Being in a white man's world. This post may be a little controversial but I'm willing to take that risk. Please make comments.
October 8, 2008
Mr. White Man
Ruler of the World Inc.
192 Everywhere Blvd.
Whatashame, NY 10808
Dear Mr. White Man,
I was looking at your website, www.MyWorld.com, and stumbled upon the entry level position at your company. The position you are looking to fill states that you are looking for candidates with strong written and oral communication. Let me take a few paragraphs to tell you why I am a perfect candidate for this job.
When I was younger, I would always look out the car window while my mother was driving and be mesmerized by all the businessmen in their perfectly tailored suits and sleek leather suitcases. I learned from early on that success in the real world can only be gained by imitation of those you look up to. Now that I am older, I look back and think that that... is all BS.
First, there is a clear difference between your and my definition of the real world. In your tiny little real world, your definition includes everyone having a fair shot at capturing their career goals. If I had an equal shot at capturing my career goals as you, why does it feel like I am working tenfold at landing the same positions?
In my real world, every time I send out an application, send out my resume, send out my cover letter, go on an interview, or send out a thank you letter, I have to be reminded that I am a black female that has to prove that she belongs at your company. I’m not talking about proving myself through qualifications, education, skills, and certifications; I’m talking about proving myself beyond my “on paper” profile. I have to prove that I am comfortable with myself in a room full of white male employees, which is hard to accomplish being that I am constantly the big purple elephant in every interview room. I have to prove that I was accepted into college because of my grades and not only because of affirmative action. I have to cover up that I am a black female in your real world, even if it is written all over my face.
I read that you are an equal opportunity employer. When you read my name at the top of my resume, you wouldn’t think twice about what race I am? If the name on my resume was Susan, I would be called for an interview with no questions asked. I am not saying that I don’t get interviews but I am not blind when I see all the Laurens and Bobs waiting to go into an interview before me. Please, don’t tell me that you are so sick of seeing the race card thrown up whenever it comes to the professional world and the African American community. This is not a defense mechanism in case I do not receive a callback from your company. I am confident that I am a perfect candidate for this position and if I don’t receive a callback, I know that I was cheated out of a job and the job has gone to a white male candidate with lesser or equal qualifications as mine.
I believe thus far I have proven my written ability, and if given the chance, I can most certainly prove my oral communication. Thank you for taking the time out to read this letter. Please do not hesitate contacting me. My e-mail address is Thanks4Nothing@aol.com.
Sincerely,
Lailaa
October 8, 2008
Mr. White Man
Ruler of the World Inc.
192 Everywhere Blvd.
Whatashame, NY 10808
Dear Mr. White Man,
I was looking at your website, www.MyWorld.com, and stumbled upon the entry level position at your company. The position you are looking to fill states that you are looking for candidates with strong written and oral communication. Let me take a few paragraphs to tell you why I am a perfect candidate for this job.
When I was younger, I would always look out the car window while my mother was driving and be mesmerized by all the businessmen in their perfectly tailored suits and sleek leather suitcases. I learned from early on that success in the real world can only be gained by imitation of those you look up to. Now that I am older, I look back and think that that... is all BS.
First, there is a clear difference between your and my definition of the real world. In your tiny little real world, your definition includes everyone having a fair shot at capturing their career goals. If I had an equal shot at capturing my career goals as you, why does it feel like I am working tenfold at landing the same positions?
In my real world, every time I send out an application, send out my resume, send out my cover letter, go on an interview, or send out a thank you letter, I have to be reminded that I am a black female that has to prove that she belongs at your company. I’m not talking about proving myself through qualifications, education, skills, and certifications; I’m talking about proving myself beyond my “on paper” profile. I have to prove that I am comfortable with myself in a room full of white male employees, which is hard to accomplish being that I am constantly the big purple elephant in every interview room. I have to prove that I was accepted into college because of my grades and not only because of affirmative action. I have to cover up that I am a black female in your real world, even if it is written all over my face.
I read that you are an equal opportunity employer. When you read my name at the top of my resume, you wouldn’t think twice about what race I am? If the name on my resume was Susan, I would be called for an interview with no questions asked. I am not saying that I don’t get interviews but I am not blind when I see all the Laurens and Bobs waiting to go into an interview before me. Please, don’t tell me that you are so sick of seeing the race card thrown up whenever it comes to the professional world and the African American community. This is not a defense mechanism in case I do not receive a callback from your company. I am confident that I am a perfect candidate for this position and if I don’t receive a callback, I know that I was cheated out of a job and the job has gone to a white male candidate with lesser or equal qualifications as mine.
I believe thus far I have proven my written ability, and if given the chance, I can most certainly prove my oral communication. Thank you for taking the time out to read this letter. Please do not hesitate contacting me. My e-mail address is Thanks4Nothing@aol.com.
Sincerely,
Lailaa
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1 comment:
Very Brave
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