A common query for myself is:
What do I wear to this interview?
As a college student, I usually go to interviews for fast food joints, hotels, and retail stores. My resume and many who know me say I’m “over qualified” for the job. Initially, many managers are content with my history, but when I go into the interview room all discrimination kicks in:
Race
Gender
Gender Expression
What do I wear to this interview?
As a college student, I usually go to interviews for fast food joints, hotels, and retail stores. My resume and many who know me say I’m “over qualified” for the job. Initially, many managers are content with my history, but when I go into the interview room all discrimination kicks in:
Race
Gender
Gender Expression
Think of any qualities one would look for in a new employee …. I’ve proven myself true to many key characteristics.
“Ultimately, my advice is: if you’re a butch dyke, you damned well better go to that campus interview dressed as a butch dyke (not in your jeans and leather jacket, and not in wrinkled chinos and a short-sleeved poly blend shirt, but in a REALLY NICE suit and dress shirt, and quality shoes, and socks that match your trousers, and a fresh haircut), because you do NOT want to get offered a job under false pretenses.”
- http://theprofessorisin.com/2011/11/07/how-to-dress-for-an-interview-as-a-butch-dyke/
My feminine counterparts have an easier time in this situation, because their gender expression fits our Deep South conservative ideals.
Now, if the job interview in successful, the hardship comes down on the feminine women (Assuming the masculine female wore what is comfortable for herself). Feminine women more often than their masculine counterparts deal with various forms of HARASSMENT, “gender appropriate tasks”, and (on average) less respect/promotions/responsibilities - especially with more male-oriented task.
Here are two scenarios of women in the uniformed work force:
“Ultimately, my advice is: if you’re a butch dyke, you damned well better go to that campus interview dressed as a butch dyke (not in your jeans and leather jacket, and not in wrinkled chinos and a short-sleeved poly blend shirt, but in a REALLY NICE suit and dress shirt, and quality shoes, and socks that match your trousers, and a fresh haircut), because you do NOT want to get offered a job under false pretenses.”
- http://theprofessorisin.com/2011/11/07/how-to-dress-for-an-interview-as-a-butch-dyke/
My feminine counterparts have an easier time in this situation, because their gender expression fits our Deep South conservative ideals.
Now, if the job interview in successful, the hardship comes down on the feminine women (Assuming the masculine female wore what is comfortable for herself). Feminine women more often than their masculine counterparts deal with various forms of HARASSMENT, “gender appropriate tasks”, and (on average) less respect/promotions/responsibilities - especially with more male-oriented task.
Here are two scenarios of women in the uniformed work force:
I went to my job interview in a pants suit, which I was very comfortable in. Luckily, my boss was impressed and hired me on the spot. After a few weeks, I was given tasks similar to my male counterparts, such as dishwashing, taking out the trash, and the dirtier part of food prep. Work was a fun, safe place as far as I was concerned. The most that was ask of me pertaining to my sexuality was “How did you know you liked girls?” Customers were overall friendly and my coworkers were easy to work with.
This is just as a young adult starting the in the real world. As for the real world – like when I get a career – I’m not sure what to expect. The following post suggests it won’t be much different from college:
“During my more femmy days most co-workers were shocked. And, yes, it was definitely harder to find a femme gf then cuz we all think eachother is straight. Nowadays I'm more of a stud and it has it's own issues. Female co-workers automatically assuming you want them when you wouldn't touch them with a 10ft pole. Then those who flirt and shit. I don't mind that too much, my last two exs I met at work, but I try (in vain lol) to be cautious cuz workplace romances can be tricky.”
- http://www.lipstickalley.com/showthread.php?t=538182&page=2
What have you dealt with in the workplace as a woman (as well as any other “minority”)?
“During my more femmy days most co-workers were shocked. And, yes, it was definitely harder to find a femme gf then cuz we all think eachother is straight. Nowadays I'm more of a stud and it has it's own issues. Female co-workers automatically assuming you want them when you wouldn't touch them with a 10ft pole. Then those who flirt and shit. I don't mind that too much, my last two exs I met at work, but I try (in vain lol) to be cautious cuz workplace romances can be tricky.”
- http://www.lipstickalley.com/showthread.php?t=538182&page=2
What have you dealt with in the workplace as a woman (as well as any other “minority”)?