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Bicycling for the job hunt and to the job interview

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Started 2 years ago by TomOver
Latest reply from lifeontwowheels

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cycling

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TomOver
herenowbeyond.org
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Does anyone have thoughts to share about bicycling while job hunting or about bicycling to the job interview ? I have car, but have been for several months, an aspiring minimal motorist.

After several months of bicycling about half of my commutes (about 1 hour and 20 minutes each way, depending on the weather and how I am feeling), I have begun to look for jobs closer to my home in Upper Arlington.

I work as a freelance reporter for the Columbus Free Press and WCRS Columbus, but pay my bills by working as a waiter at Abuelo's, a restaurant in Easton serving a type of Mexican, perhaps Tex/Mex food.

I figure that if I believe in myself and in the worthiness of the cause of cycling, biking my job search should turn out to be a plus not a minus.

Posted 2 years ago #
Mercurius
First Avenue
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I've had this problem too. I think you have to judge on a case by case basis. Generally, if you'd have to dress nicely and they aren't in the altruistic business I would shy away from biking or at least attempt to allow enough time that they didn't know you had. If the boss bikes or they are an environmental company, then yes, they will understand its worthiness. Not all people do.

Posted 2 years ago #
lifeontwowheels
Highland West
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On the face of it, I would say do it. Unfortunately we still have a ways to go before people aren't discriminated against in the workplace based on the type of transportation they utilize. You still see the fine print on many jobs where "reliable transportation" is a requirement for employment despite the fact that most jobs don't require travel during the actual shift, only travel from home to work and back. I know of a few people who have been turned down for transportation despite living a few blocks down the street.

Off the soap box, some things I would consider:

When you arrive at the job interview, how will you clean up?

Will there be somewhere to lock the bike?

As much as I love cycling, getting the job would be first and foremost in my mind. Arrive looking presentable, on time (meaning 5-10 minutes early) and prepared. As you go through the interview, bring up that you are a cyclist and want to commute to work. Ask about what accommodations are available, ie. where you can lock the bike, store anything extra like a helmet (if you wear one) and where you can clean up if you arrive a bit sweaty or greasy from a road side repair. As long as you have excelled at previous employment, your references should speak for themselves-including your reliability no matter the choice in vehicle. Maybe stop in prior to the interview and scope it out to see how cycling would work?

Stop by Yay Bikes! and post this question as well. You'll probably get a lot more response and ideas.

Posted 2 years ago #
joev
Merion Village
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I've not had this exact experience of looking for a job, but I do walk to work everyday. When people I work with in the office or in other businesses find that out, they universally think it's pretty cool. Some people think 2 miles is awful far to walk twice a day, but I've not had anyone judge me negatively.
If it comes up in the interview, I say be proud of it. Assure them that there is also COTA if you can't bike in for any reason, and talk about what values have led you to be a bike commuter.

Posted 2 years ago #
Tigertree
771 N. High St.
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You aren't going to be discriminated against because of your mode of transportation as lifeontwowheels said, but you might be discriminated against because of your appearance unless you have incredibly short hair and don't sweat.
On the other hand, if you have a little time to look for a job then like life said go for it and wait it out. I often take the approach when selling my line of getting a feel for how the relationship will be in the future. If someone is really short with me when demanding line sheets, I just don't bother because there are very few neighborhoods that won't have another account for me. Do some research, look up old Business First and Dispatch articles to find companies that have strong pro-bike stances. Look for articles about bosses riding to work, or bike lockers and showers, or even charitable giving to bike organizations. You'll likely end up a lot happier there and find yourself in a company where more ideals than just your transportation line up, which could result in a longer career with the company.
I would also recommend that you not bring up the fact that you biked to the interview unless it is a cycling related company, as it could come off as preachy and be a turn off.

Posted 2 years ago #
10sun
Columbus, OH
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On an interview recently, I was asked why I had my helmet with me and I explained that I was not in any hurry that day as I had scheduled my time appropriately to afford me a leisurely ride to the location rather than hustling in covered in sweat, had it come down to it I would have driven if I didn't schedule my time appropriately.

Being able to intelligently explain your choices to a potential employer actually gives you an additional way to distinguish yourself from the crowd.

Posted 2 years ago #
roy
Downtown
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Good points TT, thanks! Consider Biking is doing great work with Columbus businesses and corporations large and small, to help them better understand cycling for better health, happy workers, the environment and of course, the bottom line. They may have a list of bike friendly employers at ConsiderBiking.org

Posted 2 years ago #
michaelcoyote
!seabus
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joev wrote >>
If it comes up in the interview, I say be proud of it. Assure them that there is also COTA if you can't bike in for any reason, and talk about what values have led you to be a bike commuter.

I concur. Also, you may want to consider taking COTA there and then biking home, especially if you have concerns about dressing for the interview.

Posted 2 years ago #
lifeontwowheels
Highland West
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I could have been clearer on my point. There are still jobs that, despite no requirement to travel on company time, still insist on "reliable transportation" from an applicant. Who defines what is reliable and what isn't? Cycling still carries a social stigma to some which may influence the decision a business makes on your employment. I think what I am saying is realize that there is that possibility. Let your other qualities shine through, your recommendations and so forth. Mention cycling on occasion just to make sure you have a good place to stash the bike and a place to clean up.

Bike Forums is another good source. A quick search turned up 9 thread related to cycling, car light/free living and job interviews/hunting. Judge for yourself:

Job Interviews

Biking to the Job Interview

Jobs which require a car, but shouldn't?

Interviews and car free

Job Interview

Just a few to help. Great website/forum which has helped me learn some stuff in the past.

Posted 2 years ago #
Tigertree
771 N. High St.
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I think that is often more than a social stigma. For instance I make deliveries to peoples houses after things are tailored. I don't want an expensive suit balled up in a bag, or somehow tied to someone so the delivery can be made on a bike. It really depends on the job.

Posted 2 years ago #
lifeontwowheels
Highland West
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Tigertree wrote >>
I think that is often more than a social stigma. For instance I make deliveries to peoples houses after things are tailored. I don't want an expensive suit balled up in a bag, or somehow tied to someone so the delivery can be made on a bike. It really depends on the job.

I understand that and agree completely. It's all about choice and what is the most practical on the individual level. Just read through the Dispatch comments on cycling and realize that one of the posters there may be that potential employer interviewing you. Do you really want to give them a reason to put another candidate with similar qualifications over you?

Posted 2 years ago #
Tigertree
771 N. High St.
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No, I wouldn't so why bring up how you get to work unless it comes up? If you think it will really help you get the job because it is a shared interest then absolutely geek out about your bikes and routes and whatever else you want. And like I said if it is really important to you and you have the luxury of waiting a bit before you get a job, then look for that. If you don't have that luxury then I think you are probably biking to the interview so you can say you did and them be upset if it has an adverse affect.

Posted 2 years ago #
lifeontwowheels
Highland West
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Without being said, cycling to something is a bit more obvious than driving. Between the possibility of having to change when you get there and holding a helmet it's pretty clear how you got there.

Posted 2 years ago #
Mercurius
First Avenue
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lifeontwowheels wrote >>
Without being said, cycling to something is a bit more obvious than driving. Between the possibility of having to change when you get there and holding a helmet it's pretty clear how you got there.

I usually lock my helmet to my bike.

Posted 2 years ago #
Tigertree
771 N. High St.
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If you can't ditch your helmet, then yes it's obvious and might come up. If you can't ditch your smell/cycling clothes then again, it's more than an assault on your transportation choices.

Posted 2 years ago #
lifeontwowheels
Highland West
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Mercurius wrote >>

lifeontwowheels wrote >>
Without being said, cycling to something is a bit more obvious than driving. Between the possibility of having to change when you get there and holding a helmet it's pretty clear how you got there.

I usually lock my helmet to my bike.

True enough. Again, my initial reaction was: own it, do it. Just understand what may be the mindset of a potential employer. It's also why I suggested checking things out before going in for the actual interview.

Posted 2 years ago #
JonMyers
HCMC ✈
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Posted 2 years ago #
lifeontwowheels
Highland West
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JonMyers wrote >>

In a perfect world. And keeping in mind Columbus winter is going to do wonders with those commuting clothes.

Posted 2 years ago #
joev
Merion Village
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There's no reason biking to work has to make you sweaty. Slow down a little.

Posted 2 years ago #
lifeontwowheels
Highland West
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joev wrote >>
There's no reason biking to work has to make you sweaty. Slow down a little.

If you can arrive without sweating on a beautiful, humid, Columbus summer more power to you. Winter is easier dressing right and giving yourself enough time to cool.

Posted 2 years ago #