Save this article
Use this article for free on your own website
Republish this article for free on your own website or blog. Or search or browse for more articles that your audience will appreciate. Huge choice available. Ideal for finding quality, free content. Read our publishers guide.
Can You Really Find A Job With Dreadlocks?
If you are wondering if you can find the job you want with dreadlocks, the answer is yes. First, it was not easy. Second, it is possible with the three D's of success: desire, dedication, and determination.
Do dreadlocks hinder your search for your dream job? They may or may not. It all depends on your mind-set and approach to the job search. You need strong desire, a commitment to succeed, and determination to do what it takes to get the job or career you want.
Never judge yourself negatively because of your dreadlocks. More than anything else, they should empower you to excel and succeed in all of your endeavors including finding the job of your dreams.
Be very clear on the job you really want. Get a job description and imagine you with your dreadlocks in that position. Write down three compelling reasons you want this job or career. With living expenses, list heartfelt dreams and goals this job will help you achieve. Make it a habit of reading your reasons often. This helps to keep you motivated.
Approach the search for your dream job as a full-time job. Do something every day such as scanning online job sites, reading the classifieds in local papers, and working on your resumes. Create a job searching to-do list every night or early morning.
Regardless of how long it takes, never give up finding the job you’ll be happy and proud to have. Many people with dreadlocks have found rewarding jobs and careers. Get advice from them on how they got their jobs.
Before you embark on the search of your dream job, do a present reality check. Do you have the needed experience, skills, certification, or college degree for the job? If not, figure out a way to get them. There are online courses available, local colleges in your neighborhood, and opportunities to volunteer to get experience.
Here are 5 proven tips to help you find great jobs with dreadlocks.
1. Create a Personal Work Profile
- Get a notepad or open the word processor on your computer and make a list of every job and place of employment. Ensure their contact information is correct. Keep a list of dates employed and salaries of past positions.
- List your professional skills and learning experiences. Include degrees, completed training, certificates, and self-taught skills.
- Next add accomplishments, work experience, and responsibilities of previous jobs. Make sure to highlight computer experience such as computer type, tasks performed, and software you become skillful with.
- Get references from previous employers and co-workers. Give each one a call to verify use of names, addresses, phone numbers, and availability.
2. Write a Winning Resume
- Use the information from your Personal Work Profile to create a professional resume. Get samples from the Internet, bookstores, and libraries to create effective resumes, cover letters, references, and salary history. Ask a friend or relative with the job you want to review or compare resumes.
- Create electronic copies of your resumes for sending by e-mail and posting on Internet jobsites. The two most popular forms are Microsoft Word documents and Adobe PDF.
- Keep copies of your resume with you at all times. Store them in a folder, flash drive, briefcase, car, and secretly on a computer at work. You should always be ready to hand-deliver, mail, or e-mail your resume immediately.
3. Post or Send Resumes Weekly
- Post your resumes to employment websites such as Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com, local newspaper websites, and company websites.
- Send out five to ten resumes a week every week. Make sure you follow up to ensure the targeted company received your resume. If you’ve haven’t heard back from the company, call or e-mail to verify they did receive your resume. This also gives you a chance to reassure your interest in the job.
- Log the company’s name, address, contact person, and dates to follow-up.
4. Network Online and Offline
- Practice TTP (Talk To People). Broadcast the job you’re seeking to anyone and everyone you know. Speak with others at department stores, churches, parks, and anywhere possible. Attend job fairs, business functions, seminars, and happy hours (try not to get too happy, your purpose is to network).
- Take part in online chat rooms and discussion forums. Many are hosted by professional associations in the field or industry of the job you’re seeking. This can also be a great way to find open positions.
5. Keep a Positive Professional Image
- Set aside one good suit for interviews. Find a place to keep starched shirts, pressed suits, and shined shoes. If possible, keep interviewing clothes in a travel bag in the car.
- Groom your dreadlocks. For men, make sure you edge all facial hair such as mustaches, sideburns, and beard. Most importantly, make sure your dreadlocks are clean and fresh. If you have long dreadlocks, wear them in a ponytail tied behind the head with a hair band.
Women can be more flexible since most companies consider long dreadlocks a female hairstyle. For both man and woman, a professional image with dreadlocks is very important. A loctician or image consultant can give you ideas on styling your dreadlocks before you go to the interview.
- Make sure the messages on your answering machine and cell phone are informative. Write a script, rehearse it, and record it several times until it’s perfect. Make sure you state your name slowly and clear. Call potential employers back as soon as you hear the message.
- Practice interview sessions. Think of potential questions the employer may ask and rehearse your answers. Spend time in front of a mirror critiquing how you sit, your tone of voice, and eye to eye contact.
Send a thank you note immediately after every interview preferably the next morning by mail or e-mail.
Most important in looking for your dream job with dreadlocks is preparation. Tennis great Arthur Ashe states, “One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.”
Last, but not least, be bold, positive, confident, and daring. Letting your confidence show wins many points with the interviewer. Groom your dreadlocks, develop the right skills, and have a professional appearance. You will be closer to the job of your dreams.