So am I right in thinking that this is totally stupid? (RE: my Obama bumper sticker)

[Dbdmjs1022]

So I just went in for a job interview today at a tech staffing firm (my first since graduating college). I called my dad before I went in to see if he had any last minute tips. The conversation was fine, and I was just about to hang up, when he says, "Just one more thing." He had been to my house that morning to pick up my sister, and had seen my car, complete with my new Obama bumper sticker. My dad (an unapologetic Republican) said that while he was "glad I was involved in politics" he wanted me to take the sticker off "until the election got closer." His rationale was that if I was interviewing for jobs I shouldn't show that I was supporting Obama because "if the boss of the business, who is likely a Republican, sees that you're supporting Obama he'll think 'Wow, this guy wants my taxes to go up' and won't hire you."

So I kinda ended the conversation quickly and went in for the interview. But the whole thing had me irked. Am I wrong in thinking that this logic makes no sense whatsoever, or at least that he's being overly paranoid and/or just looking for an excuse to get that sticker off his old car.

[sandnsea]

1. Tell Dad

you don't want to work for anybody who doesn't believe in democracy anyway.

[electron_blue]

2. hmmmm, 2 things

1) Nobody has ever seen my car when I went for a job interview
2) Techies are likely to be Dem anyway.

Leave the bumper sticker on, but don't discuss politics during the interview.

[goldcanyonaz]

3. Not Microsoft techies

[jwirr]

5. That is a very blanket statement. I know at least one Microsoft exec.

who is a very strong Democrat.

[goldcanyonaz]

7. Exec? we were talking *techies*

Most unix admins are much more progressive as they are open to new ideas

[jwirr]

8. Okay I misunderstood you - I assumed you were saying they were

not progressive. When my ex started working for IBM he had to change everything about his life: way he dressed, the way he talked and almost everything - he became anything but progressive.

[Richardo]

4. A couple of things:

1) I don't think the owner is any more likely to be a Republican than a Democrat - especially in Maryland (it's a different story in Texas). Entreprenuers can be Democrats - Warren Buffet is the best example I can think of.

2) That said, it's best to leave politics outside the office door.

3) Which is why I only use magnetized bumper stickers on my vehicle, and remove them whenever I park. (Again: Texas)

4) Good luck with the job search! :thumbsup:

[patrice]

6. No dis to your Dad, but maybe that's what got us into this situation in the first place =

the idea that the only time you stand up for your values is under extraordinary circumstances, such as War; the rest of the time, ordinary daily living, value ____________ is ex$pendable or negotiable when seeking favor with "The Powers that Be".

[Beacool]

9. Politics has no place at work.

Leave your bumper sticker on if you think that no one will notice your car.

Once you get the job I don't think it will matter at all what bumper sticker you have on your car, but during the job interview process it is better that no prospective employer know your political affiliation. If nothing more that it is none of their business, same as your age.

[bkcc]

10. I agree that politics shouldn't come up at all during a job search.

But when it comes to a bumper sticker, do you really think your prospective employer is walking around the office parking lot looking to see which car you drove? If so, I'd be worried about more than just the bumper sticker.

[olkaz]

11. This is common sense. Take the sticker off.

Any sort of distraction can prevent you from getting the job.

Get the job THEN put whatever the hell you want on your car. If he does something to you then, it's actionable.

But seriously, this isn't something to worry about. Do what is necessary to get the job, period.

[goldcanyonaz]

13. Yep and jobs are not all that plentiful these days

[goldcanyonaz]

12. I leave my politics at home every morning when leaving for work

At my new position we are not allowed to discuss politics at all, period

[Growler]

14. No one is going to see your car

leave the sticker on.

[qwlauren35]

15. He is correct.

It is bad form to wear your politics on your sleeve in an interview. Another choice is to park your car at a distance and walk.

I think being political is up there with flaunting tattoos, multiple body piercings, extra skin, tight clothes... and having bad breath. It's not as bad as being late, but it's risky.

You could luck out and have an interview with a fellow Obama supporter. OR, you could have an interview with a disgruntled non-Obama democrat. Or a solid McCain supporter. From my count, unless you're in a blue state where Obama won handily, the odds are against you.

If you don't want to peel the sticker, park your car with the bumpersticker facing away from traffic. Or hoof it.

[grantcart]

16. I go on sales calls to homes - many of the people are involved in law enforcement

at the border and many of them are conservative.

I have large signs on my car in the back for Obama and our congressional candidate.

I park a couple houses away.

If during the call it is clear that they are Democrats or sympathetic to Obama I walk them out to the car.

[gcomeau]

17. I have yet to encounter an employer...

...who screens people's vehicles for political paraphernalia before making a hiring decision.

If you end up interviewing at such a place, I suggest you walk away. Quick.