Denied a Job Because of Interest in Firearms

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SwearNoAllegiance

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I recently filled out an application for a gig that payed $75 an hour. A fine wage.

One of the questions on the application was: "What are your primary hobbies and interests?" I put the following:

"My primary hobby involves the collection and study of antique and modern firearms as well as marksmanship. Other interests include the personal study of theology, history, free market economics, and politics."

My friend referred me for the job. I have not heard back from them in a couple weeks and so my friend talked with the lady in charge. She said she was very interested in me and would have hired me had I not put that. "She doesn't like people who have strong opinions of the Government and collect firearms," said my friend. My friend told her that, "You've got him all wrong; he's a gentle man, hard working, and intelligent. He is what you are looking for in this job." But to no avail.

So there you have it. I am qualified for the job, I have solid references, but because my hobby is not suitable to this one person, I will not get the job. Worse yet is the fact that I cannot contact them about this because my friend will get in trouble.

I was extremely angry about this and then I became filled with sadness. Never would I have dreamed I would have derailed a good job because of that. I was judged not on objective fairness, but on the whims of some woman who found fault with what is an honorable hobby. I could have lied or put something else, but this violates my own ethical standard. This is my primary hobby; it is what I do.

I think I stressed out my lady friend too. I was angry when she told me and I think she's worried that I am going to get her in trouble.

:cuss:

This is BULL****.
 
Whenever I want to get rejected for employment by a given organization (it happens), I make sure to include controversial information on my resume or application, particularly of a political, religious or sexual nature.
 
Sorry to hear, but welcome to the real world of today, it ain't like it used to be. Next time, make up a some feel-good garbage like knitting or charity work. Never let 'em know who you really are.
 
Sorry to hear that your transparency didn't suit you well.

I always put 'N/A'. I am not lying - I just believe that it's none of their business how I spend my time out of the workplace.
 
This is why you lie lie lie lie lie on applications for jobs like that. People like sheep. Certain exceptions apply, but by and large, free thinking, intelligent people scare the piss out of society at large; they'd much prefer sheeple who they don't think are smarter than themselves. After you get the job and you're in cozy, that's when the gloves can come off.

Sorry to hear about the job dude...there will be better ones.
 
Unfortunately hobbies or even your "views on the government" are not protected from discrimination. Some employers are discriminating based on weight and tobacco use. It doesn't make it right but many people don't get jobs for something as minor as a "bad vibe."

As a manager I do support a companies right to fill positions with persons who would be a good fit. Move on and maybe next time wait to divulge your hobbies- better safe than sorry.
 
And from the constructive rather than from the sarcastic department of advice operations, I'd recommend buying and reading a book about stamp collecting, buying a few cheap stamps, and listing "stamp collecting" as your hobby from now on. Seriously. I mean, you can't win. Pick "restoring vintage automobiles" and you'll draw the greenie. Pick "jogging" and you'll get the guy whose father dropped dead of a heart attack while running. And my God, of all things ... guns? Almost as good as when I listed "motorcycling" and was taken as a one-percenter by the hiring partner whose wife allegedly was raped by one.
 
rbernie said:
I always put 'N/A'. I am not lying - I just believe that it's none of their business how I spend my time out of the workplace.
Click to expand...
That may well be the best idea. Even something we think is innocuous like "hunting and fishing" might backfire if your interviewer turns out to be a member of PETA or something. :uhoh:

I once interviewed for a job where I was asked about my hobbies. Since the boss had a rifle cartridge display on his desk, I felt reasonably comfortable talking about guns. ;) I was even offered the job. :D But my then-current employer made a counteroffer.
 
Last edited:
I recently filled out an application for a gig that payed $75 an hour. A fine wage.

One of the questions on the application was: "What are your primary hobbies and interests?" I put the following:

"My primary hobby involves the collection and study of antique and modern firearms as well as marksmanship. Other interests include the personal study of theology, history, free market economics, and politics."

My friend referred me for the job. I have not heard back from them in a couple weeks and so my friend talked with the lady in charge. She said she was very interested in me and would have hired me had I not put that. "She doesn't like people who have strong opinions of the Government and collect firearms," said my friend. My friend told her that, "You've got him all wrong; he's a gentle man, hard working, and intelligent. He is what you are looking for in this job." But to no avail.

So there you have it. I am qualified for the job, I have solid references, but because my hobby is not suitable to this one person, I will not get the job. Worse yet is the fact that I cannot contact them about this because my friend will get in trouble.

I was extremely angry about this and then I became filled with sadness. Never would I have dreamed I would have derailed a good job because of that. I was judged not on objective fairness, but on the whims of some woman who found fault with what is an honorable hobby. I could have lied or put something else, but this violates my own ethical standard. This is my primary hobby; it is what I do.

I think I stressed out my lady friend too. I was angry when she told me and I think she's worried that I am going to get her in trouble.
Click to expand...

If you were offered $75/hr, I would suggest the position requires either a specialized skill or high intelligence. High intelligence would have prepared you for the reality that being honest about "gun hobbies" might prejudice your self against a potential employer. As a THR member you are not stupid, so I must assume that you simply did not posses the specialized skills required to perform the job.
 
Yeah..... not the best thing to put on an application that will be reviewed by someone you have never met. Sucks but that's how it is.
 
I would be irritated if I were in your position, too. Remember, though, that one assumes the risk of rejection by including information that the screener, interviewer, or hiring partner may find objectionable. It's a tough situation, but resumes regularly get rejected because of even pettier variables.
 
Haven't you been paying attention to the world lately? That's why we couldn't even get a republican elected president. clinging to our guns and religion is a no-no right now!:rolleyes:
 
<rant>
You know this totally sucks. I agree with the comments about not mentioning potentially inflammatory topics like gun ownership, hunting and so on to win a job. I mean fer chrissakes its your livelihood. You family depends on it. But the idea that we have to hide these things as if they were shameful or inappropriate is infuriating to me.
</rant>
:cuss::banghead::fire:
 
Lightninstrike: "But the idea that we have to hide these things as if they were shameful or inappropriate is infuriating to me."

We do not conceal them because they are shameful. We conceal them because we are a proud and dangerous elite, and revealing ourselves as such exposes us to oppression by the ignorant masses who envy and fear us. As they should. Take my advice: "Stamp collecting."
 
sorry to hear this.next time think of it this way,it's not lying,it's survival...sad but true.pick general middle of the road hobbies.

my father taught me many years ago to always be honest and always tell the truth BUT he specifically stressed that sometimes the truth will get you nowhere and may even cause you problems.this advise has served me well over the years.
 
screw it, it's only money. You stuck to your ideals and answered honestly, that interviewer could go pound sand.

Conversely an answer of N/A is a good answer. Sad but true.
 
Sadly, I see no evidence that the OP would have any cause of action whatsoever for being rejected on the grounds of an interest in firearms.
 
I fully believe my advancement would be negatively affected in my organizations by my interest in firearms. Keep it to myself if possible.

jm
 
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