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

[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!

[brocco]

i'm sure it has an effect. appearance is not independent of personality.

make a choice then own it . NYU is probably fairly progressive.

[macroy]

Originally Posted by 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!

With all due respect - it matters not what YOU think. Will it dictate the decision? It depends on the person sitting on the other side of the table. Some will be able to overlook it, some won't even notice it, others won't be able to move past it.

I have a buddy who looks like Jason Segel with a beard. No issues getting jobs.

[fishbrains]

Originally Posted by 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!

Have you looked at commercials, magazines, clothing stores and Hollywood? Appearances matter a lot. Don't be naive.

Now, whether a beard will have any impact on a hiring decision is another matter entirely. It might, it might not. They are reasonably fashionable and the hiring manager might be ok with the Williamsburg hipster vibe.

[Boosane]

As hiring is solely dependent on another human being, anything is fair game. Looks, race, gender, height, weight, hair color can all be used to one's advantage/disadvantage imo.

[MPowering1]

It depends on how it looks, but just want to point out that if you decide to shave, don't do it the day of, or your skin may look a little raw.

[ccm123]

Of course, it is taken into consideration along with personality, education, attitude and skills.

[Hemlock140]

We have 1,900 employees I would estimate that 50-60% of the men have a beard. From early 20s to late 60s. (no jokes about the women please).

[Suburban_Guy]

Of course looks matter.

If you have grey hair, wrinkles, bye bye!

[joe from dayton]

I am sure NYU has plenty of employees who facial hair ranges from neatly trimmed to Rasputin like in appearance.