Facial Hair at Interview

VonLuck

I am just wondering what are people's opinions on facial hair when going for an interview?

I generally have a neatly trimmed short beard, and have done so in my past jobs with no complaints, but I am wary that if I don't shave it off completely, interviewers may see it as unprofessional.

Would you recommend shave or no shave?

dpofloinn

I cant see why there would be a problem. If you have a neat tidy beard why would it unprofessional?.Now if you had a scruffy,patchy,bumfluff kind of a growth going on then yes you should probably have a shave but if its a proper well groomed beard there should not be a problem.

Ray Palmer

The general rule of being neat and tidy apply. In theory that should be enough but reality and studies say differently. Many people don't like facial hair nor trust people with facial hair in the western world. You can argue why or if this is right but ultimately it is the way things are.

There is a society issue and work culture impact also. In Ireland facial hair is relatively normal so it is probably a lesser issue. IT companies will be less bothered by it for example but insurance companies are less likely to accept it. If you have a client facing role it may be considered less acceptable etc...

So it does have an impact just that impact is determined by factors of the company and job.
Personally I have a beard and have it a long time and wouldn't shave it for an job. If you aren't that attached to it (more than physically) better to shave it off.

helimachoptor

Ive interviewed plenty of people with facial hair, aslong as its maintained there wouldnt be an issue

Ann Landers

Yeah, neat beards look really well, IMO.

VonLuck

I don't mind shaving because I don't have that much of a beard, but I honestly think I look better with it than without, but that might be just me!

Is it best to shave it off, just in case?

ongarboy

Beards are so mainstream now, particularly among 20 and 30 something guys that it is acceptable as long as it is kept very neat and groomed. I actually interviewed for my current job before xmas and have a beard for the last couple of years and did wonder should I shave it off for the interview but I followed my own advice above. I'm sure the beard wasn't a problem as I got the job anyway!

I would advise that you avoid the thicker trendy beards currently sported by the likes of Gordon D'arcy or Paul Galvin however (at least until you get the job!).

Ann Landers

Ray Palmer wrote: »

Many people don't like facial hair nor trust people with facial hair in the western world.

I would have thought having a neat beard would signify maturity and authority.

pauliebdub

it depends on the industry you are being interviewed for, research the company carefully, if its formal and conservative as some some banks and insurance companies are, then i would suggest shaving if off.

I could also argue would I want to work for an organisation or people who judge others on the basis of appearance and having a beard?

Eoin

pauliebdub wrote: »

I could also argue would I want to work for an organisation or people who judge others on the basis of appearance and having a beard?

Ah, this gets thrown out when people talk about whether they want to work for a place that judges you for not wearing a suit to the interview.

I don't think it's about what you look like day-to-day, it's more often about the effort you've made for the interview itself. I think that everyone will form an initial impression about someone based on their appearance, whether we admit it or not. If you've a neat beard, then go ahead - but if it's "designer stubble", just play it safe and shave.

Of course, there are places where you would have to be clean shaven and wear a suit everyday - and yeah, that's probably not somewhere I would want to work either.

Ann Landers

Eoin wrote: »

Ah, this gets thrown out when people talk about whether they want to work for a place that judges you for not wearing a suit to the interview.

I don't think it's about what you look like day-to-day, it's more often about the effort you've made for the interview itself.

But when did having a beard become a sign of not making an effort? After all, it takes effort to make them look neat. There such a difference between not wearing a suit and not getting rid of your beard for an interview.

I genuinely think it's so weird that a secondary male sex characteristic has fallen so out of favour as to be seen as unkempt. But maybe I'm biased as I love beards.

Eoin

Sorry, that was in reference to people moaning about being judged for not wearing a suit. You stopped quoting me at the part where I said I see no problem with a neat beard!

Ray Palmer

Ann Landers wrote: »

I would have thought having a neat beard would signify maturity and authority.

I don't disagree with you but the problem is not what you or I think but the majority and to certain extent the conservative. A bad guy in a movie will tend to have beard. It is a lazy stereotype but it is there and it is the person interviewing you that is the problem. Lots more people dislike beards than like them and that is all you need to know.

It is about knowing your market nothing more.

LuckyLloyd

My opinion would be to interview with it. If they don't hire you because you had some well maintained facial hair you can probably assume that it isn't going to be a company you are comfortable working in long term.

Michael D Not Higgins

I've never had a problem with my own beard at interviews. As mentioned before though, some places might expect more clean shaven appearance than others. I've worked in factory floor/workshop type jobs, one casual office atmosphere where everyone wears jeans and one office where suited and booted is expected everyday. None have had issues with beards.

For myself, my beard makes me appear a bit older and gives a bit more gravitas to my work, especially with clients. One client remarked recently that he thought I was much older due to my experience, but I'm sure the beard was a factor in that.

Maphisto

Hi VonLuck just my €0.02

1) I was told that airlines specifically were very anti facial hair - that was a good few years ago though it was in the jet age. Anyway I shaved it off and didn't get the job.

2) If you feel better with it, if you think you look better with it, I'd keep it. You will probably do a better interview with it. If you decide to shave it off, do it well before the interview.

Good Luck

petronius

I think if an employer judges you on a beard then they are some superficial fools
I have gone to an interview with a Moustache (i was growing it for movember! a few years back and it was near the end)
but i had to explain it was for charity since i feared it appeared unkempt
anyways i did get job

Grumpy Greg

I had to grow a goatee when i got folliculitis and couldn't shave that part of my face. No probs at work but my Ma went ape****.