I have started the process of looking for work. I have not had to interview since I lost my hair. I'm completely bald and wear nothing on my head to cover it. I would like to get advice from all the great people on here as how I should deal with the elephant in the room during an interview. Any help or advice would be great.

Jeannie

Views: 2459

Comment by Susan on August 11, 2016 at 3:24pm

yes because LA is one of the most superficial places in the world and Berkley is very organic and hippy/openminded.

Comment by Susan on August 11, 2016 at 3:34pm

The way people relate to a bald individual,speaks volumes to their intellectual capacity.

lFirst of all,really smart people mind their own business.Really smart people understand that they cannot always assume or judge without hard facts.

Simple minded people judge.

Comment by Margo on August 11, 2016 at 3:45pm

I'm so glad I read this post and all the great feedback! I got alopecia (total hair loss w/in 2 months) at age 45 but since I worked in a cleanroom environment full head to toe bunny suit coverage it was an easy transition to scarves and my co-workers saw it happen but we were so used to just seeing eachothers eyes (so the eye brows and eye lashes were more impactful). Anyway, I just recently left my job after 27+ years and now at 54 going out to seek employment again and like Jeannie my alopecia has been one of my main anxieties during not only the interviews but what they will accept on the job. I mostly wear hats and scarves and just don't have the guts to go out without anything.....I REALLY admire those of you that have the confidence to do so! I saw a girl in costco the other day bald and it was obvious she was very confident and beautiful! I'm hoping one day I'll be able to do that. I have a couple of wigs but never got used to wearing them all the time so not comfortable.

So anyway, thank-you Jeannie and all those that gave really good advice that I plan on using for myself!  Be confindent in ourselves and our employment abilities! The support here is great!

Good luck Jeannie and know you are not alone! I know you will cross my mind during my next interview and it will give me strength!

Comment by Solange De Santis on August 11, 2016 at 5:22pm

All this lovely empowering language is very beautiful and essential, but please, a reality check. I beg of you, Jeannie, analyze the workplace. If you are looking to work at a non-profit, a church, an organic food store, a small local office, a library - then go bald, baby, with confidence and a smile, and possibly a very brief explanation. But if you are looking at  high-profile position in an environment where a bald woman would be a distraction from work and where you can't always control the reaction, just consider wearing hair. I speak from experience and I wish you absolutely the best, whatever you decide.  

Comment by AnnS on August 11, 2016 at 5:23pm

I don't like my wigs - I mean I LIKE them (I have a Follea for one and two inexpensive others), but I don't like wearing a wig. I do wear one because it's easier than answering questions or getting side glances. I don't pay attention to the looks when I wear scarves - with the right earrings it almost looks intentionally stylish ;D

Comment by andrea t on August 11, 2016 at 5:57pm

Ideally, being true to your own set of values & needs will work out best, but if your method is to weigh others opinions and views because it helps you to decide what to do, fine. However, remember, we all relate from our own: sense of self, frame of reference, & value system. I think that has to be kept in mind by the recipient of advice.

Comment by Susan on August 11, 2016 at 8:10pm

We are here to empower and be empowered.There's a campaign called Empowered Beauty.It's actually to promote a fragrance. However,it speaks to the modern woman, who may not always do things to please others.But she is living in an honest and loving way.That woman is me. 

And yes,all i know is positivity. Life is too short to get stuck and wallow in sorrow.Hair does not define a woman.

I read an article once about a very successful banker in Isreal, who has alopecia universalist and has always made it a point to tell potential employers. The results were always positive.

She has never been turned down because she has a bald head.

Reality checks are for those who want to remain in bondage.There is Power in being bold.

I don't mind answering questions,because i also want to raise awareness.When i strut in public,i think of young women going off to college loosing their hair.

A bald woman is no more of a distraction than a woman than a woman with hair.

Someone once told me that i should go to an all women's gym. I replied No! I'm going to the same gym i have always gone too.A gym where there are men and women.

As a matter of fact, i go anywhere i choose.

You know what makes me sad? some people self impose ideas onto themselves.I see it here on this forum more than in my everyday reality.

Dear Jeanne,you are beautiful.Stay strong and surround yourself with positive people.

Comment by Susan on August 11, 2016 at 8:29pm

There is no analyzing of the workplace.All workplaces hire based on things outside of hair.

Yes, one must be clean tidy and appropriately dressed. 

All work places are fit for all qualified people. If they are not,we will stand up and shake things up.

thank you.I can go on and on.

Comment by Jeannie Terrel on August 11, 2016 at 10:51pm

Thank you everyone for the advice. I will not wear a wig no matter the position. I don't cover my  bald head for anyone or any reason other than sun and cold weather. I will just bring it up when they ask me to tell them about my self. I will let you know how it goes.

Comment by Lovely butterfly on August 11, 2016 at 11:04pm

Jeannie...

I am SOOO proud of you!! Good luck with your interviewing process. You're confidence and strength will shine through!!   GO GET YOUR JOB!!

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