Hey, I had to take my braids out for an interview!

[chicacanella]

I had an interview last week and my mom and granny said I should take my braids out so they don't think I'm so black militant.

The interview went well but can you believe that there are no black Admissions Advisors at the school. Black people and non-whites attend and pay money but they can't hire any black advisors. There are only white advisors, no one of Asian decent, Middle Eastern, only white out of 10-15 advisors.

 

[kittenz]

I had an interview last week and my mom and granny said I should take my braids out so they don't think I'm so black militant.

The interview went well but can you believe that there are no black Admissions Advisors at the school. Black people and non-whites attend and pay money but they can't hire any black advisors. There are only white advisors, no one of Asian decent, Middle Eastern, only white out of 10-15 advisors.

I don't know about the advice your mom and grandma gave you...maybe they just old school or maybe they thought it was unprofessional or something but... maybe all those white folks in the admissions office had better resumes, or maybe no black or non-white folks applied. You can't just assume the school didn't want to hire any other races. IMO having a all white, black or blue staff is better than having your token member anyday.

 

[Soliel185]

Um..that's ridiculous. As long as your braids are neat, clean, and of a natural color it shouldn't make a difference. I wore braids all through college and through my first corporate interview and I was hired with no problems. I mean, MOESHA had braids! How "black militant" was she?!?

 

[bluediamond0829]

i did that one time and only one time only because i was coming up to ATL for a job fair....did i get any of the jobs(internships)...NO...but i took my braids out that looked so nice and I had just got them done too and let them stay for about a month or so(and that wasnt too smart because i was in college and money wasnt growing off of trees)...and then went and got a sewin bob done just for the job fair...i hated having to remove those braids...

i remember for my position with Broward County i went on an interview...i had i believe cornrows...i was so worried about rather i should take them out...and God knows i needed that position and didnt want anything to stop me from getting that job even a hairstyle...but i didnt take them out...come to find out the manager that walks into interview me had individual braids all the way down to her behind...just to mke a long story short i got the job

But really i dont think you should have to take out your braids to go on a interview, but then again we arent the ones that are hiring and interviewing either. I believe some companies have gotten away from judging a person on having dreads, braids, twist,cornrows, but then again its hard to really say.

 

[candy1214]

I just did the same thing to be honest w/ you. I removed braids after 4 weeks b/c I'm going to be interviewing heavily over the next few weeks.

I honestly dont think alot of yt folk are comfortable w/ braids and dreds. Is it right?...NO. Is it discrimination?...ABSOLUTELY. However, when you are the interviewee, you can't gauge that sort of thing. If you work in a predominantly white field (as most fields are), then when you are trying to get your foot in the door, its best to appear as if you "fit" w/ the company culture as best as possible.

I would say that many companies are embracing diversity more and more these days, but there are still a large number of companies that are doing it just to fill a quota. Once you are in, however, get those braids and swang 'em. There's nothing they can do about it then. Also, by then, you will have proven that YOU are capable of handling your the job responsibilities.

 

[mscocoface]

I have to agree with the other ladies, you should wear you hair they way you want. I am in a straight up corporate situation and I transitioned to natural.

I wear my hair in different styles and I have never known once that my hair made the difference.

I was in my bible study last night and there is a lady in that group with beautiful natural hair and because she was going on an interview her mother convinced her that she needed to press her hair!

Her hair is thick and beautiful and because of the strong recommendation from her mother she altered her hair. Now she knows I am a natural hair care advocate and I have given her tips about taking care of her hair in its natural state.

When she told me what she was doing I just got quiet. I realize she is going to have to make the decisions she make and I the same.

I think that if your hair is kept in a nice style then there is nothing wrong with your natural hair and sporting it for an interview.

One day I pray we get out of that mindset and the only reason we change our hair for a interview is because we felt like it and not because what we are told or how someone will perceive us.

(Getting off of soap box)

 

[chicacanella]

I understand everyone's point of view and feel like if God wants me to have that job, then a hairstyle wouldn't matter. Other times I feel different.