Saturday, June 13, 2009

Diversity Status?

As I apply for jobs, I wonder more and more if I should check that little box that says Diversity Status. I can't tell if it is good or bad to acknowledge the fact that I am Asian American and Female. Not that I am ashamed of who I am but some days I find myself choosing the Prefer Not To Indicate option. While many companies are trying to diversify their workforce, it can be an advantage to be a candidate for diversity so why shouldn't I check the box? It is already so hard to find a job these days, I should do everything I can to make myself stand out... right? Part of me feels like I don't want to stand out in this way. Part of me feels that you are already being judged by the resume you submit anyway. I don't want to think that I got a job over someone else because of my ethnicity and sex. I'd like to think that I was chosen because I was the best qualified candidate for the job. Is this not right?

What do you think... and what do you do?