The Interviewer Didn’t Know I’m Black

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Abstract

ys later, I received a call to come in for a second interview with the VP. At this point, I’m assuming I’m a serious candidate, as a second interview is a telltale sign that a company wants you.Given that I was meeting with the VP, I decided to wear my tailor-made suit, made sure I was clean-shaven and carried my leather portfolio. I arrived early for the interview, and the associate in the lobby requested I wait in the sitting area, as the VP was out of the building.Surprisingly, the VP was about twenty minutes late. At this time, I was the only person waiting in the sitting area. When the VP arrived, she asked the associate where was her candidate. The associate pointed towards me and I noticed the shocking look on the VP’s face. Based on my assessment, this VP is non-Black.I stood up and extended my hand to shake her hand, but she walked past me and to the elevator. Without delay, I followed her to the elevator. This was one of the most awkward elevator rides I’ve experienced, as this lady wouldn’t say anything to me. I tried talking with her but she wouldn’t respond.After getting off the elevator, I followed her into her office. She fumbled around with papers on her desk, then she sat down and had the audacity to ask me, “What do you want to know?”At this point, it was rather obvious this woman had no interest in hiring

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me, and she didn’t want to proceed with this interview. Also, not that it’s necessary or required, I’m assuming her senior managers didn’t inform her that I’m Black. My being Black had to have been the only reason she was disturbed, as she already knew I’m a man, based on my name.That interview lasted no more than ten minutes. Actually, it wasn’t an interview, as I did most of the talking. Now, I’ve experienced racial tension before in my life, but this experience was tough because I had to maintain my professionalism and dignity. I had no idea who this woman knows, so I definitely didn’t want to jeopardize my professional career by telling this woman how wrong she was.As expected, I was informed that I wasn’t selected for that position. That experience fueled me to take action, as I didn’t want another minority candidate to experience what I endured at that company. So, I filed an official complaint with the government offices. It was a lengthy process, but well worth it.Overall, racism can hinder anyone from achieving their dreams. That’s why we must be well-informed of our rights. We’re all human and work hard, but it’s a shame that some people just see color, instead of character and qualifications. Hopefully, even if not in my lifetime, racism will come to an end.© <a href="undefined">Tony Young, Jr.</a> 8/20</article></body>

Overt racism in the workplace.

The American dream is to graduate from school, get a good job, and buy a home. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy for everyone. After receiving my college degree, I assumed that was my pass to get into any company I wanted. I had experience and a pleasant personality, with references to prove it.

Many years ago, I read about a job opening for one of the major companies in town. I met all the qualifications, so I submitted my resume. Approximately a week later, I was called in for an interview. I was interviewed by two senior managers in the department. The interview lasted an hour and was successful. They informed me they will pass my resume on to their VP, as that will be the last stage of the interviewing process.

As usual, and per protocol, I sent “thank you” letters to both interviewers later that day. Both were white women, extremely professional, and seemed impressed with me.

A few days later, I received a call to come in for a second interview with the VP. At this point, I’m assuming I’m a serious candidate, as a second interview is a telltale sign that a company wants you.

Given that I was meeting with the VP, I decided to wear my tailor-made suit, made sure I was clean-shaven and carried my leather portfolio. I arrived early for the interview, and the associate in the lobby requested I wait in the sitting area, as the VP was out of the building.

Surprisingly, the VP was about twenty minutes late. At this time, I was the only person waiting in the sitting area. When the VP arrived, she asked the associate where was her candidate. The associate pointed towards me and I noticed the shocking look on the VP’s face. Based on my assessment, this VP is non-Black.

I stood up and extended my hand to shake her hand, but she walked past me and to the elevator. Without delay, I followed her to the elevator. This was one of the most awkward elevator rides I’ve experienced, as this lady wouldn’t say anything to me. I tried talking with her but she wouldn’t respond.

After getting off the elevator, I followed her into her office. She fumbled around with papers on her desk, then she sat down and had the audacity to ask me, “What do you want to know?”

At this point, it was rather obvious this woman had no interest in hiring me, and she didn’t want to proceed with this interview. Also, not that it’s necessary or required, I’m assuming her senior managers didn’t inform her that I’m Black. My being Black had to have been the only reason she was disturbed, as she already knew I’m a man, based on my name.

That interview lasted no more than ten minutes. Actually, it wasn’t an interview, as I did most of the talking. Now, I’ve experienced racial tension before in my life, but this experience was tough because I had to maintain my professionalism and dignity. I had no idea who this woman knows, so I definitely didn’t want to jeopardize my professional career by telling this woman how wrong she was.

As expected, I was informed that I wasn’t selected for that position. That experience fueled me to take action, as I didn’t want another minority candidate to experience what I endured at that company. So, I filed an official complaint with the government offices. It was a lengthy process, but well worth it.

Overall, racism can hinder anyone from achieving their dreams. That’s why we must be well-informed of our rights. We’re all human and work hard, but it’s a shame that some people just see color, instead of character and qualifications. Hopefully, even if not in my lifetime, racism will come to an end.