Women are underrepresented in numerous professions, but especially in (STEM) science, technology, engineering, and math. Women are discouraged from pursuing STEM occupations even though they routinely outperform men on tests in these fields.
Another industry where women are disproportionately underrepresented is in blue-collar, working-class jobs.
Women are underrepresented in blue-collar jobs by up to 80%.
Simply said, these positions can pay significantly more than other traditional jobs held by women and frequently include benefits. It’s time to find creative approaches to allowing women to work in blue-collar positions so, at the very least, they can benefit from the financial and health advantages.
What Sorts of Work Are Blue Collar Positions?
An occupational classification that distinguishes manual labour from managerial roles is known as “blue-collar” (white-collar). White-collar employees typically wore white clothing, while blue-collar employees who worked in trade occupations typically wore darker colours like blue.
Blue collar jobs are those requiring manual labour and skilled trades, according to the Department of Labor. By definition, blue-collar employees are employed in both the public and private sectors and engage in physical labour or specialised trades for an hourly rate instead of a salary. Blue-collar jobs include truck drivers, welders, plumbers, and construction workers. Although salaries vary, some jobs may offer higher compensation than their equivalents in the white-collar sector.
Why Do Women Make Up Less of the Population?
Women are underrepresented in blue-collar occupations. especially in professions that pay well in the blue-collar sector. Why is that?
We cannot deny that the baby boomer generation’s legacy of sexism has contributed to an increase in female employment in other fields.
In the past, men held “blue-collar employment,” while women worked in “pink-collar jobs.”
Pink-collar jobs include those held by teachers, retail employees, secretaries, and nannies, to name a few. The majority of the duties in these positions centre on looking after and managing people.
When women initially begin a blue-collar profession, they frequently work with a group of guys. Laddish culture and macho values are associated with blue-collar occupations.
Women frequently experience challenges with sexual harassment and loneliness, and mentorship possibilities are few. Many female employees choose not to work in the industry, alter their appearance to be more masculine, or leave the company completely.
Interview advise for blue-collar jobs
Congratulations! You’ve been invited to an interview. The difficult step is now to succeed in the interview. The tips in the section below can help you impress potential employers.
Research
Learn everything there is to know about your industry before the interview. You should conduct some preliminary research on the business and the position to prepare for the interview. This can assist you in getting ready for the kinds of questions you might be asked.
Visit the company’s website to learn more about its objectives, targets, and guiding principles. Additionally, consider how the job description corresponds to your skill set and work history.
Resume
The interviewers will be curious to learn more about your background, education, and experience. If you want to stand out from the other applicants, a well-written CV is crucial.
If you simply have a high school diploma, you shouldn’t worry. Many blue-collar jobs favour hard workers and moral individuals over those with advanced degrees.
When responding to questions, make a direct link between your abilities and the position you’re looking for. Describe in detail how you have utilised these abilities in the past and how they will benefit the business moving forward.
Being genuine
Throughout the interview, it’s crucial to be sincere. Employers, like the majority of people, favour applicants who are sincere and truthful. If you’re unclear about how to answer a particular question, don’t be concerned. Let the cards fall as they may and respond honestly.
Physical Expression
During an interview, body language is crucial. When you first meet someone, smile widely, take their hand firmly, and look them in the eyes. Keep your arms at your sides and your back straight when you sit down. Slouching and crossing one’s arms convey a bored or defensive attitude.
Dress formally
If you’re interviewing for high-level employment or an administrative post, a suit is a smart choice. However, if the job does not require any special attire, a more laid-back appearance can be fine. In all cases, you must wear buttoned clothing and clean shoes.
Questions
Both parties participate in an interview. A candidate who asks questions at the conclusion of an interview shows interest in the position and cares for details. Additionally, it demonstrates that you did your homework. Prepare three or four questions in preparation in case the interviewer responds to one from earlier in the conversation.
Getting better through practice
Depending on the role, the format and content of the interview questions will change, but preparation is crucial before the actual interview. Get to work after doing some research on typical interview questions for the position you’re looking for. You’ll be amazed at how far you can go with just an hour of practice.
The Formula for Career Success
- Positive outlook
Self-doubt and worry are two of the significant barriers that women face while seeking to enter the blue-collar industry. Many women do not take into account these occupations while making career plans or looking for work because they have historically been filled by men.
But it’s crucial to avoid being a coward and letting societal norms limit your career prospects. Do whatever you want to do. Even if they might not hold the majority of blue-collar employment, women are not less capable of excelling or lacking the requisite abilities.
- Look for a mentor
Finding a mentor to guide you is one of the best methods for success. More informative than any training or lectures you could possibly attend will be finding an experienced mentor.
- Improve your abilities
Even if you land a job in a blue-collar industry, take advantage of every chance to keep developing your skills and talents. Unfortunately, many people will assume that you are less capable than your male classmates owing to gender bias.
Going above and above to improve your skills will help you establish yourself as an equally skilled worker, despite the fact that it may feel unfair.
If you are looking for a job in this industry, check here. We wish you success as you seek a career in the blue-collar industry!
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