Dodging unintentional discrimination in the workplace By Kathleen Wells, Ph.D. We've come a long way, but we still have miles to go. Women may face many kinds of discrimination in the workplace or during the hiring process. People discriminate for a myriad of reasons: fear of the unknown, ignorance and prejudice. Most times we won't know what drives a person, so we must learn to deal with it and how to fight it. Discrimination can occur because of being a woman, overweight, or middle aged to name only a few. Ruth Ledesma, Executive Coach and President of Ledesma Associates, says step number one is to understand where these people are coming from and forgive them. Understanding them is probably easier than forgiving, but both are important to your peace of mind and success. Ledesma says, "When you are considering bringing someone into your organization. . .the first inclination is to bring in someone just like yourself." So if you are a thin, tall white male, that's what you are apt to hire. What does this tendency mean to you? The discrimination is not personal! It is human nature. Keep in mind the other person's responsibilities as well. You may have a job interview lined up with a person whose job it is to keep medical costs down. If that personnel manager is looking at an overweight woman, is he or she considering the increased risk of heart disease or problems that will help increase the company's insurance premiums? The same holds true for smokers. This is a new and growing basis for discrimination, and it boils down to what the insurance company charges the employer to provide insurance for employees who smoke. Another reason for often times unintentional discrimination is misconceptions the interviewer may have about certain people. How many times have you heard that overweight women are lazy, stupid and boring? Have your ever overheard a comment that women who are heavy are creative, talented and wonderful company assets? Probably not. The hiring manager or promotion board has heard all of these negative stereotypical things about being overweight. It is your job to sell them in the interview on your personal talents and what you can bring to the company. I had a female client, slightly overweight and also Filipino in the conservative, white male world where we lived. She went into her interview prepared with a full marketing plan she had taken the time to map out to showcase her talents. She left that interview hired in spite of any discriminatory thoughts that could have influenced the outcome had she not been prepared. This client got the attention of the hiring panel and didn't let go until she was done with them! Ledesma also says it is essential to radiate confidence. She explains, "If you expect to be rejected because of your weight, age or sex, the odds are you will be defensive. Defensive, prickly people are not attractive, don't interview well and are seldom offered the position." If you are not confident of your ability, why should the hiring manager be? You must show the person that you are capable and what you know you can do for them. If you have done your research prior to the meeting, you can pinpoint areas of need and exactly how you can fix those problems. Many of my clients are middle aged. With age discrimination kicking in around 42, this becomes a concern for some job seekers. I had one client who did everything possible to remove anything on which discrimination could be based. The marketing portfolio she used had no reference to age. The college graduation dates were left off, and she only went back ten years in her career. Sections like employment history and accomplishments were labeled as relevant work history and selected accomplishments. That says this isn't everything, just what's important to what I can do for you. It also eliminates the impulse to start adding dates to guess at your age. Then she purchased contacts and got rid of her glasses. She also had her hair highlighted to cover the beginnings of gray. When she added her own vitality, confidence and energy, she looked very professional but with a somewhat youthful appearance. Don't forget to go through your clothing now and then. Avoid trendy styles that quickly age you. Classic styles are best but even those will vary slightly and catch people's attention. For example, watch the length of the jacket to your suit or dress and the width of the lapel on your suits. These things change seasonally and give you a dated look. "Discrimination against women is a problem that runs a lot deeper, and I think is countered best with quiet self respect," Ledesma said. She makes the point that if you demonstrate respect for yourself and others, you will generally be happy with the response. As you go after a promotion or a new position, remember that what you put out is what comes back to you. Be forgiving and understanding of the people with whom you deal, be confident and respectful and be practical in your self-assessment and designing your marketing portfolio to put forth the best image you can. Pull your confidence and self-respect around you like a cloak, get your foot in the corporate door of your choice, and then prove their basis for discrimination is invalid. Also see: Negotiating for a raise or larger salary package Kathleen Wells is a professional career coach who provides a full range of career services. Dr. Wells is also the Career Coach for BlueSuitMom.com. See some of her recent advice. Contact her at doctorw1@frontiernet.net