long hair discrimination

[armywalaby]

I thought we were past this in this nation. Here's my resume.

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

-3 years driving experience in the US Army with no accidents.
-Highly trained in maximizing storage space for proper and faster issue and accountability.
-Experience creating systems for quick issue and proper accountability of sensitive tactical equipment.

Decision Making
Project Management
Maintenance Operations
Teaching/Coaching/Mentoring
Financial Management
Inventory Control
Problem Solving
Diverse Work Environment
Active Secret Clearance

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
CBRN Reconnaissance Team Leader August 2008 - May 2009
US Army, Cp Hovey, South Korea

CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) Reconnaissance teams are the elite of the US Army Chemical Corps. The forward observers and first to the scene in the event of a CBRN attack or threat. Participated in five reconnaissance missions and led a crew of three subordinates operating the various detection and surveying equipment on the reconnaissance vehicle.


CBRN Room Supervisor July 2008 – August 2008
US Army, Cp Hovey, South Korea

Orchestrated CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) training for the unit to be adequately trained for surviving in a contaminated environment. Maintained related equipment such as protective clothing, masks, as well as various detectors and decontamination equipment.


Command Team Driver May 2008 - July 2008
US Army, Cp Hovey, South Korea

As the driver for the Battalion Department Manager, I provided transportation to and from business meetings, field sites, and VIP events such as meetings, social events and benefits. Exercises attention to detail on vehicle maintenance and standard upkeep.


Unit Arms Room Supervisor December 2006 - May 2008
US Army, Cp Hovey, South Korea

Promoted to supervisor position in recognition of excellence. Secured, accounted, issued and received weapons and other tactical equipment such as night vision goggles, scopes, and navigational devices. Maintained 100% accountability for all items and equipment totaling $5,000,000. Maintained proper documentation to reflect proper issue to unit personnel and status of operational readiness of each piece of equipment. Recognized for leadership ability and management of personnel. Awarded for excellence in knowledge of weapons systems, the Army Supply System, maintenance upkeep, proper accountability and leadership ability.

Chemical Decontamination Specialist May 2006 - December 2006
US Army, Cp Hovey, South Korea

Assisted in the establishment and application of Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) defense measures. Operated and performed maintenance on chemical decontamination equipment and successfully executed over 10 chemical decontamination operations. Trained new personnel upon arrival to the unit. Awarded for excellence in decontamination knowledge, the ability to train, and leadership ability.

EDUCATION

A.S. General Studies, University of Maryland, Asia 12 SH Currently Pursuing


SPECIALIZED TRAINING
Introductory Military Training December 2005
Drivers Training August 2006
Unit Armorer Course October 2006
Combat Lifesaver Course July 2008

but I'm pretty sure I don't get hired because of my hair.


I'm pretty tired of not getting interviews when I know I'm more than qualified.

[sloasdaylight]

So cut your hair.

Edit: For the record, I recently went from this:


To this:


because of work, and risks associated with it. If you think your hair is preventing you from employment, cut it. It will grow back.

[mcblahflooper94]

Long hair discrimination has been happening a LONG time. I, too, am stereotyped to be a stupid arrogant kid with long hair. When will people just accept that short hair looks stupid on us?? D:

[armywalaby]

I get that, and I only grow it out in the winter. I just don't understand how this isn't like any other kind of discrimination.

FTR, if I wanted a job bad enough to cut my hair, I'd go back in the military and get a real paycheck. I got out because I wanted freedom and to grow my hair out in the winter if I wanted to.

[armywalaby]

But you know what, I've been looking for a job since I got home, and this is the first winter I've grown it out, so maybe it's something else?

[runmikeyrun]

In EMS I am not permitted to display tattoos, have any sort of "fad" hairstyle, have sideburns past my ear lobes or any sort of facial hair besides a Freddie Mercury style moustache (can't have the Paul Sr. bad ass one, tried that) and have to take out any piercings in my ears while on duty. In the summer when it's 95 degrees and the squad's a/c doesn't work I have to wear long sleeve shirts to cover my ink, which isn't even that much (two small bands on my forearms) and not in any way offensive.

This is all because patients might not think I'm professional and that I might be incompetent, I was told by management that patients might think I won't do as good a job as someone who doesn't have tattoos just because of a social stigma. Let me tell you something- years ago the fire service didn't hire minorities for the same reason... it's discrimination all the same.

FYI I got tattoos before they were made to be covered by EMS agencies and hospitals, so it's not that I got them knowing I would have to cover them.

And I quote Five Man Electrical Band: "And the sign said long haired freaky people need not apply..."

[Neener]

Grow it while you can. The day may come where it will start to fall out.

I still remember the first time when I walked outside in a light rain and could feel it hitting my scalp.

Not a good day.

[Pacman]

Your resume reads like a military resume. That's why you're not getting hired.

I'd HIGHLY recommend having someone help you with it. The military thing isn't quite as much of an advantage as you'd think it is. They (civilian HR guys) have the impression that we're all inflexible meatheads, or that we're PTSD. That, and they don't understand the military stuff. Write for your audience.

[iamlowsound]

Contact Hire Heros, they are a not for profit that helps ex military find civilian jobs. It is run by a guy named Brian Stan, who is an Iraq war vet and war hero. Plus he is a very good mixed martial artist.

lowsound

[Floyd Eye]

Dude, that is NOT long hair.

[Joe Nerve]

Not too sure this has to do with the hair. Your resume sounds like you're basically an army dude who is very trained and skilled at killing on all levels, with a very padded resume that's a tad difficult to read through. Not sure what kind of jobs you're looking for, but I could see many people having reservations.

And if I'm wrong and it is the hair, then cut it. It will grow back.

[armywalaby]

Originally Posted by Pacman

Your resume reads like a military resume. That's why you're not getting hired.

I'd HIGHLY recommend having someone help you with it. The military thing isn't quite as much of an advantage as you'd think it is. They (civilian HR guys) have the impression that we're all inflexible meatheads, or that we're PTSD. That, and they don't understand the military stuff. Write for your audience.

I hear that. It's really the only experience I have. The staff at ACAP helped me change the language to lose all the jargon and a few acronyms, but I guess it is pretty heavy in one subject.

Originally Posted by Floyd Eye

Dude, that is NOT long hair.

I agree.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Originally Posted by armywalaby

I get that, and I only grow it out in the winter. I just don't understand how this isn't like any other kind of discrimination.

Because race, sex and sexuality aren't choices and your religious beliefs are sacred.

It's akin to asking why someone could be discriminated against for wearing jeans and a tshirt to an interview


Edit - I can empaphise, I had to get a sensible haircut a few years back when going for interviews

[ShredderMaximus]

Originally Posted by Neener

Grow it while you can. The day may come where it will start to fall out.

I still remember the first time when I walked outside in a light rain and could feel it hitting my scalp.

Not a good day.

I regret cutting my hair every time my head gets cold, and lived in a hoodie for months afterwards, though a hood really is a poor replacement for hair.

[spade2you]

It's not long, but it doesn't look as good as your competition. The job market belongs to employers, not the special, unique, and individual snowflakes. If you can't handle that, you might as well hand the positions to your competition.

[Pacman]

Originally Posted by armywalaby

I hear that. It's really the only experience I have. The staff at ACAP helped me change the language to lose all the jargon and a few acronyms, but I guess it is pretty heavy in one subject.

If that is the changed version, ACAP sucks at their job. Find someone who specializes in resumes. It will be worth it.

[armywalaby]

Originally Posted by i_got_a_mohawk

Because race, sex and sexuality aren't choices and your religious beliefs are sacred.

It's akin to asking why someone could be discriminated against for wearing jeans and a tshirt to an interview


Edit - I can empaphise, I had to get a sensible haircut a few years back when going for interviews

I can see how that would apply if my hair was messy. When it gets long it only really goes in one direction...and I've had a fine amount of trimming done to it to get it that shape.

I guess I'm saying I'm proud of my fro and the man can't bring me down.

[armywalaby]

Originally Posted by Pacman

If that is the changed version, ACAP sucks at their job..

well, the army is giving them money...would you expect any different?

[bassguppy]

Let me preface this by saying that I may be talking out of my rear end and I have never been in the military. Your resume doesn't have much in "real world" experience that some employers may want.

But, with your experience in chem/bio maintenance maybe you should look into HAZMAT or Firefighter training. You are young with military experience. Get to school and the best of luck to you.

As for the hair, back in 1984 I worked at a local grocery store chain. The manager pulls me aside and says that my hair (couple inches below collar) doesn't conform to their "neat & tidy" image and I needed to cut it.

They were giving me about 16 hours a week at $3.15 per hour.

I quit.

[Pacman]

Hey man, I might have some stuff to help you. Let me check, I could mail it to you...