Political Views a Problem Applying for Jobs?

Creol1

Hello all,


Slightly strange question. I'm applying for various jobs in private sector firms at the moment. I would obviously like to be successful in my applications, however I am a quite committed left-wing activist and there would be some evidence of views they could regard as anti-business, etc., on the internet id they googled my name. Would that sort of thing be a problem, or would they be more likely to accept someone's political views as private and judge me on my CV and perhaps ask about it at the interview?


Thanks!

Mrs OBumble

Would you be able to do a job that was opposed to your political views?

Mr. Loverman

If I was interviewing you I'd ask you straight up can you leave your politics at the door every morning and do the job you're asked to do. If you look me in the eye and say of course, it won't be a problem, I'd be ok with that. But if I sensed at all you're going to be a problem, I wouldn't hire you. Managing apolitical people is already tricky enough.

Glinda

Another thing to consider is whether you can resist expressing views that might compromise your position once your are employed - you may not be able to say anything publicly that would be embarrassing for your employer for instance. Can you live with that kind of restriction on your powers of expression?

Ray Palmer

If I saw a view expressed with membership and activities I would assume the person is committed to that cause. If that opposed the general business being hired for I wouldn't hire them.

There have been people found to be slowing down work and interfering with code in a place I worked. I wouldn't expect it come up in a private company but it would depend on their work.

So yes it will effect some opportunities.

I wouldn't work for Wonga as an example of my own opinions effecting where I would work.

the_syco

Creol1 wrote: »

judge me on my CV and perhaps ask about it at the interview?

If you were outstanding in your job, highly regarded, etc, maybe.

50 applicants, 20 have skills, and the agent only want to put forward the best 5 to the employer. A quick Google may find that Bob has gotten an award in X, Jane was mentioned in Y paper, and the list gets narrowed. If they see your profile as anti-establishment, they'll just throw you into the "no" pile, and move on.

IMO, the only way to get into the "yes" pile is to have better skills in your area than the average Joe.

Would you be able to work Monday to Friday 9-5 and keep your left-wing ideas to yourself?

Creol1

Thanks for the replies everyone.


I don't think I would find it terribly difficult to keep my views to myself unless engaged in a political discussion. I'd also doubt that speaking in public would be a problem. Hopefully I will be able to explain that it wouldn't affect my work if it comes to it in an interview.

Thanks again.