walked in with a bandana then it would be looked at as unprofessional. Not that you have to for any reason at all but maybe to find a way to let them know it is not just for show. I personally would not discriminate on any grounds but their are a lot of people that make a impression based on appearance. Hope this helps.

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