Does appearance dictate whether someone will hire you?? (interview, employer, job)

[Jamal.wall]

Good afternoon,

I was just wondering does anybody feel that they did not get hired because of how they look? I have an interview coming up at NYU on Friday and I was wondering whether I should shave my beard or not. It is about half an inch in length and I have to comb it for it to look neat.. lol I know this sounds kind of ridiculous but I actually enjoy the look. In all honesty I think as long as an individual looks presentable and is what the employer is looking for their appearance should not matter as much. Obviously, we have the discrimination laws and what not but I do think their is a possibility with my beard I might get looked at in a negative way. Interested in hearing any thoughts or advice. Thanks!

[CNYC]

Shave the beard. Beards are absolutely gross even though supposedly in vogue. I can't eat out when I see someone with a beard next to me eating.

I think women would agree.....now a 5 o'clock shadow ? That's Miami Vice...totally cool.

[luv4horses]

If you can, find out how others in the same company doing a reasonably similar or higher level job are groomed and attired. If everyone is clean shaven, that is your answer. One issue though is that a newly shaven face might look a little pale. So keep that in mind too. Removing the beard that very morning might look a little unhealthy.

[dannik508]

The fact that your asking means you know the answer.

[RecentlyMoved]

shave - esp if its a corporate job.

good luck

[citylove101]

Nobody will decline to hire you IMO if you come in with neat, short, well-trimmed beard. That looks professional. Go to a barber to make sure it looks that way, and then quit worrying about it. The only problem would then be if your interviewer is a total moron --in which case you don't want the job -- or if you appear on TV, where beards can be problematic. And if you get the job, make sure you KEEP the beard well-trimmed.

[silverbullnyc]

You will always be judged by your appearance in almost every aspect of life.

[Aeran]

Originally Posted by silverbullnyc

You will always be judged by your appearance in almost every aspect of life.

I agree. Unfair but true. Appearance alone may not get you the job but it can definitely prevent you from getting the job (or anything else for that matter). It's the first filter. Superficial as it is.

[rarog]

Shave. If you get the job and there are people around sporting beards, feel free to grow it out, as long as you can avoid an awkward stage.

[sonyab523]

I would say either shave it or trim it down so it's very low. Then feel free to grow it back once you've been hired.