Has anti-greek sentiment hurt you?

[VeNuS97]

Recently, I was interviewed for a job and it was going pretty well until I told her I was in a sorority in college. After that, it went down hill. I think the main reason why I didnt receive the job offer is because she learned I was in a sorority. Has anybody else experienced something similar to this? Has anti-greek sentiment affected you? This makes me so pissed

[madmax]

Originally posted by VeNuS97
Recently, I was interviewed for a job and it was going pretty well until I told her I was in a sorority in college. After that, it went down hill. I think the main reason why I didnt receive the job offer is because she learned I was in a sorority. Has anybody else experienced something similar to this? Has anti-greek sentiment affected you? This makes me so pissed

It cuts both ways. I know a ton of people that have gotten jobs because of their Greek ties.

If the person conducting the interview starts bashing Greeks then just don't mention that you are Greek.

[MoxieGrrl]

Anti-Greek sentiments have never been an issue in my life. People have said things, but they go in one ear and out the other.

[astroAPhi]

madmax, I don't think someone conducting an interview will just start randomly going off on Greeks. If so, it shows they're pretty unprofessional.

[SlipRock 229]

If there was a way to prove it, then you'd have just cause to go at them for unfair hiring practices.

There is no reason you should be rejected based on a legal affiliation, one which if viewed properly, would actually strengthen your chances rather than hurt them.

Being in a sorority or fraternity shows you have social skills, are able to work well with others, are familiar with working within an organization ..etc.

Whomever rules that out is blinded by preconceived notions...

[Tom Earp]

Travis, you never cease to amaze me, (in a Nice ), for you insightful posts!

If a person had ever told me that I would not be a candidate for a job because of Greek affiliation, they would have had to call the dog catcher to get me off of their faces! I would be THE ANIMAL!!!!!

Today tho one if a Greek Org. can justly so point out the Fourtune 500 Listings!

If they would check, yes Greeks are in a minority, but in an upper % that have been doing and will do for the U. S. A.

It is because of the training and learning that no other Student can will ever learn and do not know that of which they miss!!!

He/She that has never seen what We Have is a lost soul!

As Greeks we may scare them until they really find out what it is like!

[CatStarESP4]

Originally posted by VeNuS97
Recently, I was interviewed for a job and it was going pretty well until I told her I was in a sorority in college. After that, it went down hill. I think the main reason why I didnt receive the job offer is because she learned I was in a sorority. Has anybody else experienced something similar to this? Has anti-greek sentiment affected you? This makes me so pissed

The only time that I experienced first hand anti-Greek sentiment was when I was interviewing for a long term temp assignment with an airline (customer service rep) about 4 years ago. This required a security interview with an overseas police officer. I told her that I am member of sorority and she thought that is was a cult. I told that it was a friendship organization and tried to explain to her what a sorority is as calmly as possibly. I didn't get the job (put on stand-by or waiting list). I didn't really want the job anyway! Other than that, I received nothing but curiosity and positive feedback!

[VeNuS97]

I am worried about the indirect and subtle discrimination against greeks. I think we have all experienced anti-greek sentiments in college and I feel those sentiments exist in the work place as well, but in an indirect and subtle way.

[SlipRock 229]

Originally posted by CatStarESP4
I told her that I am member of sorority and she thought that is was a cult.

GASP!! You didnt tell her about the "Pledge Sheep of Carnal Rights"? Did you???



A cult...now *that* is a new one..hehe

[KSigkid]

Never hurt me - some people have made offhanded comments and stuff like that, but nothing that has hurt me job-wise or otherwise.

[moe.ron]

I put my affiliation under extra-curricular activities. Then again, I doubt they cared much that I'm in a fraternity outside the States.

[lionlove]

My greek affiliation is on my resume under campus activities only because I have my leadership positions listed. It has never been brought up in an interview (none of my campus activities have) and at work a colleague usually only brings it up because they're curious.

The only hostility I ever received was from a high school friend of mine who went to college at a VERY southern school and all that she knew of sororities was the exclusive rush process at her school.

[PiKA2001]

Gee, thats kinda weird. You hear how almost every president was greek and how most of the CEO's of fortune 500 co. are greek etc., you think they wouldnt give being greek such a bad rap when you went to look for a job.

[RUgreek]

starting out at the bottom, you might want to keep your greek affiliation to yourself depending on the region or area you live in. In some places, it could serve an advantage to you, in others, a discriminating career trap. I had mine on a resume for when i was going for internships and summer employment (who cares if they know or don't know, some of those jobs were only experience and no money). But for a real resume, post-grad career hunting, I'd leave your proud positions as Pledgemom or VP of Greek Relations out of it. Maybe re-word your activities so they are just general descriptions of a student organization. You never know what kind of job opportunities you'll miss if the interviewer hates greeks. Besides, it looks better when someone finds out later you're greek, makes your status at work a bit more respectful. Besides, getting a job because you're greek may make you appear less qualified.

Of course there are people like me who'll take anything for a dollar


RUgreek

[wptw]

Originally posted by SlipRock 229
If there was a way to prove it, then you'd have just cause to go at them for unfair hiring practices.

No, you wouldn't. Your affiliations are generally fair game for an interviewer trying to determine in 30 minutes or less whether you're suited for a position. The exception would be affiliation with a group traditionally associated with members of a legally protected class – NAACP for example, or possibly a BGLO. And in that case, the interviewer would probably notice you’re black long before reading DSTheta on a resume. So if the interviewer was inclined to racial discrimination, it would be based on your appearance, and your affiliations wouldn’t much matter.

Remember that discrimination is not a bad thing. The interviewer’s sole job is to discriminate - between good candidates and bad candidates. Discrimination is only a bad thing when it’s done on certain bases which our law defines as illegal.

Are you saying I couldn’t reject an applicant for my daycare business after seeing his NAMBLA membership on his resume?

There is no reason you should be rejected based on a legal affiliation, one which if viewed properly, would actually strengthen your chances rather than hurt them.

I have a problem with the word “properly” in this sentence. To you, it’s improper to characterize sorority girls as shallow, vapid, elitist, promiscuous substance abusing hazers. But I know plenty of people who would consider that characterization perfectly accurate and proper.

I tend to agree with you that GLO affiliation is more often a sign of strength than weakness, but we are not necessarily in the majority.

Whomever rules that out is blinded by preconceived notions...

It is not illegal to be blinded by preconceived notions about sorority girls.

And in my opinion it’s not even inappropriate. My business is a reflection of me, my beliefs and my ideals. If based on my experience and perceptions, a sorority girl is not suited to my workplace, then that’s really none of anyone else’s business.

wptw