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Writer's pictureIllesse Trevis

(Un)conscious bias at interview stage - Going for an interview with blue hair


This is a follow up to a blog I wrote some time last year about the judgement and stigma around tattoos in the workplace.


I thought i'd explore another element I mentioned in that post in more depth around having coloured hair as I'm interested to hear other peoples thoughts.


Although unnatural colours are seen and accepted a lot more in this today's society, it's still rare(ish) for them to exist in professional environments.


Now I know many of you may be thinking: 'But Illesse, this is such a minor thing. No one is going to care what colour your hair is.' And to some extent I agree as in today's day and age we see people from all works of life in the workplace.


However, that's not to say that bias (conscious or unconscious) doesn't exist, especially at interview stage.


It's sad to say that it worries me that I am already at a disadvantage due to my asian name... can I afford to add to that by having bright blue hair on top?


I like to think that my skill set, experience and interview techniques will speak for themselves as that's all that matters. However, I can't stop the voice in the back of my head asking:


Do they care about my hair colour?
Do they think it's unprofessional?
Will it play a part in me getting this job?
Should I have dyed it brown?

I tune these out as I like to think my style demonstrates my creative flair and out of the box approach that I can bring to the role.


As an introvert, I use my hair colour to communicate who I am to the world when words fail me. Some days it's my confidence, other days I hide behind it. Either way, my bright hair is a part of who I am.


But at the end of the day, it is just hair. It isn't going to affect how well I perform at my job.


Honestly, if a potential employer can't see past my hair colour, then is that even a company I want to work for anyway? Probably not.


I toyed with this for a while before my last interview (a few years ago now) and really did consider dying it a more natural colour. But I'm glad I didn't.


I now work for a company that celebrates diversity and hires based on talent and potential above everything else.


I decided to say goodbye to the blue last year and now have purple hair, which my colleagues often compliment me on.


So my advice to anyone in a similar predicament - don't change or hide who you are.


Find a company that celebrates you, and if they don't, the probably aren't worth your time.


This world needs more individuality, uniqueness and innovation.


Just. Be. You.

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