To be brief:
Hardware: Light skinned mixed-raced black guy
Software: AsianGuy 1.0
Occupation: Sr. Software Engineer
On to my question. I am an expert level computer programmer, a prodigy at a young age, and as I moved forward in my academic and professional career it was the norm that I exceeded my peers. This often led to alienation. My question is, why now that I am in between jobs and actively interviewing is it that White and Asian males do not really consider me for the position for which I am applying? I have examples of my work and am usually technically overqualified for these positions. During the interview I maintain a positive attitude and am only capable of speaking standard english. Why do people care so much about race in a job that requires technical skill and creativity?
2006-06-07 05:58:53 · 15 answers · asked by Haenzo 1 in Social Science ➔ Sociology
It may take 6 months to a year to find the right fit. I am a white female, I was applying for jobs that I was extremeley well qualified for and had over 6 years of experience in. It took me 6 months to find a job. I went to at least 25 interviews and was passed over before I was finally hired.
The job market is really tough right now. Just because you are having difficulty finding a job, does not mean it is because of race. Just keep at it. Apply for EVERYTHING! You should be applying for at least 2-3 jobs per day, treat unemployment as if finding a job IS your job, 8 hours per day...
Good Luck!
2006-06-07 06:09:13 · answer #1 · answered by AK 3 · 6⤊ 2⤋
Actually, I'm a plain old white guy who was applying for similar positions not long ago with a stellar scholastic record. I really got tired writing this on applications:
Nope. I'm not a visible minority.
Nope. I'm not a woman.
Nope. I'm not handicapped.
Nope. I'm not a native.
and then getting no phone calls.
I think you will do just fine - some people are looking (wrongly) for whites, some people are looking (wrongly) for non-whites and some people are all looking wrongly for some other combination of racial qualities.
In between all those is someone who doesn't give a flying f*** what race you are, so stay positive!
2006-06-07 06:03:51 · answer #2 · answered by scruffy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dude: it's not about the race. You are either not presenting yourself well as a person (like how are your social skills), or like you said, you are overqualified for the position you are applying for. Companies don't like to hire overqualified people because they have to pay you more for the same job they could pay somebody else less. This is the devil of becoming too qualified. Either search out jobs that fit your description, or start your own company, but please, don't throw the race card around. I really, really hate that.
2006-06-07 06:02:32 · answer #3 · answered by powhound 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
why would you consider working for someone who would judge you by your race anyway??? Do the black interviewers give you a job before they'd hire a white guy????? You dont have proper job hunting skills cause you are not applying to the right places. More business want qualified people, not quotas. I have never worked at a company that only had white people. Have you ever worked for a company that only hired black??? And dont think you getting passed for a job by asians, us white people hate asians just as much as we hate blacks, so dont think they get better treatment cause they know math. I think you are focusing on the color of the interviewer and losing the job yourself.
2006-06-07 06:02:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe it has nothing to do with race, maybe they overlook you b/c you are overqualified. They might feel that since you exceed the qualifications, 1. you will want to move on to something more challenging or 2. they will have to pay you more
2006-06-07 06:03:46 · answer #5 · answered by heidibel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately that is the power of racism to perpetuate negative stereotypes. You have a mark against you before you even open your mouth. I'm sorry for your experience and hope that you will find a new job soon. Hang in there and don't let it discourage you totally.
2006-06-07 06:03:28 · answer #6 · answered by keri gee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well it does not seem the white or Asian case but they way you have described yourself it seem you do not have the right attitude when you appear for the interviews, stop being proud of yourself and be humble, sucess kisses the feet of humble and proud people have a fall...
2006-06-07 06:02:56 · answer #7 · answered by ♥peacemaker♥ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There you go... you are overqualified. I am in the same boat as you. I can't find a job yet those jobs I am willing to do I am "too good" for.
2006-06-07 06:02:40 · answer #8 · answered by emmybiz04 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It not race it age u not stay to young some one try get u away from them than u want do other thing
2006-06-07 06:08:01 · answer #9 · answered by rnd1938 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't be so hard on yourself, the right one will come along. I don't know how you feel about spirituality, but I know that we're all here for a purpose, just be patient. Don't let the "machine" steal your joy, and happiness, surround yorself with POSITIVE influences, and enjoy your life!!!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!
2006-06-07 06:05:30 · answer #10 · answered by kimberly k 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋