Why won't anybody hire me?

[stefano]

Originally Posted by RDap98

Attachment 27585Think he found a job....

It's the same guy!!!

Great thread this, it's the things that often people don't dare to talk about, but are in my opinion extremely important and interesting social topics.

I have to admit - I'm "only" 30 years old, and though I have neither tattoos nor piercings (I would if my parents had been less strict (tattoos and an earring, to be clear, no more) - thank God they weren't), I've always strongly believed in freedom of expression, and must admit that I dress quite differently from my peers (who are becoming more and more "clean-cut", while I still walk around with baggy jeans and hoodies )

BUT there has to be a limit to everything... and if you choose to exceed that limit, you cannot expect not to "pay" for the consequences.

Even though I'm only 30 and like to think I'm still more or less in touch with the younger generation... I just can't believe how the kids are dressing up today, how they act, what their parents let them do (or get away with) etc.

If you choose to do... THAT... to yourself (referring to the guy in the pictures)... then I guess I have to accept that (even though, seriously, what kind of a sick twisted mind would choose to do that to themselves???). BUT how in the hell can that guy expect to get a decent job? Is he serious?

That's why I really respect tattoo parlors (have been to a few, was looking into a tattoo, never got it) that refuse to tattoo face, neck and hands on an ethical basis.

If you tattoo your face, neck, or hands, you are consciously making a huge decision to cut yourself off from a HUGE portion of the job market.

As many of you have already said, that's just the way life works.

And honestly, it's right that it should be so!

[Rocket_88]

There is self expression and there is self harm.

Some of the more extreme piercing/tattoo combinations stray into the realm of self harm. I know this from the experience of having a family member with self image issues; the extreme tatts, the endless piercings and the cutting all went together. As a creative, I have also worked with a few people like this. A certain amount of eccentricity is expected of designers (thank God), but even my clients would balk at meeting some indian-ink-faced pin cushion. Guys like the one in the pic invariably have 'issues' and difficulty accepting even positive criticism, in my experience. Not qualities you look for in a possible client-facing colleague.

[2006 Z750S]

I work for an HVAC company as well and I think that on the positive side, this kid looks like he could carry most of the electronic metering and testing equipment on his face.

[sharky1381]

It is great to espouse the idea that everyone should be judged by their character and not their appearance. I agree with that 100% when it comes to race, ethnicity, or religion. On the other hand, when it comes to issues such as piercings, facial tattoos, facial hair, grooming and hair style, that tells you a lot about a person's willingness to ascribe to the norms of the society they live in. They absolutely have the right to express their individualism in any way that does not infringe on the rights of others and I would fight to protect that right. By the same token I have the absolute right to not have them represent me or my company to clientele. Why would anyone hire a person that would alienate, intimidate or frighten their customers? That would be economic suicide for any business and it is ridiculous to expect any company owner to do so.
For those who think people should be forced to hire a person with an appearance like those shown in this thread as long as they are qualified for the job, how do you feel about a person who determines they will express such individualism by refusing to bathe or comb their hair? After several weeks they will reek and their hair would be a disgusting looking matted mess. That kind of appearance brings the competency and professionalism of such a person into question and will ultimately cost the company business when customers decide to find another more acceptable company to provide the service. Just as it is their Constitutional right to appear however they choose, it is the constitutional right of an employer to set and maintain standards of appearance.

[keyda81]

If that kid came to me looking for a job I wouldn't hire him either. When going to a job interview you should dress in a professional manner. Having your boxers hanging out, not good. I'm usually dressed in a baggy t-shirt, and jeans, but when it came to looking for a job I'd throw on a decent shirt and pants. The only thing I wouldn't leave behind is my wallet chain that hangs down to my knee.

[jeffs99vulcan]

Originally Posted by Sierra Vulcan

No piercings for donkey?

Well there was that one time... but he was passed out and taken and taken advantage of...

[insolentminx]

i dunno.
i've met alot of very intelligent and very friendly people with all sorts of strange and odd piercings and tattos.
They tend to be the ones at school who'll be into the geeky comicbook/graphic novel scene, love their sci-fi/horror films and do a lot of reading.
They don't do much sport, so were a little more studious. (in between live music gigs and doing weed ). They're extremely culturally diverse and (at least the ones i knew/met) could happily hold an indepth and relevant conversation about politics and current affairs, so for the most part they were anything but stupid.

I think the problem here is that he just hasn't been told by anyone that you need to make an effort for the interview.
Sure he was being himself, which is usually what people say you should be at an interview, but that doesn't really get you too far unless you only want a job in a record store, hot topic, or a tattoo studio.
So many places don't actually give feedback after an interview, no-one stands a chance of ever figuring out what they're doing wrong.

I feel sorry for the guy as he's probably just been mis-informed about interview techniques.

In today's society i don't think anyone should be rejected for a job just cos they look a little strange.
If he was qualified, he should be given the job (assuming there's no huge personality/atitude conflict)...
you just ensure that he adheres to a strict clothing/uniform code.

Would you have also not hired someone with a facial deformity, or someone who was just plain ugly?

Did you ask if he'd be willing to take out some of the piercings if he was given the job?


If he's wearing the Dockers and monogramed shirt you provide your employees, and is qualified for the job, then I really can't think of any reason whatsoever for a client to object to him working in their house. Especially after a threat of discrimination.

Now i don't know how conservative some of your clients are, but if you're a renowned company with a great reputation, and they're paying top dollar for your service... who are they to complain about the appearance of one of your workers, assuming that he works to the high quality that all your employees work at?


...

Of course, if he was stupid as hell, and had no relevant qualifications, then perhaps you should have highlighted that before telling him that he should dress more appropriately for a job interview and showing him to the door. )

I got a job with a Police department wearing baggy jeans (boxers not showing), a baggy shirt, and bleached hair

[jeffs99vulcan]

Originally Posted by insolentminx

In today's society i don't think anyone should be rejected for a job just cos they look a little strange.

The fun thing though, is that NOTHING is that black and white.

Taken at face value, your sentence above is correct. And taken in that context not too many people would argue with the intent of your comment...

But what about as a day-care worker? Or health car provider in a nursing home? Or as a meat cutter in a butcher shop? Would you want him greeting you in a highly sterile environment? Is he the best person for a Jungle Gym position? How about a Social Worker?

As a business owner, do you not have to take responsibility for the perception that your client base will take of your company, its professionalism and image, based on the goods/services it provides?

Not one of us has ever spoken to the kid pictured, and are in no position to judge his skills, abilities and experience, but we CAN make a judgement of how he will be perceived by the clients we expect to serve...

If I ran a tattoo/piercing parlour, I'd likely choose him over a clean-cut unaltered candidate, because he reflects what my business portrays.

But my point is, he, and WE, have to understand that his choice, CHOICE of physical appearance will nearly CERTAINLY affect the opinions of others, whether that be positive, negative, as employer or customer, and we should not be surprised that it will.

[ALStensby]

Originally Posted by Sierra Vulcan

Beyond the piercings it was his manner of dress and lack of caring that turned me off. His entire a$$ was hanging out with his pants around his thighs and old worn boxers sticking out about a foot. I understand kids want to be unique and individual but when you go out for a job interview dress for the job. Even if you are at the top of your game in job experience, dressing and looking like a slob won't win you brownie points. This is a tight job market and if you really want a job with a professional company you might want to dress for success. The giant hole in the nose was something else, I could see into his sinus. I don't get it.

I don't think the comments about judgement were really about you (I know mine wasn't). It's because of other's judgement that you have to make those sorts of decisions.

[Rocket_88]

Originally Posted by Bumper

...And I swear the first thing that came to mind was, "Kill em all before they get the chance to multiply!"

I love the honesty. Do you reckon you have mellowed enough to have Mr Pierce T-Attoo as your air conditioning engineer?

[insolentminx]

Originally Posted by jeffs99vulcan

after that pic, you expect me to take you seriously??

Originally Posted by jeffs99vulcan

The fun thing though, is that NOTHING is that black and white.

Taken at face value, your sentence above is correct. And taken in that context not too many people would argue with the intent of your comment...

But what about as a day-care worker? Or health car provider in a nursing home? Or as a meat cutter in a butcher shop? Would you want him greeting you in a highly sterile environment? Is he the best person for a Jungle Gym position? How about a Social Worker?

As a business owner, do you not have to take responsibility for the perception that your client base will take of your company, its professionalism and image, based on the goods/services it provides?

Not one of us has ever spoken to the kid pictured, and are in no position to judge his skills, abilities and experience, but we CAN make a judgement of how he will be perceived by the clients we expect to serve...

If I ran a tattoo/piercing parlour, I'd likely choose him over a clean-cut unaltered candidate, because he reflects what my business portrays.

But my point is, he, and WE, have to understand that his choice, CHOICE of physical appearance will nearly CERTAINLY affect the opinions of others, whether that be positive, negative, as employer or customer, and we should not be surprised that it will.

i agree though.

[PainlessWolf]

Reminds me of something, kinda like Munchausen Syndrome but not the same...Pushes people to have unneeded surgical procedures performed upon themselves. I'm fairly certain a lot of this kind of thing is just individual forms of expression, a need to be unique somehow...some of it, I'm not so certain about.
Painless Black Wolf
...Here for the Dawn...

2005 Drifter 800

[ALStensby]

Originally Posted by PainlessWolf

Reminds me of something, kinda like Munchausen Syndrome but not the same...Pushes people to have unneeded surgical procedures performed upon themselves. I'm fairly certain a lot of this kind of thing is just individual forms of expression, a need to be unique somehow...some of it, I'm not so certain about.
Painless Black Wolf
...Here for the Dawn...

2005 Drifter 800

For most people, it's just 'cuz they can. Same reason people climb mountains or jump out of planes. It's there to do. Ha ha! I've had my share of piercings which eventually came out and did it pretty at will for various reasons. I have one tat with significant meaning and three others planned that also have significant meaning. Everyone has their own reasons. I just make sure that the permanent ones have long lasting good reasons. Ha ha!

[Jake '53]

Originally Posted by PainlessWolf

Reminds me of something, kinda like Munchausen Syndrome but not the same...Pushes people to have unneeded surgical procedures performed upon themselves. I'm fairly certain a lot of this kind of thing is just individual forms of expression, a need to be unique somehow...some of it, I'm not so certain about.
Painless Black Wolf
...Here for the Dawn...

2005 Drifter 800

But it's not really unique, just following a different flock.

[ALStensby]

Originally Posted by Jake '53

But it's not really unique, just following a different flock.

Nonsense! They're different! Just like everyone else!

[jeffs99vulcan]

Originally Posted by insolentminx

after that pic, you expect me to take you seriously??

i agree though.

Does anyone EVER take me seriously?!

[ALStensby]

Originally Posted by jeffs99vulcan

Does anyone EVER take me seriously?!

No.

[fong47]

Pretty amazing dude!

[Jake '53]

Originally Posted by jeffs99vulcan

Does anyone EVER take me seriously?!

I tried once but couldn't do it.

[Rocket_88]

Originally Posted by PainlessWolf

Reminds me of something, kinda like Munchausen Syndrome but not the same...Pushes people to have unneeded surgical procedures performed upon themselves. I'm fairly certain a lot of this kind of thing is just individual forms of expression, a need to be unique somehow...some of it, I'm not so certain about.
Painless Black Wolf
...Here for the Dawn...

2005 Drifter 800

It's a bit like 'cutting', or body dysmorphic disorder or eating disorders. It's about introspectively trying to assert control over a very specific aspect of one's existence, when the bigger picture appears to be crumbling all around, beyond one's control.

Either that, or its about annoying your parents.