would u ride to a job interview

[2BikeMike]

I have a job interview Friday a.m. It's 40 miles away, weather is supposed to be sunny. I prefer to ride to any functions that I can. Do I ride? Would you ride?

[Voni]

I would.

And then change in the parking lot to suitable attire.

I kept a skirt and heels in the sidecase ; )

Voni
sMiling

[SheRidesABeemer]

Unless you work in the industry I wouldn't recommend it. People have sooooo many preconceived notions about "bikers", the odds of it leaving a negative impression is a big risk. I wouldn't do it.

[jdmetzger]

Unless you work in the industry I wouldn't recommend it. People have sooooo many preconceived notions about "bikers", the odds of it leaving a negative impression is a big risk. I wouldn't do it.

I'd agree with this, as well. Drive the cage. There will always be other good days to ride. Maybe the job will offer you more money or more vacation time (more riding); which means you want to make a good first impression and get the job. To be honest, I'd even be leery of riding to an interview with BMW motorrad. They would probably ask if you ride during the interview, anyhow.

I'd also make sure to use "you" instead of "u" in any professional communications... :stick

[Voni]

Unless you work in the industry I wouldn't recommend it. People have sooooo many preconceived notions about "bikers", the odds of it leaving a negative impression is a big risk. I wouldn't do it.

Maybe the skirt and heels won't do it either . . .

:wow

Voni
sMiling

[bikerfish1100]

I have done so more times than not. No skirt and heels in the saddlebags- but a pair of nice shoes fit pretty neatly. Typically, most people are intrigued by the motorcycle aspect.

[SheRidesABeemer]

I have done so more times than not. No skirt and heels in the saddlebags- but a pair of nice shoes fit pretty neatly. Typically, most people are intrigued by the motorcycle aspect.

What do you do for work, and how many interviews led to offers?

[Stuff2C]

Maybe the skirt and heels won't do it either . . .

:wow

Voni
sMiling


So that was it and I thought it was the bike that kept me from getting the job.

[rinty]

No.

Rinty

[Belquar]

I rode to my last interview. Got offerred the job. Spoke at length about riding during the interview. I work in the veterinary business. Neither person I interviewed with were riders. I declined the job because they couldn't pay me what I needed. They left an open invitation after I declined incase I ever wanted to reconsider.

Show them that you are passionate about motorcycling. Show them that you are passionate about your work. Speaks volumes. Sets you apart. I doubt that the only reason to not give the job to someone would be because they rode a motorcycle.

YMMV

Brian

[JohnnyJupiter]

The interviewer asked me about the fact I showed up in a suit but carrying a motorcycle helmet. I told him I didn't have a car, the truth at the time.

Even before I talked with the interviewer I knew I was in trouble by the sign in their lobby, more or less to the effect: "We are a conservative engineering company. Hair should be of moderate length and dress should reflect the conservative image we strive to promote". After reading that there was no way in Hell I was going to work there, so the interview was pretty much a joke: I kept cracking them and the interviewer kept not smiling.

Then, go figure, I got an offer letter about three days later. Maybe my MS thesis topic impressed 'em, who the hell knows? I politely declined. Besides, in the interim I'd gotten a decent offer from a company I really wanted to work for so I was in a position to be cavalier.

Bottomline: ride your bike. If they ding you on it, you don't want to work there anyway, IMHO

[OfficerImpersonator]

Bottomline: ride your bike. If they ding you on it, you don't want to work there anyway, IMHO

:thumb +1

You're riding a BMW, not a Hog or a sportbike. If they ask questions, you can talk about ATGATT, emphasis on safety and reliability of the brand, environmental benefits of riding vs. the cage, etc. We're not punk sport bike squids or Hell's Angels, we're safe and courteous riders who happen to enjoy a nice ride and 40 mpg.

[mandypants]

It might depend on what sort of job you are applying for...

Either way you go, good luck with your interview! :wave

[Bfish]

my suggestion is to let them know who you are...if riding the moto is the deal then do it. make sure they know you have a cage and can conform to a certain extent.

good luck and keep us posted. (skip the pic of the skirt/pumps):thumb

[osbornk]

I wouldn't do it because you may be prematurely judged. Also, drive a nice clean car (doesn't have to be new or even a late model). I've known several hiring managers that looked at the applicant's car and even their shoes to judge how they would be in the workplace. The figured that the way you keep your car and shoes would reflect how you would be on the job. If you keep your car and wearing attire clean and neat, they figure you will be that way in your work. If you keep everything dirty and sloppy, they think you will do sloppy work. It may or may not be fair but that's life in the corporate world. I've known people who borrowed a car to drive to a job interview (you can spot a rental a mile away). I was a hiring manager for several years and several people would get together to evaluate an applicant. It's odd how insignificate things will determine whether the applicant gets the job or not. Better safe than sorry.

[co_g30]

Rode by RT to last job interview, had "business clothes" under the ATGATT gear, left it on the bike (secure parking lot). Got the job.

It's not like they're watching the parking lots to see what you drive up in.

If they saw me in the parking lot and had an issue, I would have an issue with working there anyways. I ride when possible, cages are too boring now.

[Sue]

Would you ride?

In a HEARTBEAT... If riding is an important part of your life, if you will ride to and from work while employed there, then it would be appropriate to ride to the interview.

But then again, here in Harley Country, riding is a way of life for many people.

Best of luck with your decision, and with the interview! You can put all of us down as references. :wave

[OfficerImpersonator]

I'm sticking with my opinion that if they won't accept you as a rider, you don't want to work there.

You are who you are, and you shouldn't have to hide part of who you are from your potential employer. If they don't want to hire you because you ride, that's their loss and it tells you a lot about the company's culture.

[Braddog]

...don't care one way or another if you ride. They care about what you can bring to the job itself.

That said, if I had a 4-wheeled vehicle to drive, I probably wouldn't ride to the interview. Why? Well, just for the logistics of gear, notebooks, etc. Obviously you could dress appropriately for the interview, and if you've got sidecases, you could take care of your gear. But if you drive, you won't have any of that hassle. You'll also have an opportunity to scope out if the place is "biker-friendly" without having to actually ride there, i.e. check for motorcycle parking, a possible place to change clothes, etc.

You'll also avoid "helmet hair".

Good Luck with your interview, no matter how you get there!:wave

[MplsK100RT]

The interviewer asked me about the fact I showed up in a suit but carrying a motorcycle helmet. I told him I didn't have a car, the truth at the time.

Even before I talked with the interviewer I knew I was in trouble by the sign in their lobby, more or less to the effect: "We are a conservative engineering company. Hair should be of moderate length and dress should reflect the conservative image we strive to promote". After reading that there was no way in Hell I was going to work there, so the interview was pretty much a joke: I kept cracking them and the interviewer kept not smiling.

Then, go figure, I got an offer letter about three days later. Maybe my MS thesis topic impressed 'em, who the hell knows? I politely declined. Besides, in the interim I'd gotten a decent offer from a company I really wanted to work for so I was in a position to be cavalier.

Bottomline: ride your bike. If they ding you on it, you don't want to work there anyway, IMHO

BINGO! :thumb

[bikerfish1100]

What do you do for work, and how many interviews led to offers?

Special Ed Teacher or Guidance Counselor (certifications in both). Generally speaking, as seen by administrators that would conduct an interview- the "cool factor" of the bike is more likely seen as a positive in dealing with middle or high school kids, as opposed to it's being the negative of the "bad biker" image.

Probably helped me (slightly) to get the job where the vice-principal rode a R90S and a Ducati 900SS. May have cost me 1 or 2 possibles, but again- if the work culture is that uptight, I wouldn't have been happy there anyway.

[dmr]

Special Ed Teacher or Guidance Counselor (certifications in both). Generally speaking, as seen by administrators that would conduct an interview- the "cool factor" of the bike is more likely seen as a positive in dealing with middle or high school kids, as opposed to it's being the negative of the "bad biker" image.

Probably helped me (slightly) to get the job where the vice-principal rode a R90S and a Ducati 900SS. May have cost me 1 or 2 possibles, but again- if the work culture is that uptight, I wouldn't have been happy there anyway.

I'm the administrator that sits on the interview committee. Just for thought- how a teacher or counselor arrives to work or how far they travel to work has little to do WITH work. Anything other than qualifications, abilities, experience, or philosophy may constitute discrimination. Some may be surprised at what questions cannot be asked or what issues cannot be raised.

A company may be "conservative", but I do not believe what I ride in or on demonstrates any political belief or life philosophy. Implying otherwise is a form of discrimination.

[Whiplash]

I would and I have. :thumb

[miguel55]

Just ride. If they cut you off because you ride a BMW, good for you. After all, who wants to work for people who doesn't like motorcycles.

I have a job interview Friday a.m. It's 40 miles away, weather is supposed to be sunny. I prefer to ride to any functions that I can. Do I ride? Would you ride?

[AZ Greg]

Take the car if you really want the job! Just make your first impression flawless.

As some who have shared good advice with you on this thread: some employers have pre-conceived notions and may even consider your passion risky behavior and you personally as a person who makes poor choices.

Once you have the job you can ride whenever you want. Remember although it is our chosen passion, others reject that passion.

If you follow some of the other advice on this thread to ride to the interview in the vein of the song "Signs," as in its lyric "long haired freaky people need not apply" . . . maybe you could get some conspicuous "tats" before the interview as well . . .

But seriously . . . Good luck!

[rinty]

A lot of people don't like bikes, don't understand bikes or the people who ride them, don't know a Harley from a Husqvarna, or could care less. What if the interviewer was one of these types and saw you ride in. What if the choice of the new employee came down to you and one other person who came in a car, and the interviewer had to make the recommendation to a department manager. The other person might get the job in a company that was headed up by a BMW riding CEO, for all we know.

We in MOA are too close to bikes and riders to be objective about this. Bikes are still outside of the mainstream in North America. In Europe they are seen as normal conveyances, but not here. Riders there are seen as normal people, but here they are still seen as "different."

Notwithstanding the Honda revolution.

Rinty

[Spidereyes]

I have given this much thought and here are my thoughts: Like Voni, I would carry a skirt in my sidecase along with a colorful blouse, ecru hose and spiky (but not too) heels. I would ride to the site and change right in the parking lot. I would give a quick go-over to my makeup and then waltz into the HR Office, head held high, ready for anything the silly Manager had to ask in the interview.

I would probably write off the interview because I'm a 63 year old 260 pound male. But I would have a hell of a story to tell to my friends and so would that interviewer.

[dancogan]

Unless you work in the industry I wouldn't recommend it. People have sooooo many preconceived notions about "bikers", the odds of it leaving a negative impression is a big risk. I wouldn't do it.
I've got to agree with this, for the most part. It depends in part upon the type of job and how badly you want it. To a non participant in our sport, you might be viewed as someone who takes unreasonable risks or has low self-esteem. One thing to do is drive by their parking lot and see if there are bikes there. Check out their website and see how employees are dressed.

[2BikeMike]

I'd agree with this, as well. Drive the cage. There will always be other good days to ride. Maybe the job will offer you more money or more vacation time (more riding); which means you want to make a good first impression and get the job. To be honest, I'd even be leery of riding to an interview with BMW motorrad. They would probably ask if you ride during the interview, anyhow.

I'd also make sure to use "you" instead of "u" in any professional communications... :stick

Wow! Thanks. I would not have known that if you hadn't pointed it out. Not!!!:nyah Looks like a cornucopia here folks. But, alas the bike wins out. If it's that big a deal to the company, I really don't wanna work there. I'll let you know how it goes.

[bikerfish1100]

[QUOTE=Statdawg;243567]40 miles is too far to drive for a job. Is it a move up career wise ? You know coming in from the field to work in a Masters house or from downstairs to upstairs servant move ?

Remember there might be a time when there is no fuel to trek 40 miles to anything. QUOTE]

That may be true for where you live, for your conditions, within your job field, and for YOUR thinking- but that's not all of us. FOr me, living here, in my field, I draw my line at about 30 miles each way. There's parts of AZ where kids have to be bussed 50+ miles/2 hours to the nearest school. Not all of the country is "blessed" with the crowded conditions of the Eastern Megalopolis- and we like it just like that.

[Oznay]

I wouldn't think twice about it,I'd ride,and would question the person to see what he/she thinks about bikes. I ride 70 miles one way to work,dodgin'forest rats daily...:bikes

[James.A]

I've known several hiring managers that looked at the applicant's car and even their shoes to judge how they would be in the workplace.

Interesting....

I'd think that the mere ownership of shoes would give an applicant a foot up.....

[jdmetzger]

Wow! Thanks. I would not have known that if you hadn't pointed it out. Not!!!:nyah Looks like a cornucopia here folks. But, alas the bike wins out. If it's that big a deal to the company, I really don't wanna work there. I'll let you know how it goes.

Just yanking you chain a bit. :nyah

Have a good ride, and good luck on your interview! :thumb

[osbornk]

To a non participant in our sport, you might be viewed as someone who takes unreasonable risks or has low self-esteem.

Companies are concerned (among other things) with health care costs and having a healthy employee who shows up at work every day. The non-riding hiring manager has seen many motorcycle accidents on the TV news and in the papers so he thinks motorcycles are more dangerous then they are. He envisions a motorcyclist as a potential expense for health care, disability and loss of services.

You may not be hired because of his perception of you being a risky hire but you will never know it. All you will know is that you didn't get the job or there will be another reason given.

Good motorcyclists don't take unnecessary risks and riding a motorcycle to a job interview is a needless risk.

ps. I worked for an Insurance Company over 30 years and I had several managers express concerns about me riding motorcycles.

[rkasal]

But don't you do it! :nyah

Seriously, though, probably better to take the cubicle on wheels so you "fit" in. You'll also be able to get an idea from the parking lot what kind of people your co-workers are. See a few bikes and mostly cars, great. See a lot of Escalators and Ford Excurses, and you'll know you have a lot of potential narcississitic insecure people.

Good luck at your interview! :thumb

Regards,


Randy Kasal

[osbornk]

It is sad that our economy forces people to travel great distances for work and they are not stable employment at that. All the best looking for work but please figure the time traveling as a liability. :thumb

Besides the additional expenses involved, a long commute costs in other ways. If you drive an extra hour to work each day, you have increased your workweek by 10 hours per week. That's 10 hours of unpaid overtime. If your workday is an 8 hour day, you are adding 25% to your workday. That makes your hourly pay 20% less.

[BMWDEAN]

If I was doing the hiring, I would give extra mega points to someone who rode to the interview on a BMW. It my years in management, it never happened, sad to say.

I believe in honesty and truthfulness. Don't try to hoodwink a potential employer because if you get the job based on deceit, however minor, it could well come back and bite you.

What kind of job is it? Is it one that requires wearing a suit or sportcoat? You can carry that on your bike. If it isn't a "fancy" job like that, then what's the difference?

Moreover, as noted above, will the interviewer even know how you arrived?

You are not planning on riding helmetless on a loud, obnoxious Harley, are you? You are riding a civilized motorcycle and well attired, right?

Ride your bike.

[hlothery]

But don't you do it! :nyah

Seriously, though, probably better to take the cubicle on wheels so you "fit" in. You'll also be able to get an idea from the parking lot what kind of people your co-workers are. See a few bikes and mostly cars, great. See a lot of Escalators and Ford Excurses, and you'll know you have a lot of potential narcississitic insecure people.

Good luck at your interview! :thumb

Regards,


Randy Kasal

It always amazes me the things folks think they can surmise from what kind of car a person is driving, or from whether they ride (and of course what brand they ride). That is all, IMHO, so bogus. They only way you get to know a person, is to get to know them. :wave

[SheRidesABeemer]

It's interesting that so many people could afford to pass up jobs because the ownership does not understand or appreciate their hobbies and interests.

As one who has endured many employment droughts over my illustrious IT career, a job interview is no place to attempt to change long held views of the person you are speaking with. It is not deceptive to omit the motorcycling facts of your life, it's political. Once I get the position I can let my roundel shine, and start the long process of education. But until then, my priority, as an unemployed person, is to gain employment any way I can, not to carry the motorcyclist pride banner.

[jdmetzger]

It's interesting that so many people could afford to pass up jobs because the ownership does not understand or appreciate their hobbies and interests.

As one who has endured many employment droughts over my illustrious IT career, a job interview is no place to attempt to change long held views of the person you are speaking with. It is not deceptive to omit the motorcycling facts of your life, it's political. Once I get the position I can let my roundel shine, and start the long process of education. But until then, my priority, as an unemployed person, is to gain employment any way I can, not to carry the motorcyclist pride banner.

+1 :nod

Well said, Gail! :thumb

[BradfordBenn]

This might sound dumb but some companies can exclude motorcycle riding as an unsafe activity from their health insurance. I do not remember all the details, heck some days I have enough trouble remembering my name, but if one is self-funded they are given more leeway under the law as to what they can exclude. When I first started working for my company they would not cover you if you were in an accident on the motorcycle while not wearing a helmet.. No comment on the helmet wearing, just a statement of what they would cover and not cover. They also would not cover you if you were in an accident while skydiving or spelunking.

[OfficerImpersonator]

It's interesting that so many people could afford to pass up jobs because the ownership does not understand or appreciate their hobbies and interests.

As one who has endured many employment droughts over my illustrious IT career, a job interview is no place to attempt to change long held views of the person you are speaking with. It is not deceptive to omit the motorcycling facts of your life, it's political. Once I get the position I can let my roundel shine, and start the long process of education. But until then, my priority, as an unemployed person, is to gain employment any way I can, not to carry the motorcyclist pride banner.

+1 :nod

Well said, Gail! :thumb

This might sound dumb but some companies can exclude motorcycle riding as an unsafe activity from their health insurance. I do not remember all the details, heck some days I have enough trouble remembering my name, but if one is self-funded they are given more leeway under the law as to what they can exclude. When I first started working for my company they would not cover you if you were in an accident on the motorcycle while not wearing a helmet.. No comment on the helmet wearing, just a statement of what they would cover and not cover. They also would not cover you if you were in an accident while skydiving or spelunking.

What is it with everyone clamoring to check your personality at the door when applying for a job?

If they don't like you for who you are, you don't want to work there. If they don't like you because you ride, you don't want to work there. If they frown on employees engaging in "dangerous" activities like commuting by motorcycle, you don't want to work there.

I see way too many people willing to fall on their sword for their employer. Is it a job, or is it a way of life? For me, my job enables my way of life - not the other way around. My job provides a paycheck that allows me to buy motorcycles, fuel for my motorcycle, gear for my motorcycle, and parts and service for my motorcycle - and a whole bunch of other things.

If your potential employer is anal retentive enough to take issue with your riding, you won't be happy there over the long-term. Sure - they have the paychecks to lure you into complying with their ideas of what's right and wrong, but you have your labor to withhold if it's not the right working environment.

I could find a different employer and get paid a lot more for what I do, but then I'd have to work some evenings and weekends, and I'd have less time to enjoy the lifestyle my job supports. I'd have less time with my family and less time in the saddle, and that's not worth any amount of money.

[jdmetzger]

I could find a different employer and get paid a lot more for what I do, but then I'd have to work some evenings and weekends, and I'd have less time to enjoy the lifestyle my job supports. I'd have less time with my family and less time in the saddle, and that's not worth any amount of money.

This could go the opposite way, as well. "I could find a different employer who doesn't mind that I showed up to a job interview on a bike and get paid less, but then I'd have to work some evenings and weekends, and I'd have less time to enjoy the lifestyle my less-paying job supports. I'd have less time with my family and less time in the saddle."

Some may not care if you ride a motorcycle or not, but there is also the issue of being a professional. For example, I know if we have a client touring through our office on a Friday, I shouldn't wear jeans that day. Sure, I LIKE to wear jeans to work, but I know the company's image to the client is important. Regardless of what we'd like to see in a perfect world, people judge you based on how you look, sometimes.

I'd rather drive my truck,GET a higher paying job, and then ride my bike after I have the job. While it's easy to say "you don't want to work there anyhow" if they don't hire you based on riding a motorcycle, jobs aren't always in abundance, depending on your field. So, do I want to make more money and/or have health benefits/vacation time (so I can afford a bike, and have time off to go to a rally), or do I want to be a proud biker and get to ask everyone I see "Do you want fries with that?" while not being able to pay my rent, or go to a rally?

Is it right that they would not hire you based on riding a motorcycle? Not at all. It's one of those situations where you can be in the right, but still be wrong.

[SheRidesABeemer]

What is it with everyone clamoring to check your personality at the door when applying for a job?



Let's see, I'm the sole bread winner and I was out of work 8 months, pondering if one of my beautiful toys needed to be sold. I'll check my soul at the door for an hour. :brow

[2BikeMike]

The many different responses have certainly made for interesting reading, thanks guys. Here's the result of the interview. I rode the RT. I did not feel the least bit uneasy about it. The parking lot was full of overgrown pick ups. The interviewer forgot to iron his pants.(or maybe not) They had more wrinkles than a Chinese Shar- Pei. I felt totally at ease. The interview went well, I even divulged my motorcycling habit when asked about my hobbies. He replied, Harley's?:rofl I of course said no, BMW:thumb When asked what I was looking for in a job, one of my answers was that I want a job that fits me. That is, where I have time to live my life and not just live to work. Been there, done that. Later in the interview, I told him that I didn't think this job is what I'm looking for. While no job offer was made, he did ask that I think about it and let him know if I'm interested. He was a very nice and warm person and I think he would be good to work for. He even gave me some things to think about that I had not considered. So, end result, no job offer, but I was enlightened abit about the world in some areas that I was previously not aware of. So, I feel like I gained something out of it. By the way, many of you had wished me good luck, thanks alot.:hug

[hondarider]

I would.

And then change in the parking lot to suitable attire.

I kept a skirt and heels in the sidecase ; )

Voni
sMiling

I have those same items in my sidecase...

[OfficerImpersonator]

The many different responses have certainly made for interesting reading, thanks guys. Here's the result of the interview. I rode the RT. I did not feel the least bit uneasy about it. The parking lot was full of overgrown pick ups. The interviewer forgot to iron his pants.(or maybe not) They had more wrinkles than a Chinese Shar- Pei. I felt totally at ease. The interview went well, I even divulged my motorcycling habit when asked about my hobbies. He replied, Harley's?:rofl I of course said no, BMW:thumb When asked what I was looking for in a job, one of my answers was that I want a job that fits me. That is, where I have time to live my life and not just live to work. Been there, done that. Later in the interview, I told him that I didn't think this job is what I'm looking for. While no job offer was made, he did ask that I think about it and let him know if I'm interested. He was a very nice and warm person and I think he would be good to work for. He even gave me some things to think about that I had not considered. So, end result, no job offer, but I was enlightened abit about the world in some areas that I was previously not aware of. So, I feel like I gained something out of it. By the way, many of you had wished me good luck, thanks alot.:hug

I'm glad to hear you're satisfied with the results of your interview, and that riding to the interview apparently had no negative consequences for you. Stay true to who you are - be an honest person and be honest about yourself - and you'll find that perfect job in no time.

It sounds as if you are already being honest with yourself when you stated you didn't think this was the right job for you. It takes a lot of guts to tell a potential employer "thanks but no thanks" before they've even offered a position.

Sometimes not getting that job - or even getting fired from a job - is the best outcome for the long-term.

Good luck on your continued job search, and stay true to yourself.

[jeremell]

I'm a professional in a "conservative" industry which requires a coat and tie. I've ridden my bike (R1150R) to many professional meetings over distances greater than 100 miles. I've always had positive reactions and no one seems to notice if I have a wrinkle here or there. Regarding interviews, not only do I have my motorcylce club memberships listed on my resume, I recently used motorcylcing examples in answering interview questions. I got the job. I think its gives me some extra personality and something interesting to talk about besides the regular boring interview answers. I've found that when I am the interviewer, I can learn a lot about a person by asking them about interesting items on resumes (e.g. study abroad).

[RandallIsland]

Unless you work in the industry I wouldn't recommend it. People have sooooo many preconceived notions about "bikers", the odds of it leaving a negative impression is a big risk. I wouldn't do it.

First impressions are huge. Why risk being part of a potential negative you cannot control?
You can ride to the last interview. In my experience there are usually 5 for good companies.
But I'd still wear a pressed suit...

[bubbagazoo]

I hired a guy once who showed up for his interview wearing a headband with rabbit ears on it. This was actually his second interview with our company. He did not get the first position because he did not have the skills for it (either sales or web development - I cannot remember. It wasn't in my department). He did get the job as a helpdesk guy because he knew his stuff. He kept his job after the probationary period because he was good on the phone with our clients and he knew his stuff.

I can understand where Gail is coming from. Put your best foot forward. Make sure that if your first impressions have the potential to raise eyebrows that your interview blows them away. Would I ride to a job interview? I dunno. I've never had to make that decision (didn't own a bike at the time).

[terham]

When I was looking to move out of my parent's house after college, I went to look at an apartment and my dad advised me not to ride my beloved slash 5. I think my dad wanted me out of the house and was concerned about first impressions. I took my parent's car and got the apartment so I guess he and I both got what we wanted. :laugh

[Mongo]

I'm in a position that would be difficult for my employer if I was out for a while. I put quite the scare into them when I went down. If you were to ask them about my riding before my get off, it would have been no big deal and irrelevant to them. After it, I'm fairly confident it would give them pause on a new hire for a vital position. If all things were equal between a rider vs non-rider, I'd bet on the non-rider getting the job now.

[Montana]

I couldn't ride to my interview since it was January and snowy. But I interviewed with guys 15-20 years younger than me, not unusual nowadays, so I mentioned that I rode to work and would that be a problem? I thought it would help me seem young and, uh, not so fuddy-duddy-ish. The owner admitted to owning a barn-bike BMW at this point. After watching me riding to work nearly seven years, he finally got the thing to a restorer's shop.

[AllanCook]

I've done it several times. Put the suit jacket and pennyloafers in the side cases, swapped my Vanson and boots when I got there. No one was the wiser.

[osbornk]

I've done it several times. Put the suit jacket and pennyloafers in the side cases, swapped my Vanson and boots when I got there. No one was the wiser.

How do you know? If you did it several times, you apparently did not get the jobs.

[Crow18]

I did it once, riding to an interview for a job I was pretty sure I wouldn't get anyway. The downside to riding was that it was warm out, I was a bit preoccupied about the interview, and forgot to open the vents on my jacket before I left the house. Luckily, I was able to arrive without visible sweat, and I stuffed all the gear on the bike and strolled into the interview like a normal human being.

And, yeah, I didn't get the job. The next interview was also on a hot day, so I took the cage and blasted the AC. I got that job, but they were so desperate for someone that I probably would've gotten in if I'd ridden my bike through the front doors wearing a loincloth and a viking helmet.

In the future, I would probably not ride to an interview, not because I feared any sort of discrimination for being a rider, but because I have a habit of getting astonishing amounts of road grime on my hands if I even think about riding. YMMV.

[rgvilla]

Yes!! Ride Safe

[Motor31]

I have riden to an interview but I have also taken the cage for others. It depended on distance, weather and how formal the situation was. The bike never was an issue in either case.

[rayadams]

NO

not because of the "image" thing.
i would have a hard time concentrating with my bike in an "alien" parking enviornment.
i would need full attention on the interview process, no other concerns on my mind.
so only for the sake of my staying "on game", i leave the bike at home for the interview.

[AllanCook]

How do you know? If you did it several times, you apparently did not get the jobs.

Can you think of an alternative explanation?

I did take one of the jobs.

[beeryboats]

I've been looking for a new job for months and wouldn't you know it the first day of the year I can ride to work, I get an offer to interview right after work. I explained that I was in work clothes (jeans and BMW T shirt) and on my bike. He told me that was cool, come in and talk. It turns out half his shop were on bikes today. How cool is that?!?! I hope I get the job and it pays the bills.

[Voni]

Fingers crossed!

Voni

sMiling

[bobh41]

a bike anywhere is because of all the crap I usually have to haul. I rode my Norton to several interviews (a while back) for engineering work and never sensed any discrimination based on "image" (I wore a suit on the bike plus helmet and boots). I got offers and picked the one I liked best.

I'm retired now, but I volunteer a lot; when I show up anywhere with full ATGATT on my R90 I'm met with apparent approval, if not sometimes envy - and most of my "peeps" are otherwise very conservative. I don't get all the hullabaloo over image, but then I'm not running for office. My sister still claims she can "type" anyone by examining their shoes. How crazy is that?

I know job competition is steep at the present, but it has been most of my life. If someone needs you, and you can fulfill their need, all the peripheral crap falls by the wayside, in my experience.

Is the world so different for you youngsters?

[glennhendricks]

I wouldn't mostly because I can't visualize a suit under my armor. Nor can I figure out how to pack the suit coat in the bags without ending up with creases.

That being said, it depends on the job you're looking for. I'd imagine some places aren't bike friendly, that might be a deal breaker if you wouldn't care to work there.

I'm currently hiring to fill a professional position and I'm more concerned about how the candidates present themselves, their thought process and how professional they are.

[535is]

I wouldn't mostly because I can't visualize a suit under my armor. Nor can I figure out how to pack the suit coat in the bags without ending up with creases.

Try one that costs more than $35. :stick




Seriously, a silk blend houndstooth like the one I wear A) won't wrinkle and B) wouldn't show it even if it did. :thumb

[monkeywork]

so that post was from last year... DID YA GET THE JOB?

[glennhendricks]

:nyah

[iRene]

I rode out for a week of training with a new employer once at their Indianapolis location.
I saved them a LOT of money in my travel expense, so they sprang for a hotel upgrade for me.
I packed knit skirts to wear, which tucked nicely into my one-piece 'stich. I changed to heels
in the parking lot and locked the gear in my sidecases.

I'm still in the same business at a different employer, so basically they know about the riding
thang before I get job offers. I work in a very tight little community.
After my... incident with the jeep.. when I was ready to return to work, I made sure I had
a competing offer in hand before I went to see if my old job was available. It was.
Complete with raise. So I took it.
I didn't miss a scheduled day of work, even when I was still using a wheelchair and crutches and it was snowing.
And that was when a bunch of the office ladies were calling out because of the storm.

Motorcycling? Never been an issue, and it is non-negotiable. I consider it a pre-existing condition.
My boss just signed off on my three weeks vacation to ride out west this year.
Because everything I know about discipline, focus and toughness I practice on a motorcycle.

[bobh41]

Right on, BionicMaineWoman

http://www.hal4d.com/images/raisedFist.jpg

[mistermike]

Depends on the job and where you live, but I can't see much of an upside in riding.

Maybe yes if you were involved in some kind of creative work where an edgy persona would be attractive to an employer.

[bobh41]

Depends on the job and where you live, but I can't see much of an upside in riding.

Maybe yes if you were involved in some kind of creative work where an edgy persona would be attractive to an employer

Maybe it was "edgy" in 1954, when, the rider was, in fact greasy, maybe dirty, and likely suffering the shock of military combat. But since "you meet the nicest people on a Honda" "edgy" has ceased to be a primary element of motorcycling. Even the supposed "outlaw biker" now is likely to prove to be a wealthy, mainstream, fully vetted and upstanding citizen.

The upside? - the simple pleasure of riding that most of us in this forum value for one; second, $4.00 - $5.00 per gallon gasoline that is sure to be served up to us soon.

Think about the incredible improvement in traffic flow (theoretically) through the I-70, I-270 interchange during rush hour if a significant number of travelers were on motorcycles.

IMHO.

Bob

[BubbaZanetti]

i just got a job teaching motorcycle riding full time

but i didn't ride to the interview, i walked cause it was about 10 blocks away, haha

i have ridden to work everyday though, it saves on me moving the bike for street cleaning plus i get to put it in a garage for a little bit each day.:thumb

[moondog]

yep

[dancogan]

i just got a job teaching motorcycle riding full time

but i didn't ride to the interview, i walked cause it was about 10 blocks away, haha
...

Who are you working for? Sounds like a neat job. Tell us more, Bubba.