Hey just wondering,
has anybody ever encountered a racist atitude whie looking for a job? do you think u were not treated failry because of ur nationality despite the fact that you had teh talent? I would love to know ur answers
Plus I know what it’s like in the UK( very tough) But what about the USA and Canada?
Mehwish
Re: Racism?
I went for a PhD interview once and in the middle of me answering a question ther interviewer, who had an extremely negative attitude which u could smell a mile off, said 'where do you come from' i looked him straight in the eye and said slowly 'north london'.
Other than that no issues, yes sometimes i am sure there is racism that is why u have to be really really good at what u do and really hone in your interview skills. Make it really hard for them to not give you the job and always ask for feedback from the interview.
Re: Racism?
well,
I have had to face a lot since the day I arrived in London, the moment I mention the word Pakistan people just change, and ofcourse they do it deliberaltely. I basically am here for my studies and wasn't looking for a job initially, but since the past couple of months I started looking for a part-time job.. how hard could it be anyway? now I know its very hard because I am from Pk, despite the fact that I have an excellent CV and like to think that I am a p4rofessional. Anyway even otherwise, I don't have a very good experience, Whats is with thsi hate culture in the Uk anyway? everyone hates everyone else, whites hate blacks, blacks hate whites, everyone hates asians, british born asians hate people from back home, poke fun at them because of their accents, don't they undersdtand that since we are not born in britain we are bound to have a different accent. Anywya my verdict, this country and the people are crap.( isn't it a hate game).
Re: Racism?
Racism exists everywhere. There is even racism in Pakistan where people look down upon each other based on language, background, income level, and I bet there must be many other reasons.
I don't really recall being victim of any serious form of racism at an interview. I would assume the accent could be a problem at times, especially with the grown ups. Anyway, like Serendipiti mentioned, do your very best on the interview and you'll hopefully make it, insha'Allah.
Also, we have plenty of professionals here. Perhaps you could get some tips for the resume, cover letter and the interview process to better polish your skills and enhance your chances of landing with a job, insha'Allah.
Btw... I'm from Canada and although there is racism here, but it isn't as bad as it sounds to be in the UK.
Do try for jobs on campus and check with your local Human Rights organization if you feel you have been discriminated at an interview.
Re: Racism?
try your university jobshop, they'll be able to help u get some work on campus. What type of work r u looking for?
Re: Racism?
well racism is onething and discrimination another. Anyway, I am still searching, Nah the on-campus career advisors aren't that useful and I don't want to work in KFC or Mc'donald's, nothing wrong with them but very stressful physically and boring.
Thankyou all for ur replies, Insh'Allah I will get hold of something. Yes Saadiyah, its is this bad here, bu then again depends on individual experiences, ther are people who might disagree with me. But I am not the only one who has felt the heat. Btw there's also a big tussle between the Uk desi'z and Pk desi'z here who hate each other like anything(well most of them anyway), isn't it surprising how a person can judge you without even knowing you well?
Anyway, the search is still on.
Re: Racism?
thats what most students do here in uk. When I was a student I worked for a few retail outlets and my last part-time job was at a call centre where i worked for a good three years.
Good Suggestions for part-time jobs:
Fashion Retailers - Next, Matalan, Marks and Spencers etc
Call Centres - Mail order companies, banks, British Telecom
Keep looking in your local jobs papers, there is a lot out there, which depends on what you want to do really.
Re: Racism?
I got called a P*aki yesterday whilst walking home! First time ever, ignored it, but if I had a gatt, I would have emptied a clip into his skull.
Re: Racism?
no matter where you go in the world..you will definately encounter racism..but there are levels of that also! In toronto, its so multicultural that white people are out numbered! goto any university around GTA area, and you will see in ever class of yours that white people are outnumbered! but thats not the point.....i think no matter what job or whatever, people will alwayz treat you different cuz of your skin color! go watch the movie "crash" ..amazing movie!
Re: Racism?
I am sowwy to hear that legbreakggogly, sou should have given the sowwy ole turnip "phikka shaljam" a piece of ur mind.
Re: Racism?
I always hold that talk is cheap. To be honest, I have never had an experience with racism prior to that. Its been RARE in my life, but if exposed to persistant racism, I'm not sure I would act in a passive manner.
Re: Racism?
um, what exactly are you trying to block out with the asterisk (*)?
Anyways, I am sorry that you got taunted that way.
Re: Racism?
No racist experience with job, but I do remember this desi english teacher at my highschool in grade 11, who was not only racist, but racist against other desis :S total whitewash.. and aslo sexist, in my opinion.
This one time we were reading some shakespearean play in class altogether, and she was going up and down the rows (order for reading), and when the next person in the row was a brown guy, she skipped over him and went to the next person. so, I raised my hand and said.. What about me? and she started yelling and said: DO NOT INTERRUPT... lol. yeah.. there were 9 guys in the class - 5failed. 4passed, some with low marks.
Re: Racism?
Is it cos you're black?
Re: Racism?
legbreak - sometimes people are not racist. ur developing quite negative attitude which i admit i am onlu judging by your posts. But r u sure your cv is strong, r u sure ur interview teachniques are good - not sure becaue u think so but because others have told u? r u applying for jobs that other candidates are much more qualified for. Most students do dull, boring crap jobs because those r the only jobs that they are qualifed for at that time and the hours suit.
You have to have a mind shift from ur position in pak and ur position here - it is not beucase of ur race it may be because of your experience and attitdue.
As for brit paks being racist ur obviously not meeting the right people -s ure some r but go to ur islamic society and the pak society. Get feedback fron honest people and most of all have a postive attitude - its not trite its true people attract to postive people. if u think everyone is racist u r sure going to meet a hell of a lot more racists.
Re: Racism?
In the UK i did see it, not in the US though. UK SUX anyway...(no offense)
Re: Racism?
tw serendipiti I tried living with two desi families thinking that I will be with understanding people.. My God , they are so full of hatred and their minds so poisened, I am truly disgusted British Asians (well most of them anyway) , they are reverse racists.