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You shouldn’t have to.
Unfortunately, depending on where you’re interviewing, it may very well impact your chances. Up to you if you want to interview as your authentic self or what will optimize your likelihood
Do you have a job? Is this job a game changer? Probably not.
If they won’t accept you because of your hair, they don’t deserve you and can go extinct like all dinosaurs.
I think the bigger question is, do you want to work in an environment where you feel like you’d need to do that to be taken seriously?
Really good thought lol you're right
Unfortunate that this is even a question and a concern in today’s world
Not sure if this helps - but let's say that cutting your hair does give you a leg up and you get hired. Would you be comfortable working at a place where you can't bring your authentic self to work?
Totally get that you have 1000 other factors to consider, but I wouldn't do it if I were you - because if anti-blackness is that pervasive at the interview stage, how's it going to be throughout the company?
OP, I literally had this exact same thought today!
As black people, we just have to accept that modifying our appearance to suppress “blackness” is the price of entry to attain positions of wealth and power in US society 🤷🏾♂️
This is such a complex issue. The formula is simple-we all know that acceptance is more likely when you conform to the dominant culture. The decision to employ the formula is not as simple and is individual in nature. Authenticity is uncomfortable and most organizations dont like uncomfortable. I started locking my hair 13 years ago, while in sales role for a major pharma co. I made this decision after a trip to west Africa and seeing how elevated anything Eurocentric was. It was heartbreaking for me as a black American and I came back determined not to continue that in how I show up here. My parents had to conform. I can choose not to. So my hair is still loc-ed and my daughter talks about having puffy hair and not straight. I have an ethnic name and I refused to name my kids something Eurocentric. Yes perhaps leaning into your blackness comes with a cost, but it is one I am willing to accept because I want my children to see that what they bring to the table is valuable and enough as it is.
Just to update everyone, I didn't cut my hair. I just got a shape up and shadow fade. I recently had the interview and I think it went well! Remains to be seen if I move forward in the process or not.
Appreciate all the comments!
A shape up and clean fade will always do the trick.
I took an intro zoom interview a few months ago with long hair and a shaggy beard, with the same concern. My personal view was that if I was going to be penalized for appearance, it wasn’t a place I wanted to work anyway.
Got the job :) good luck OP!
BCG2
I have been growing my hair too, and it's not neat (I keep telling myself it's in transition). I have been thinking whether to cut it for interview shopping for a new job, and your post gave me the confidence to try it out as-is.
I wouldn’t fault you for it but some would unfortunately. Depends on if you wanna play the game or stand up for your ideals
If you don’t want to give it up, I think that is your answer. If someone doesn’t hire you because of it, you wouldn’t want to work there anyway.
Doesn’t matter. If it looks good on you rock it, if not don’t.
I hope you don’t. You could style it differently for the interview, but if you want your hair long, you deserve to have it that way. Good luck with the interview!
Just rock a clean mullet. Always gotta keep it business in the front, but party in the back
I was interviewing with long hair and was doing well (final rounds) but no offers. Later rounds are usually with the more senior folks. After I cut it, I got 3/4 offers. I’m hispanic with straight hair.
Absolutely not. Don’t conform to racist standards of how white people might want you to look. Be proud of your crown and let your qualifications lead the conversation. 👸
I have locs, and I wish someone would come at me with that none sense of cutting my hair. There are still states that allow discrimination against people for their natural hair in the work place. For too long have we had to assimilate to the “white construct” of what a professional look should be. It is out turn to define it means. No it doesnt mean to come to work looking crazy, but it does mean that if you want to rock your natural hair, that should not get in the way of you coming into our team and given a chance to shine.
Those laws are hard to enforce because rarely do employers call out someone’s hair as a reason to not hire or promote. They hide behind terms like polished or presence or professional.
Coach
I think it depends on the employer. If it’s laidback culture - no problem.
If it’s very professional/more stuffy, I’d prob just pull it back over my head. So like Gareth Bale does his hair minus the man bun (unless you wanna rock that too). Some of my friends who grew their hair in Covid rocked this look in interviews.
Just no, OP. Others hit on reasons why above so I’m just throwing in my vote for not cutting your hair. Good luck with the interview!
Dread it up homie
Put some gorilla glue in it and it will be fine
Wouldn't matter to me as long as it looks clean and maintained, whatever that may mean in your situation
No. Style it. Dress appropriately on the call. Show them your expertise and capability. If they disqualify you for how your hair grows from your head, you don't want to work there.
I took this same leap 3 years ago for the job I'm working now.
Do not cut - do you