Whether to tell prospective employees you're a biker?

[Paul the 6th]

If you were putting together a website for your job as a freelancer (event technician) would you bother mentioning in your bio/about me section (below all the work merits & experience) that you're a keen motorcyclist? Or do you reckon this would put potential production companies off if the person responsible for hiring you for work has anti-biker views?

[NTECUK]

Motor cyclist . There them Hells Angle types.
Bite the heads off bats don't they.
Don't want that rif raf working with me
;)

[HoL]

I was thinking about this recently as I'm going to start having to look for another job. Personally I'd say no, don't mention it.

[Small Clanger]

I was thinking about this recently as I'm going to start having to look for another job. Personally I'd say no, don't mention it.

Why not?

[flymo]

Do you tell them that you are a keen car driver?

[Paul the 6th]

I'm thinking along the lines of people who:

- have never ridden and have no interest in it
- if they don't know a biker personally then there's some very strong stereotypes coming into play (hells angels gangs, sports bikers treating the roads like a race track, death and carnage, blood all over the road signs etc.)
- if they know a biker then it could well be someone who may have been injured/killed
- or they may be a biker/know a biker who is a very positive influence in their life..

It's just that there's 3 bullet points going against us, and one very slim chance that it might be the last one which could go in our favor.. Think I'll pull it for now

[Bibio]

i have actually put in a job application under interests... sex, drugs, drinking, motorcycles, rock 'n' roll. i put down those interests because i wasn't really interested in getting the job but when i got an interview it intrigued me what kind of nut would employ such a person. when i turned up at the interview the bloke was a biker :-)

[Paul the 6th]

Do you tell them that you are a keen car driver?

If I went rallying at weekends, racing stock cars or was an enthusiast heading off for weekends with other like minded enthusiasts, I would probably put it in there with mountain biking and heading off travelling, yeah.

Just interesting how there's a kind of 'shame' to be had about being a biker when it comes to things like work.

[HoL]

Why not?

What PT6 said.


I always enjoy it when they have "I enjoy socialising". Getting ****ed then eh?

[NTECUK]

Went for a job and had a very negative reaction from the garage owner as i used my bike to get there .
He fell of his yacht about a year later. Drowned.
Good ridance I thought.

[StewartR]

When was the last time you saw a pub with a 'No Bikers' sign outside? When were you last refused service for being on a bike? For me it was a re-assuringly long time ago so I wouldn't sweat it.

[flymo]

If I went rallying at weekends, racing stock cars or was an enthusiast heading off for weekends with other like minded enthusiasts, I would probably put it in there with mountain biking and heading off travelling, yeah.

Just interesting how there's a kind of 'shame' to be had about being a biker when it comes to things like work.

I dont think its about shame, more about being relevant.

[Paul the 6th]

do you have anything about you/your personal life on your CV?

[TamSV]

If I was employing someone on a temporary, and possibly one-off, basis then I couldn't care less what their hobbies are. I want a job done properly then I probably won't see them again. I don't want a friend that shares my interests.

In fact I don't really want them to have any hobbies at all - there's a danger they might stand around chatting about them.

I want an events technician whose main interest is sorting out my event. If they're good at it then I'll use them again. If it later turns out they're a good lad and like bikes then great.

If their promotional material looks like they've confused their business website with their facebook page then I'm not going to take them seriously. Just tell me how ****ing great you are at being an event technician.

I am quite grumpy though. :)

[HoL]

When was the last time you saw a pub with a 'No Bikers' sign outside? When were you last refused service for being on a bike? For me it was a re-assuringly long time ago so I wouldn't sweat it.

When was the last time you saw a 'Whites only' sign, doesn't mean people aren't racist

[Paul the 6th]

I don't like to brag but I'm a boss when it comes to events. I'm generally based on sound side but have the knowledge to do everything.

The other week there was a camera crew (3 of them) with about £30k of camera's and streaming kit. I had to show one of them how to connect the xlr cable to his hot shoe, how to connect his hot shoe to his camera, and then they couldn't figure out how to get the audio through on their streaming computer. They spent an hour faffing around with it before asking me - I had it sorted within about 4 minutes.

[Paul the 6th]

When was the last time you saw a 'Whites only' sign, doesn't mean people aren't racist

literally laughing my arsse off.

[orose]

It also depends if it's something positive - I've put it on mine, because it ties into the work I do with my local MAG and IAM groups as something different. I probably wouldn't mention it without those skills that have been generated from it though.

[jambo]

I generally put it at the bottom of my CVs, in a small other interests section making sure there are other interests on there. I work in I.T I try to make sure my CV looks like I can be trusted to sort just about anything out, but that I've got interests other than sitting in front of a PC when I get home.

In my opinion that helps you look like someone who might be a bit more multi-dimensional and easier to communicate with. But then, this would depend on the job in question, the image I was making sure I projected, and the company ethos.

I would be very certain not to spend very much of the interview / CV talking about any of my non job related time. But it's a rare company doesn't want to know a bit about you as a person.

I remove all references when trying to con TamSV into hiring me, because I know he's a closet anti-biker. Pretty deep in the closet given all the work he's put into his bike. They're the most dangerous type... ;)

Jambo

[StewartR]

When was the last time you saw a 'Whites only' sign, doesn't mean people aren't racist

It's illegal to discriminate on grounds of colour. It used to happen but the laws have changed and now it's stopped.

It's never been illegal to discriminate against bikers. It used to happen but attitudes have changed and now it's stopped.

Spot the difference?

[HoL]

Spot the difference?

Ahh so one prejudice is illegal & one isn't

[femaleacid]

It could be argued to and from really.. There's car enthusiasts that hate bikes and there's some bike enthusiasts that hate cars.

Don't think it will effect the company or whatever but just say you're generally interested in riding motorbikes :)

[Paul the 6th]

bikers can be foreign too ya know.

[Paul the 6th]

It could be argued to and from really.. There's car enthusiasts that hate bikes and there's some bike enthusiasts that hate cars.

Don't think it will effect the company or whatever but just say you're generally interested in riding motorbikes :)


Blimey you've been quiet today :clown: yeah I'm gonna pull it from the site I think. Might put down that I enjoy juggling knives and would eventually like to swim with dolphins - in my bath.

[femaleacid]

Blimey you've been quiet today :clown: yeah I'm gonna pull it from the site I think. Might put down that I enjoy juggling knives and would eventually like to swim with dolphins - in my bath.

I'm keeping people happy you know how it is ;)

And yes! Do this and it will get tons of people coming in to you.. Also tell them you love to smother vasaline on your body and pretend to be a slug :D

[Paul the 6th]

I'm keeping people happy you know how it is ;)

And yes! Do this and it will get tons of people coming in to you.. Also tell them you love to smother vasaline on your body and pretend to be a slug :D


A slug? No no no no. I've ordered the snail shell costume now. Ignore the haterz. In fact, carry on winding them up.. lol

[femaleacid]

A slug? No no no no. I've ordered the snail shell costume now. Ignore the haterz. In fact, carry on winding them up.. lol

Oh god, don't encourage me! :p
You can stick some plungers on your belly so you can stick to walls as a snail!

[Bibio]

When was the last time you saw a 'Whites only' sign, doesn't mean people aren't racist

when i stayed in Rhodesia 37 years ago

[Eulaca]

I was always under the impression that it was best to avoid putting anything that could be considered dangerous on your CV if you're applying for a large company as injuries = lost money for the company (in sick time)

[timwilky]

My regional director in France rides a blade. My equivalent in Sweden has an intruder 1800. My principle customer rides an GSXR1000. The quality director has a BMW something. Engineering director ride a harly boneshaker. Being a biker can cast you in another light. Those that understand diverse recreation understand you know how to play hard so intrinsicly will work hard. Unless the sun shines then you are going to throw a sicky.

[missyburd]

The last interview I went to, I was the second person to be interviewed, the first person was a lass my age who turned up on her bike, what are the chances. I had decided not to turn up on mine, she got the job :rolleyes: haha. Maybe it's different for women lol.

[Bibio]

yup coz they look good in tight leathers :-)

[missyburd]

yup coz they look good in tight leathers :-)
she was in textiles...but changed into a skirt...I haven't quite got the hang of this interview technique thing have i...there were 2 men on the panel too :D

[Dave20046]

I was always under the impression that it was best to avoid putting anything that could be considered dangerous on your CV if you're applying for a large company as injuries = lost money for the company (in sick time)

Yep, and Paul whatever you do don't mention you have a cervix!


£££ :smt009

[AndyBrad]

tbh i wouldnt mention it. also in a proffesional enviroment its a lot harder to pull it off climbing out of leathers than it is a car.


and just for the record where can i buy one of the "whites only" signs?

[Fallout]

I've always babbled on about my interest in cars and bikes on my CV and have never had any problems from it.

Unless I was absolutely desperate for a job or to find an employee, I would consider it a good filtering process. Do you want to employ or be employed by someone who is prejudiced against bikers? No, you don't. In fact, you want to slap them around the head and then urinate in their cereal (it has to be in that order because generally someone will get the drop on you if they catch you urinating in their cereal).

Go for it dude. Don't worry about what people may think. Those who think ill of you can do one, and those that share the passion will be more encouraged.

[DJ123]

Keep it, it shows a different side to you. Especially in the social sense, for instance: when you go out in the car and park up in a place full of other cars, do you randomly chat to other car drivers, no. When you go somewhere on the bike and park up, if there is another bike(r) there the chances are you'll have a quick chat, or exchange a polite greeting. Bikers are more social, fact.

[Dave20046]

If I pulled up next to an identical car to mine of which made up circa 1% road traffic then yes.
It's more about a niché , like when you're on holiday and chat to other brits (or people from your home town if you're in Greece).


Personally I'd leave it off, more out of having less waffle on there. But I don't think it's a biggie, people don't view bikers as lepers.

[missyburd]

If the company you're applying to are going to make judgments about your hobbies then do you really want to be working for them anyway?

[DJ123]

hobbies are a way of putting across your personality. Why have it samey/boring as per every other Joe Bloggs? I'll be honest, if i had the interview with my current MD, just by mentioning i have a bike would have got me the job. I Probably spend an hour a day chatting to my boss about bikes.

[leebex]

. I Probably spend an hour a day chatting to my boss about bikes.

The authorised doss, chit chat to the boss in works time, and get away with doing bugger all :cool:

[Messie]

It's probably better than telling them you're a part time crayon

[Paul the 6th]

or all the other shenanigans lol

[-Ralph-]

In a hotel night one night when another colleague was asking about biking, and asked if I'd ever come off, so I told him about 2 or 3 of accidents I had. My boss (company director) was with us and responded with

"hmmm, maybe I should have put something in your contract forbidding you to ride your motorbike at certain times".

ie: you're working on xyz, it's critical to the business, no motorbikes for the next three months!

I have also worked for an employer who refused to let me ride a motorbike for business use.

Best leave it off the CV IMO.

[Paul the 6th]

ralph ftw.

[-Ralph-]

ftw

prefers two wheels?

[Paul the 6th]

Ralph for the win. or F8ck the world depending on the vairous memes

[-Ralph-]

LOL

[Paul the 6th]

rolf.

[Dave20046]

hobbies are a way of putting across your personality. Why have it samey/boring as per every other Joe Bloggs? I'll be honest, if i had the interview with my current MD, just by mentioning i have a bike would have got me the job. I Probably spend an hour a day chatting to my boss about bikes.
I think it's down to everyone's individual experience, mine lead me to the conclusion that social health are slightly down the list of priorities than most other things afterall you are there to work - if it gets down to those details you've probably got the job anyway...or more realistically you would judge their social ability at interview level.



In a hotel night one night when another colleague was asking about biking, and asked if I'd ever come off, so I told him about 2 or 3 of accidents I had. My boss (company director) was with us and responded with

"hmmm, maybe I should have put something in your contract forbidding you to ride your motorbike at certain times".

ie: you're working on xyz, it's critical to the business, no motorbikes for the next three months!

I have also worked for an employer who refused to let me ride a motorbike for business use.

Best leave it off the CV IMO.

Had similar conversations. Have had to ring my boss from an ambulance so he's aware accidents happen unfortunately. Fortunately for me he likes a bit of risk and his multi millionaire mates have motorbikes + I'm fairly sensible/honest so not sure I'd be under the spotlight if it interfered with work.

Edit...love posting when the thread's over

[Paul the 6th]

I'm fairly sensible/honest

http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/imgLib/20081010_obama_stunned_look.jpg

[L3nny]

As someone who has had 5 weeks off work in the past 12 months due to motorcycling related injuries I would think twice about employing a biker. I am definitely removing the bit about going on track days from my CV.

Never seen the point in the hobbies and interests part of the CV anyway, do employers really care?

[DJ123]

i think it depends on your job role, if it involves a social aspect-meeting/greeting clients/customers

[Dave20046]

hobbies are a way of putting across your personality. Why have it samey/boring as per every other Joe Bloggs? I'll be honest, if i had the interview with my current MD, just by mentioning i have a bike would have got me the job. I Probably spend an hour a day chatting to my boss about bikes.

http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/imgLib/20081010_obama_stunned_look.jpg
yeah just like him

[Paul the 6th]

that guy can dance yo. Posted in gm pm route thing

[Mikey10]

simply yes mention all your achievement as a biker advanced etc...
its the same for any hobbie like saying your a photographer nothing to do with the job but shows your intrests

[Jayneflakes]

My CV has a listing for employers and I have stated that I am an Extreme Music DJ for a Biker related Internet Radio Station! I think that this shows that I am something other than a drone and at my last job interview, I got through to the last stage based on my being interesting. Sadly, the job did not offer enough hours to make it viable.

However, there are times when I don't mention the biker stuff, especially when I am looking at professional scientific jobs. Turning up for an interview is a bit of a faff for me, but I tend to wear smart trousers under textiles and get changed there and leave my bike gear in the panniers. I have to be honest at that point though, because I do not have a car license and have no other transport, so it does come up eventually.

If you have to mention it, make it a plus point if you can, environmental considerations often go down well, as does not needing a huge area for parking. Having my bike run over by a work mate did cause an issue though, murdering colleagues for breaking my bike was frowned upon! :D

[SoulKiss]

When was the last time you saw a 'Whites only' sign, doesn't mean people aren't racist

He obviously isn't, its not like talks like a white guy :p

I don't like to brag but I'm a boss when it comes to events.

[Paul the 6th]

Bad man ting 'appenin, no one noticed me typo - shoulda read employers, not employees... rarse

[-Ralph-]

Bad man ting 'appenin, no one noticed me typo - shoulda read employers, not employees... rarse

We noticed, just kept quiet. We knew what you meant.

[Owenski]

simply yes mention all your achievement as a biker advanced etc...
its the same for any hobbie like saying your a photographer nothing to do with the job but shows your intrests

I gotta be honest that appears quite a blinkered view, your employer doesn't give a **** about what you do. They just want to know if you do anything which is likely to effect your production rate or attendance percentage.
Leave "I like Raving/Gaming/Late Night anythings/extreme sports/other commitments" off of any CV where the job involves turning up 9-5 and especially if your jobs turns the corner, ie You may start something one day but not finish it for weeks as opposed to these jobs where people turn up and work on one thing or multiple things each day but at the end of the day its over.

In your case Paulo, you're putting in for work without fixed time frames, so put the biking in but ffs dont mention its a "gsxr 750 init" I ride a bike, feel I have a right to make judgements therefore about other riders but I hear the above I just interpret is as "inline 4 sports bike like Rossi init cos it iz well fast"

[AndyBrad]

short answer no.

[metalmonkey]

Sure why not, though people generally talk about my bike casue I have ridden there, I have gone for interviews in my bike kit casue I rode there changing is just a pain in the ass. People just want to know, you can do the job and get there!

Though there is no need to make a big deal about it, people care more about my credit list and skills it becomes more important if they need some that can ride on a project. Besides its on my CV as to what licences I hold, if folk want to know more they just ask.

[punyXpress]

Stick it in, Paul.
The biker ALWAYS gets through. ;)

[Fallout]

Seems to be about 50-50 split opinions mate. In this situation, just listen to me. :D

[phatwheels]

mate, you want a pic of your bike on the first page, and a burnout on a blank sheet for the back cover. sign it with oil. sorted.

[Wideboy]

I have it on mine, having said that my current employer and his pencil pushing bum lickers dislike bikes (its ok, he's a ****, they all are).

I can't ride to work as I'm not allowed to park my bike on company property, I have been told twice to remove it from the premises with the second time being done in an official warning sort of way. When I have been a rebel against the cause I was boxed in.

I'm pretty sure he's just jealous as its faster than his fleet of toff mobils..... god I'd love to punch him

[dizzyblonde]

Imo, when you're a female biker its seen as a plus point. It's always been a positive talking point. If your a bloke perhaps its seen as though you might be a smelly lazy bum biker type. People are weird. Imagination has a lot to answer for.......what would you employ a leather clad female on a bike, or a bloke squeezed into a set of leather chaps with his gut hanging over it?


It shouldn't matter really, but there's nowt as queer as folk!
In my last job the manager interviewing me had already interviewd my ex, so I knew to bring it up as a hobby, as he was heavily into bikes too. As was a lot of the engineering workforce. Pays to do your homework.

[phatwheels]

I have it on mine, having said that my current employer and his pencil pushing bum lickers dislike bikes (its ok, he's a ****, they all are).

I can't ride to work as I'm not allowed to park my bike on company property, I have been told twice to remove it from the premises with the second time being done in an official warning sort of way. When I have been a rebel against the cause I was boxed in.

I'm pretty sure he's just jealous as its faster than his fleet of toff mobils..... god I'd love to punch him

you should organise an sv650.org rideout/meetup... we all start out at your place of work.

[-Ralph-]

I have it on mine, having said that my current employer and his pencil pushing bum lickers dislike bikes (its ok, he's a ****, they all are).

I can't ride to work as I'm not allowed to park my bike on company property, I have been told twice to remove it from the premises with the second time being done in an official warning sort of way. When I have been a rebel against the cause I was boxed in.

I'm pretty sure he's just jealous as its faster than his fleet of toff mobils..... god I'd love to punch him

Is there no public place you can park within full view of the car park? It's legal outside of London to park on the pavement if you need to.

[missyburd]

Imo, when you're a female biker its seen as a plus point. It's always been a positive talking point.


I've noticed this. For some silly reason it seems to be seen as a big achievement for a lass to even contemplate getting on a bike let alone actually controlling one all by herself, supposed to be impressive :rolleyes: When folk find out I have a bike I can see on their faces the surprise, then the usual "Ooh but you don't look the type/big enough to cope" spiel :neutral:

[Viney]

To me there is a difference between a biker and a motorcyclist.

-------
Sent from my Sony Xperia S using Tapatalk2

[-Ralph-]

To me there is a difference between a biker and a motorcyclist

Care to elaborate?

[Wideboy]

Is there no public place you can park within full view of the car park? It's legal outside of London to park on the pavement if you need to.

ah thank you very much :) its currently parked out on the main road (within my sight) but i shall park it on the pavement right out the front of the building and chain it to the lamp post :)

Thanks

[Owenski]

To me there is a difference between a biker and a motorcyclist.


Care to elaborate?

I can only assume his angle but tbh the 2 words do cause different reaction, I gather thats what Viney was refering to. "the varied stigma behind both words".
For me he's 100% correct!
Tell me to visualise:
A motorcylist - I see a beaming old boy stood next to his Norton, then my imagination pans out to see him smiling ear to ear as he bimbles through a country setting.

A Biker - I see an instantly more aggressive person, he's not smiling with pleasure his expression is more one of vengance. Ironically he's not in the country or on his bike instead he's stood arms folded out in front of his garage, the doors open and he's got a few bikes one of which is definitely a gsxr/r1 type.

AND WELCOME TO THE WORKINGS OF MY MIND!!!

[Wideboy]

I can only assume his angle but tbh the 2 words do cause different reaction, I gather thats what Viney was refering to. "the varied stigma behind both words".
For me he's 100% correct!
Tell me to visualise:
A motorcylist - I see a beaming old boy stood next to his Norton, then my imagination pans out to see him smiling ear to ear as he bimbles through a country setting.

A Biker - I see an instantly more aggressive person, he's not smiling with pleasure his expression is more one of vengance. Ironically he's not in the country or on his bike instead he's stood arms folded out in front of his garage, the doors open and he's got a few bikes one of which is definitely a gsxr/r1 type.

AND WELCOME TO THE WORKINGS OF MY MIND!!!

Pass the doobie mate

[missyburd]

I can only assume his angle but tbh the 2 words do cause different reaction, I gather thats what Viney was refering to. "the varied stigma behind both words".
For me he's 100% correct!
Tell me to visualise:
A motorcylist - I see a beaming old boy stood next to his Norton, then my imagination pans out to see him smiling ear to ear as he bimbles through a country setting.

A Biker - I see an instantly more aggressive person, he's not smiling with pleasure his expression is more one of vengance. Ironically he's not in the country or on his bike instead he's stood arms folded out in front of his garage, the doors open and he's got a few bikes one of which is definitely a gsxr/r1 type.

AND WELCOME TO THE WORKINGS OF MY MIND!!!

So what name springs to mind when you think of female bikers eh?

[Owenski]

fapfapfapfapfap

ok so its not a name but drueling with a dumb grin doesnt really make a sound... so all you hear is the above.
and for a visual:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2KGkhqWd-Bs/TxvJjcXKkvI/AAAAAAAABp0/fiFu0H_eQAI/s1600/BMW_S1000RR.jpg

[metalmonkey]

I have it on mine, having said that my current employer and his pencil pushing bum lickers dislike bikes (its ok, he's a ****, they all are).

I can't ride to work as I'm not allowed to park my bike on company property, I have been told twice to remove it from the premises with the second time being done in an official warning sort of way. When I have been a rebel against the cause I was boxed in.

I'm pretty sure he's just jealous as its faster than his fleet of toff mobils..... god I'd love to punch him

If they try to get rid of you becasue you ride a bike, then take their ass to court and sue them its not for them to tell you how to get to work long as you do it on time.

I don't care anyways, I'm going meet clients ect tonight I'm going on the bike can't be arsed with the trains ect it also cost too much money.

[dizzyblonde]

I think it also depends on what your bike looks like, or what it is too.

For example, Peg has a lot of very wealthy clients throwing money in his general direction, and he has always gone on the bike to their houses, be it down south(when he didn't have access to a car) or here.

But then he rides an expensive and very nice looking bike, in expensive gear.

His employers have always bent over backwards to provide secure parking, be it in a nice corner of a compound or in a warehouse. It sits inside where he is at the moment, below the office stairs.

Now if it was covered in gaffer tape, painted with a stick, and generally in poor state, and he turned up looking like he'd been dragged through a hedge backwards, the clients would neither spend their wonga and his employers would no doubt refuse to bend over backwards in his favour.

[Dave20046]

fapfapfapfapfap

ok so its not a name but drueling with a dumb grin doesnt really make a sound... so all you hear is the above.
and for a visual:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2KGkhqWd-Bs/TxvJjcXKkvI/AAAAAAAABp0/fiFu0H_eQAI/s1600/BMW_S1000RR.jpg

I'd employ her!


:smt061
:smt050:smt050:smt050:smt050:smt050:smt050 :toss: :-$ :???: [-X :-$:makelurve:

[widepants]

I'd employ her!


:smt061
:smt050:smt050:smt050:smt050:smt050:smt050 :toss: :-$ :???: [-X :-$:makelurve:
but then it would be frowned upon if you wanted some rumpty tumpty

[DJ123]

not if you wrote it into the job description

[punyXpress]

What's she doing holding the ( silver ) Olympic torch? ;)