I don't want to sound racist...

[woebegone]

Hey everyone. I just posted another thread earlier today about the job interview I have tomorrow. I have another question. In my interview we will be discussing where I want to be placed for my job. I live in a fairly large city with lots of locations. Preferably I would like to be placed in the suburb of the city, which I like and would be convenient, but if that isn't available, how can I convey that I don't want to be placed in a bad area of town without sounding racist or high on my horse or rude...? There have been holdups and robberies lately in some parts of town, but I'm afraid bringing this up may be in poor taste. But I'm genuinely concerned about it, and so are my parents.

 

Thank you in advance!

[Seraphim]

All you have to do is mention crime. There is no need to bring race into anything. Race has nothing to do with crime.......it is a poverty issue not a race issue when crime is the concern.

[aurevoir]

Where did this have ANYTHING to do with being racist lol..?

[nutbrownhare]

If you're discussing where you WANT to be placed for your job, focus on this. Be positive about why you would choose the locations you'd prefer.

 

You don't have to make a big issue of, or give reasons for your reluctance about the places you don't want to be. Chances are that the interviewer will be well aware of a high crime rate in certain areas, but there's no need to bring this up at all. If you are pushed into a position where you really are obliged to give reasons why you wouldn't want to be placed in a particular area - tell them that the crime figures make you feel anxious. Period.

[nutbrownhare]

All you have to do is mention crime. There is no need to bring race into anything. Race has nothing to do with crime.......it is a poverty issue not a race issue when crime is the concern.

Absolutely!

[woebegone]

The area where I live definitely has some racial tension (hint...a confederate flag flies in front of our capitol building). And the "bad" parts of town I am referring to are predominantly black. I don't want to sound racist saying I don't want to work in these parts of town. But I am genuinely concerned about crime and my safety. I have a couple classmates working in these stores and have been robbed.

[nutbrownhare]

The area where I live definitely has some racial tension (hint...a confederate flag flies in front of our capitol building). And the "bad" parts of town I am referring to are predominantly black. I don't want to sound racist saying I don't want to work in these parts of town. But I am genuinely concerned about crime and my safety. I have a couple classmates working in these stores and have been robbed.

So talk about the crime, if indeed it comes up! I'm assuming that if you were robbed or attacked, the ethnic origins of your attacker would be an irrelevance!

[Seraphim]

The area where I live definitely has some racial tension (hint...a confederate flag flies in front of our capitol building). And the "bad" parts of town I am referring to are predominantly black. I don't want to sound racist saying I don't want to work in these parts of town. But I am genuinely concerned about crime and my safety. I have a couple classmates working in these stores and have been robbed.

 

Then you talk about the crime rate, people do not commit crimes because they are a certain ethnicity.

[woebegone]

Well obviously! I'm just saying it may be inferred that way, that's all. But I'm probably overthinking it as I do most things.

[Seraphim]

Just say your personal safety concerns you because of the crime rate.

[woebegone]

Alright, thank you.

[catfeeder]

Discuss your desired location and don't discuss the locations you don't want--at all. Get the offer first, then negotiate.

[G-Snap]

All you have to do is mention crime. There is no need to bring race into anything. Race has nothing to do with crime.......it is a poverty issue not a race issue when crime is the concern.

 

Can't think of a better suggestion than this because in this manner you focus on facts; not conjecture, paradigms or stereotypes.

[catfeeder]

You don't know the neighborhood from which your interviewer lives or was raised or has political or emotional ties. Don't discuss this subject AT ALL beyond your first preference as asked, or you'll risk coming off as high maintenance and unpolished in closing a business deal. Get the offer FIRST, then you're positioned to deal with your societal concerns. Raising those up front is like telling an interviewer when you'll expect your first promotion already. It's inappropriate.

[orchidrose]

You don't know the neighborhood from which your interviewer lives or was raised or has political or emotional ties. Don't discuss this subject AT ALL beyond your first preference as asked, or you'll risk coming off as high maintenance and unpolished in closing a business deal. Get the offer FIRST, then you're positioned to deal with your societal concerns. Raising those up front is like telling an interviewer when you'll expect your first promotion already. It's inappropriate.

 

Agreed. I understand your desire to be placed in a certain area, but you're not yet in the position to request such a thing.

 

I'll also add a general rule for your interview, which ties to this: never, ever discuss ANYTHING negative or in a negative manner. That means talk about the places you would want to be placed, as opposed to those where you don't.

[confused25]

I probably wouldn't even mention anything about the crime rate. If they ask you what your preferences are in terms of location, you just need to tell them the locations you prefer. Most of the times they won't ask you why anyway.

[G-Snap]

Is the location of this job even debateable (did they tell you part of your interview discussions was location)?? Most jobs are in a certain region/office or locale and they don't change it, even if they have offices in other areas.

 

I agree with others who say this is premature to ask right now. I was thinking you had already gotten an offer when I responded the first time.

 

Now if they ask you which location you prefer, you can tell them and there is no need to give any reason. Just state the location and be done with it. No need to go into an explanation.