Which, if any, of the following items do you believe would harm a job applicant's chances if worn to an employment interview?
[Assume that the job has nothing to do with religion or politics. Remember that I'm not asking if it would be right or wrong to consider the symbol, but whether it would have a negative impact.]
(a). A cross.
(b) A Star of David.
(c) A crescent.
(d) A flag pin with the flag of the nation in which the job is located.
(e) A peace symbol.
I've been taught that there are three things that you just don't discuss in a business environment - sex, religion, or politics.
ReplyDeleteI think symbols fall under that descrption...and especially in the interview!
We always recommend removing any visible symbol of this nature for job interviews, simply because the response they provoke is unpredictable.
ReplyDeleteIf you are not 100% sure that something you wear, something you say or something you do is going to have a !00% positive effect on 100% of the interviewers, don't wear it, say it or do it.
Interviews are all about control - why would you cede control to the other side of the table in any of these ways?
I'm with Rowan. A pin of any kind sends a message. And, as Rowan points out, you can't predict how someone will respond to the message. Better to rise and fall on your demeanor and your answers to questions and your resume.
ReplyDeleteSolid points all.
ReplyDeleteThis doesn't excuse a hiring manager's biases, but if you are looking for a job, why introduce another message?