I know that this is a corporate world or society, but are all areas of that society still unreceptive, incompassionate (not really a word but you understand) or plain old ignorant toward our natural stresses. This is more my point of view than it is a column to inspire or encourage anyone. Okay, here's the background. I am searching for a new career; however, I am beginning to feel as if my career search is being hindered by the state of my hair.
Obviously my skills surfaced above the ca trillion people out there seeking and searching to land the same position that I have applied for yet the return call or initial interview goes to ME! That alone is something to be excited about and you to will understand if like me you are seeking a new career. Sadly, somewhere between the call, the interview, and the thank you notes graciously written to exemplify the interviewers words or basically let them know I am still interested...NOTHING!
I know you think maybe I suck at the interview...Negative I have had mock interviews to drill every question known to man even the unethical ones through colleagues, College professors, friend's, foe's, kid's all putting me in the position of "I'd hire you" Yes, you probably are saying these people are biased and couldn't drill you as hard as a potential Employer...Negative, I say again. Many of those mock interviews were done with people who's very career's revolve around this industry and career building, to the point they take pride at having people cry preferably during the process, Shaking my head because I've seen it happen.
I have worn my hair in a bun, the slickest of puffs that at a glance could go for a pony tail. I have worn my hair super curly and always professional and managed. Now if you are reading this article and are saying to yourself, (as I initially was) maybe the job just isn't for you, I agree just because I was called and gave a killer interview doesn't mean that "Uncle Mike" as my competition addressed the interviewer at my last interview, still has to go through the protocol of "offering" the position to other candidates. Or, maybe your hair wasn't as neat as you thought it was. I thought this one as well, but had to give myself a raised eyebrow sorta the way they do when they ask me into the interview room.
If I have to question if my hair is professional enough or accepted for the place that I am interviewing for...then this is not where I NEED or WANT to work. If my hair in it's tamest form is TOO MUCH for the company applied for, then this isn't where I need to be. NO, I won't act as such an activist that I refuse career options where the interviewer is so intrigued by my strands that I notice them unconsciously talking to it...okay maybe not so much. Or that periodically I burst into a "what you lookin' at" or "is there a problem" rant.
I am trying to be reassured after hearing my Arabian Physical Therapist have the need to tell me that he himself preferred African American women that wore their own hair opposed to "the animals they put on there head". (That is an entirely different hilarious conversation, but reassuring)
I will simply keep searching and seeking the market that is ready to embrace all of me and remind myself that natural OR relaxed nobody wants an unprofessional staff member representing their company. So if Jews thick curls, Caucasians flowing locks, and Asians seamless tresses are accepted in any form then the soft to touch African Americans exotic fullness that my hair possess will wait.
