Interview no-show
It's not often that I post personal stuff here, but I'm getting the impression that I've been discriminated against, although I don't think I'll find out until at least tomorrow (insha Allah).
Yesterday, out of the blue, a company to which I must have sent my CV after seeing their advert as a result of an email circular I'd signed up for, called me on my mobile. I'd forgotten that I'd sent my CV to them, but we arranged for me to visit them on Thursday for an interview. I said Thursday, because of some cash-flow problems I thought I'd have arising from the renewal of my web hosting contract this week (ã82). Anyway, this morning, I got up and cycled in the pouring rain to the job in Raynes Park I did yesterday - only to be told that I wasn't needed, and apparently my agency hadn't got the message through.
Anyway, later on in the morning, I called that company back and asked them to re-arrange the interview, as I was now free (i.e. unemployed) for today, and might not be free on Thursday, as jobs come up day by day. They agreed, and we set the time for 4pm this afternoon.
Just before I went, I sent them a fax explaining that, for religious reasons, I was unable to shake hands with members of the opposite sex. This was to forestall any embarrassment or offence which might be caused by my refusing a handshake when it's offered. I set off some time after 2pm, which is more than enough time. I got to the office just before 4, and knocked on the door.
And there was nobody there. There was no sign of life at the office whatsoever, and the door was locked. I tried calling them again, but nobody answered. I hung around for about 20 minutes, asking the guy at reception if he knew why they might not be there. He didn't, although he did say they'd been in, as they'd got their mail. I called their number and left a message, asking them to call me back if they wanted to arrange another interview.
I then headed for the Apple Centre in Regent Street, where they have free internet access, to check if they'd sent me an email. They hadn't. So what happened? I'm pretty sure I didn't mis-hear or forget that they said 2pm rather than 4pm - I'm pretty sure it was indeed 4pm. It seems that either someone didn't pass on a message, or they got funny when I sent them that fax (which, by the way, did not say which religion, although they could probably guess). Still, I'm going to call them again tomorrow insha Allah, to see if I can re-arrange that interview. If it does turn out to be discrimination, I intend to name the company.
Comments
AsalaamUlaykum,
I am sympathetic to your situation.
I realised that for all the benefits that being upfront about religious obligations are either at, or before, the interview stage this can backfire on you as I have found out.
My advice would be to not mention things like not shaking hands with the opposite until you are faced with the situation and not to ask for time off for salaat until you get the job. Once your in then its difficult for employers to turn you down for fear of discrimination especially now with legislation that employers must provide prayer room facilities for all employees who ask for it.
Obviously it can be embarassing with the handshake thing for both parties but a pre planned careful and meaningful explanation with a smile can do wonders to ease the tension.
Wasalaams
Posted by: Abu Sofia | March 23, 2005 9:03 AM
Yusuf, If I were you, I wouldn't waste my time with these companies. If they are fine with your religious requirements, fine. If they are not, just look else where. At the end of the day, you want to work with broad minded people who will cooperate with you in the work place. With regards to Abu Sofia's comment, I think it is better mentioning it before hand because you don't want to work with people who are intolerant of your spiritual protocols at the work place. I really can't afford these companies wasting my time. So, I tell them from the beginning. I don't shake hands with women, is that fine with you? It is not sexism or any of those sorts, it is simply a different protocol for social interaction. If they say they have a problem with that, I am out. Not even interested in filing any discrimation complaint. Life is too short. If they are fine with it, I do my best in the job. Similarly prayer. These are just basic things, that doesn't require mega approach as people tend to use. A human being has many needs including spiritual needs.
These days, I am finding it difficult to continue to have sympathy for these companies who find it strange that you have to pray or you don't drink, or don't shake hands with the opposite sex. Where is the so called "freedom" that we hear so much about. Anyway, enough rambling.
The point is just do what you have to do (trying not to be arrogant tho), and move on. Let the pieces fall where Allah wills it to fall.
Posted by: purekernel | March 23, 2005 1:03 PM
As-Salaamu 'alaikum,
Thanks Abu Sofia. It was in the end just a communication failure; the person who was supposed to interview me was ill.
Posted by: Yusuf Smith | March 23, 2005 7:03 PM