Job Interview - Beard or No?

pitviper

What's the consensus on showing up bearded to a job interview these days? I'm talking well manicured vintage beard, not hipster fuzz or chin strap crap lol On one hand Id hate to not get a job because of something like that, but on the other, I really don't want to work for an oppressive company either.

TeKniques

Based on what you said you're doing I don't think there is a problem. Good luck in your interview!

LeBroke

Are you a sysadmin?

Yes -> Grow a beard.

No -> Don't grow a beard.


Do you care about conforming to stereotypes?

Yes -> See flowchart above

No -> Do what you want with your facial hair.

NavyMooseCCNA

I have had a beard since I got my discharge and I won't shave it for anyone...including my wife. If a company doesn't like me having a trimmed beard, that is their problem and I will not work for a company like that.

Mitechniq

Two thoughts:

If you know who you are interviewing with, check to see if they have beards on any of their social media profiles.

You want to be hired by a company that accepts your style and personality. If you try to be someone you are not and get hired, you might regret it when you notice you and the companies culture doesn't match.

EANx

Treat a beard like you would hair; doesn't matter if it's daily manicured with a template or a twice-a-week trim, keep it neat. I would suggest shaving your neck a bit though if you don't already do so. "Neck beard" is the sloppiest looking part of having a beard.

636-555-3226

No beard if it makes you look too old. Yes, discrimination's illegal, but only if you get caught.

No shave if it makes you look too young. Yes beard if it makes you look mature & confident.

TechGuru80

The company has to be really really white collar for it to matter as long as we aren’t talking Gandolf beard.

PocketLumberjack

As someone who as had a beard since age 15, if I don't get hired because of my beard I don't want to work there.

PC509

If it's grown out past that mangy stage, keep it.

It's who you are, beards aren't a bad thing. If it's a scraggly gross catch all beard (half a burrito in there), then shave it all off. If it's nicely maintained and taken care of, then leave it.

If you don't get the job because you have a beard, it's going to be a very stuck up place to work. Not a good environment to work in (for me, anyway). You're interviewing the company, as well. If they don't like a good beard, do you want to work there? If you REALLY need the job, I'd visit around quitting time and look at the other employees - how many have beards. That will tell you whether or not to keep it.

UnixGuy

If it's well groomed then I don't see a need to shave it for an interview.

asiru77

you have to work through your knowledge and experience , beard does not have to do any thing with both these things

scaredoftests

keep the beard, but make sure there isn't any mold going on or it smells funny. Good luck.

pitviper

hehe, thanks guys. I have a job so just kicking tires looking for something more engaging ATM. Keeping the beard - I think it was just a ploy by my wife to get me to shave lol

The discrimination point is a valid one - I'm not up there yet but I can definitely see that being an issue for some.

shochan

pitviper wrote: »

hehe, thanks guys. I have a job so just kicking tires looking for something more engaging ATM. Keeping the beard - I think it was just a ploy by my wife to get me to shave lol

The discrimination point is a valid one - I'm not up there yet but I can definitely see that being an issue for some.

I'm sure a beard like Peter is just fine!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57q4Gt1t3Mk