One mother claims she was told during a job interview that she would not be allowed to work there because of her hair color.
When Sharon Taylor, 60, applied for a job as a sales assistant at Warren James Jewelry in St. John’s Shopping Center, she knew she had a chance after 40 years in the retail industry. I thought there was enough. But she was shocked that when she showed up for her interview on January 31st, her interviewer immediately told her that she would be barred from entering the store because her hair was blue. She said she received it.
She said: “I was wearing a black suit and had my hair, nails, and makeup all done. When I walked in, the manager greeted me. And right before I sat down, she said, ‘No hair.’ I said, “That color.” Those were her first words. ”
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Sharon said the interviewer then asked her if she wanted to proceed with the interview anyway, which made her feel uncomfortable because she believed the decision had already been made based on her appearance.
“Needless to say, I didn’t get the job. I emailed and emailed and was told (over the phone) that it wasn’t because of my hair color. I thought they disagreed. “That’s it. When I asked for feedback, I was told that they felt I would overtake the store because I had previously served in management. However, the job was still open and they hasn’t hired anyone for the job yet.”
Sharon, a mother of six, dyed her gray hair blue a year ago to raise money for a cancer charity, but decided to keep the unusual color after receiving compliments on how well she looked. decided. But she said her experience at Warren James made her consider changing her unique style.
“To be honest, I was hesitant to go to the interview. I had a couple who canceled because they lost confidence. I went to the interview beforehand and wanted to know if the hair color was OK, but I was like, ‘ I thought, “Maybe it’s me?” Do I have to dye my hair black to get a job?
“I don’t think that’s fair. My hair color doesn’t stop me from doing a great job. I’m not a slob. I’ve worked all my life. For 40 years. I’ve been working. I have blue hair.” Just like people who have tattoos or piercings, they don’t prevent me from doing a good job.
“[Warren James]makes the policy and they’re allowed to have it, but I don’t agree with it. I feel like they need to change the policy. That definitely increases my confidence. I was so upset, I felt like I couldn’t continue the interview and I felt deflated like a dropped balloon.
“I’d like to know why they have this policy. When they’re advertising rings, some of the pictures show hands with tattoos, and yet people with dyed hair and You can’t work. As long as you’re smart and good-looking, what’s the problem?”
A spokesperson for Warren James said: “Founded as a family business in 1979, Warren James has always been committed to equal opportunity for all. Our long-standing recruitment process has always been an important and integral part of that. , we are working hard to ensure this.” We ensure that our recruitment and selection practices are applied fairly and consistently to all applicants. ”
They did not respond to questions about Sharon’s interview or the company’s policies regarding employee grooming.
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