Acknowledging Something Queer on a Resume
Now that I’m out of a job, there will be times I feel compelled to address career topics as they arise in my own job hunt. The first topic that comes to mind is a delicate issue. My intent is to provoke discussion about how different people respond to a certain label and hopefully come to an understanding between straight and LGBT-identified people of how, where and when to use this word.
I’m curious: How do potential employers feel about the word “queer” appearing on a resume when used in connection with an organization where skills are attained?
For example, I’m quite proud of my duties and contributions to Queercents. Since coming on board, I’ve developed highly marketable skills in addition to my lengthy experience with research, analysis and reporting. Therefore, I list Queercents on my resume to position myself as a stronger candidate for a career in online media. However, I never expected that mentioning Queercents on my resume would make some people uncomfortable.
I’ve had a couple of experiences on the phone and one in person that gave me the impression that potential employers were uncomfortable saying the word “queer.” For instance, I’d be asked questions about my responsibilities for my, “uh… um, personal finance website,” or “this website you write for.”
The first time it happened, I thought it was a fluke, and also a bit strange because I’m applying for jobs in the San Francisco Bay Area, nicknamed the “Gay Area.” I assumed everyone around here is accustomed to the fact some people are self-identified as “queer.” But after three potential employers avoided saying the word, I got the hint. The problem was that I’m not sure what the hint is all about.
I can speculate and make all the assumptions that I want, but that’s not very productive. If any of our straight readers could suggest why some potential employers may feel uncomfortable with the word “queer,” please shed some light. It may be helpful for all of us.
Here’s my point of view about the word “queer,” although I can’t say that I speak for all queers. I believe Queercents belongs on my resume, and I will keep it there because this is where I’ve gained relevant experience for online media work. “Queer” is a part of my identity, as is being Latin American. If my ethnic identity is going to be asked about on employment applications (which is the case), then please also acknowledge that my resume and work experience indirectly indicates my sexual orientation. It is not my intention for anyone to be uncomfortable with the label that describes the setting in which I’ve acquired media skills.
I really would like to understand what must be communicated between potential employers and queers to make it easier to acknowledge work experience connected to one’s sexual orientation. From my perspective, I’m confident that skills acquired from my queer-related work experience are as equally transferable as my skills acquired from corporate settings. I’m not trying to transfer queer-only skills to another job. If the same (and often sexual orientation neutral) content I write for Queercents were printed by a mainstream financial publication instead, I suspect that the nature of my content would not be an issue for an employer. Or would it?
I’m not sure if one dynamic occurring is that an interviewer is afraid of offending a potential candidate by using the word “queer,” or if there are personal objections on behalf of the interviewer? To facilitate this discussion, it would be great to know the perspective from both sides of the issue. What are the experiences from the potential employer (straight or queer) interviewing a candidate, and what are the experiences of the candidate trying to advertise skills acquired from a queer-specific job? Your thoughts would greatly be appreciated.
Well, I’m not an employer, but I can give you feedback on the word queer. I’d feel uncomfortable saying that because queer = old fashioned way of saying weird in my head. Maybe I’m the exception, but if I wasn’t a pfblogger and hadn’t already read here, I’d probably think queercents had something to do with counterfeit money, which would certainly make me uncomfortable. (Although it sounds like you’ve specified that it’s a personal finance blog.) Do the people you’re interviewing with know what blogs are?
I am not an employer either, but I think I can see a reason for the uncomfortable reaction from some prospective employers. For years queer was the word used to describe a homosexual, then a decision was made by someone, (ever wonder who came up with the idea?) to hijack the word gay, completely changing the meaning from happy go lucky, to homosexual. People were labeled as intolerant and bigoted if they called someone queer anymore. Queer has become, as a word, a pariah and unaccepted in polite society.
Employers tend to shy away from anything even resembling controversy. In this litigious society in which we live, employers walk as if on eggshells whenever they look at a resume or application wondering if there is something there that will prompt a discrimination lawsuit. “Queer” becomes a hot button so to speak, a red flag, warning of possible danger. They certainly do not want to come across as asking whether you are a homosexual for fear of invoking a discrimination lawsuit if you are not hired, even if you aren’t hired because they feel you are ugly and your momma dresses you funny.
And like Bluntmoney said in the previous post, queer has also been used to refer to counterfeit money as well, so unless they are familiar with it, people aren’t sure exactly what Queercents means.
So far these are very helpful comments! I’m going to provide a brief description on my resume about Queercents. I truly appreciate this feedback.
-John
I think for many people “queer” is like the n-word. It’s only OK to say it if you are one.
I’m 45. In jr high, queer was used to insult or make fun of folks. I realize there has been a groundswell of reclaiming formerly hurtful terms, rejecting them as insults and claiming them as identity. So queer has been culturally reclaimed, though it’s not a word I tend to use for myself.
As far as a website name, and quite resume-worthy experience goes, think of the reaction of a potential employer if you were african american, and had great website writing experience for http://www.n—–.com (insert culturally offensive word, reclaimed by some african americans for their own use). I don’t think many potential employers would be comfortable using the ‘n’ word either.
Just a thought, to take it out of one context and consider it in another…
In this week’s Carnival of the Insanities.
Another thing you might want to think about is creating a “writing experience” category, and then describe your writing for a “personal finance blog” and other writing projects.
Once you get to the interview, they can ask and you can tell them the URL. I would even practice a 1 sentence description designed to put a straight HR person who might be especially sensitive about using “inappropriate language” at ease. (IE, “It’s a personal finance blog written by a diverse group of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered authors, with the edgy, tongue in cheek name “Queercents.” )
But that way they don’t have to worry about how/what to say before they’ve even met you. IMO, that’s the real question for a resume: What are the MOST IMPORTANT things for someone who might offer you a job to know about you?
Another note: Even if someone is not afraid of offending YOU (after all, you wrote it yourself on your own resume), they may be worried about distracting someone in an adjacent cube who might overhear them.
I recently left a job in a center that helped recent college graduates develop resumes and find jobs. Part of that process was informing people what can and cannot be asked of them in an interview. For example age or if a person has children. Realistically, for any responsible employer, the hiring process is strewn with land mines.
So, never having been in that position, I would guess the reaction when an employer sees queercents on a resume is to tap dance around the issue and do everything possible to not ask about sexual orientation. She can’t assume that writing for queercents means you’re gay, she can’t ask directly either. Furthermore, all these things may be going through an employers mind even though they could care less if you are queer. The danger isn’t in the word, the danger is in what and how an interviewer asks.
There may be some of the concerns previously mentioned about the taboo of a word, but realistically, if they were that afraid of the word queer on your resume, you wouldn’t have made it to the interview process. I think you would be a lot better off figuring out ways to put people at ease with who you are and your work experience in person than to spend your time explaining it on your resume. They can look up the website if they want more information in advance of meeting you.
I am in the same boat at least for looking for some paying positions during transition. I think it is crucial to note the experience and I wouldn’t shy from the url, but give them context…and make it a subset of functional skills (writing/researching, online media, etc.) vs a big honking”QUEERCENTS” title.
I struggle with the concept of — all the skills I have from running my own business – where do they belong? Do I list my business or does that turn off would be employers even if contract or P-T? I’ll be having a conundrum as well…..
GREAT topic John…
I periodically do screening interviews for my employer. My employer actively supports diversity in employment. So the only ‘issue’ that might come up is how you’re presenting the work on your resume.
Also keep in mind that Just because you write for a LGBT oriented site doesn’t necessarily mean you are a member of that group. Well, once I read your posts I can figure that out pretty quick. But I can’t immediately assume that when I read it on your resume.
An important thing to remember is that you’re not being hired because you’re queer; you’re being hired because of your skills and your ability to do the job. The fundamental question I focus on when interviewing is “can you get the job done”, not what you do outside of the office.
As others have noted, “queer” is a loaded word and doesn’t have the universal acceptance that you think it does. Unless the employer has a very strong and demonstrated commitment to diversity then you are creating an obstacle to a smoothly flowing interview. I can say “tell me about what skills you’ve gained from Queercents” without any problems in the interview because of my employer’s dedication. And I don’t have final hiring authority anyway. 🙂 Others aren’t as fortunate.
As others have suggested, take out the direct reference to Queercents and highlight the job-relevant skills you’ve picked by working on a financial blog. I think you’ll have an easier time interviewing. Best of luck!