The Exclusionary Potential of “Professionalism” in Hiring Situations

Using data from 88 students, 20 advisers, and 24 hirers, this article examines the rhetorical persona of the “Professional” in résumés and cover letters. Participants often explained professionalism by its inverse: items, formats, and language that are labeled “unprofessional.” Their discussions suggest that professionalism can be a problematic requirement for applicants with work history or formats associated with feminized sexuality, or for applicants whose names trigger biases about White English Vernacular.