Anarchist at heart.

Job searching is not the most pleasing of pastimes.

I was looking over Ohio States suggestions for career finding and I came across a giant list of dos and donts for interviewing. Do: comb your hair; Don't: wear flip flops or open toed shoes. Do: wear something professional; Don't: wear the uniform of a street walker.

Things of that nature.....


Women
Do
- Traditional business attire means a conservative suit or dress.
- Skirts are traditionally knee-length. Skirts slightly shorter or longer are also
acceptable.
- Avoid blouses that have too tight of a fit, have low necklines, or reveal your
waistline. Typically, arms are covered from either the mid-bicep or wrist.
- Always wear hose to an interview, even in humid weather. Wear plain-style,
non-patterned hosiery complimentary to your suit and shoe color. Carry an extra
pair in case of runs.
- If you wear makeup, keep it subtle. Keep foundation close to natural skin tone,
lipstick in a soft shade, no false lashes, subtle eye liner, natural toned eye shadow
and subtle blush.
- Keep fingernails at a conservative length and avoid brightly colored polish.
- Wear flat shoes or low pumps in neutral colors. Avoid shoes that hinder walking
quickly. No open-toed or backless shoes, as those styles are associated with
social settings.
- Consider removing visible body piercings and covering tattoos.
Don’t
- Purses should be conservative and inconspicuous.
- Avoid wearing jewelry and makeup that is too showy or distracting.
- Don’t wear more than one ring per hand. Remove ankle bracelets, etc.
- Avoid floral pints, brightly patterned blouses and flashy scarves.



Quite the extensive list.

And it bothers me. In order to succeed professionally you have to completely ignore who you are as an individual. When have I ever worn panty hose?

Does getting full time employment mean you must conform to baseless standards of "professionalism".

I want to work for a company that values individualism and wants to hire me because of the fun and casual non-business suit image I project. But I lament to think those companies do not exist.

So must I don the panty hose, knee length tweed, and kitten heels. Remove the piercings, dark eyeliner, black nail polish and change the color of my hair from dark red to mousy brown. Purchase a handbag that does not look like it came from the sales rack at target.

And its not just attire. This extends to one's entire demeanor from interview to job duties. One is expected to answer interview questions with the perfunctory self-promoting replies that frame you in the best light and once you obtain your job by effectively being dishonest and manipulative you are expected to act a certain way that can often go against instinctual proclivities. Customer Service: kiss peoples' asses. Sales: lie coerce manipulate.

Can you still be yourself and fit into the post secondary education career world?

I guess I just don't do well with rules and guidelines.