KFC and hair discrimination?

Question

Does anybody think KFC would have any problems with me having a mohawk? It's nothing that extreme, just plain brown and combed down and to the side and about four or five inches. I have a job interview next week and I was just curious.

Answer 1

You would look too much like a chicken and they are just concerned for your safety.

Answer 2

It would depend on the hiring manager and if he/she is progressive or conservative. Many companies where the employee is in sight of the customer will have guidelines that address this issue. Typically it will state things such as jewelry, piercing, tattoos, hair style/length and hygiene. I will ultimately depend upon company policy as hair style is not covered under Title VII of the Equal Opportunity Employer act of 1974. Under this act, only race, sex, gender, handicaps, and age are covered. You are not protected from discrimination because of your hair style; that is a matter of company discretion.

Since you state that your "Mohawk" is combed down, I would hope that it would not interfere with your being a candidate for the position. As one who has been an HR hiring manager, I would more consider your qualifications, knowing that your preference in your hair style is a matter of preference to you and would most likely not take that into consideration if you interviewed well. I'm not sure every hiring manager would make decisions that I have, but candidates should be afforded some leverage in their personal individuality, as long as it is not offensive to both co-workers or customers.

I cannot speak for KFC, however from what you described, I would not discriminate against you because of the hair style you described. If it were sticking straight up and purple; I may have a problem with that, however this is not the case in your situation.

If you are denied employment and if it happens again, you may have to conform more to the "mainstream" idealistic platform of what conservative companies are seeking. In this case, you must consider that if you and another guy have the same qualifications and the other guy has a "conventional" hair style; it is most likely that the other guy would be hired. Is it fair? No, it is not. But when looking for a job, you have to think like the employer; not as potential employee.

Personally, if I went into a KFC and saw your Mohawk, I would think it would be pretty cool. KFC may or may not agree with my position. Some people have called your style "freakish", but I disagree with that. Some posters are not considering females that have longer hair than you do so that argument about hair in food is irrelevant. It is a personal preference, however it may get in the way of a job. Mohawks were exclusive to Native Americans centuries ago and posing as one could be construed as offensive to a potential employer. It is not offensive to me, but I am not KFC.

If you have to, just trim it down like a military style (which is what you have, but longer) and let the sides grow out. I would hire you just because you are concerned with this issue enough to ask the world about it.

Answer 3

Go into an interview like that, for most any company, even moreso for a public service position, and right or wrong, you will probably be disqualified upon first sight. Will they tell you this? It is doubful. They will just be laughing in the back of their mind, and patronizing you through the interview.

As someone else mentioned, you had better have one kick-*** personality if you expect to pull this off.

You be better off shaving it dude, and just go in bald. That is far more acceptable to most than the mohawk.

Answer 4

Used to work there for almost a year awhile back. And my mother was a manager for one for about 4 years. And yeah they are pretty strict about things like that. You cant even have alittle bit of hair on your face nothing. You have to be very cleaned cut. Women cant wear hoop earrings. So I don't think it would go over so well. Plus you should think about which one you would rather wear if you got the job, you know that you cant fit a hat on your head. So would you be ok wearing a plastic net on your head instead????

Answer 5

Every job that you will have in this life will benefit you in some way therefore you need to put your best foot forward. People in general don't like people who intentionally have a freakish look. I would suggest you get a regular hair cut and be presentable. You never know how your performance on this job could promote you to something much better.

Answer 6

Most people like to hire someone who looks "professional" so they know the new hire will take the job seriously. Unless you have the most awesome personality in the world don't count on getting a job while sporting a mohawk...Good luck, though!

Answer 7

It would be unethical for them to discriminate against a mohawk. You always have the right to all them and ask them if it is ok. Just ask them what their standards are for as if you already had the job.

Good luck with your interview!

Answer 8

most places want you to have a "presentable" as in... no one will feel offended by it and a lot of people will feel it is not very proper. They want their employees "well groomed" as it is a family establishment... lots of old folks and waht not... may find it "bad" or offensive. Youd be best off cutting it if you really want the job... first impressions mean a lot

Answer 9

Should be fine, just make sure to wear your Slipknot shirt, KFC managers all love Slipknot.

Answer 10

The less hair you have, the less hair can accidentally get in the customer's food, so they should be happy, plus I think you'll have to wear a hat anyway. Also, I think most fast-food places are always desperate for labor so you have that going for you.

Answer 11

Maybe not, if you can wear and fit a hair net. It is not that KC, wants to discriminate against your hair. The customers, might. We don't want to see anyone hair in our food. Think about it, would you. Have a good night.