Appearances Count...versus...Right to Idividuality

[Cropduster]

I thought I would raise this as a topic for discussion, as it is a bone of contention in my household.

It is said when meeting people for the first time, and particularly at job interviews, an impression of you is formed in the mind of the person you are meeting within the first thirty seconds.

I have been trying to convey that message to my wife and daughter, both of whom are looking for work, but I am being accused of being a hypocrite as I have always defended a person's right to individuality in the way they dress and express themselves through hair design and piercings / body art.

When I try to tell them that you need to 'look the part' when going for particular jobs in particular lines of work, I am told I am just being 'old school' and that no one cares how you look or style your hair these days, provided you have the skills and personality needed to do the job.

Can I ask your thoughts?

[Neville Briggs]

When you are looking for a job, you are the product that you are trying to sell, so the product has to appeal to the buyer, wouldn't you think.

I have had experience of sitting on recruitment interviews, I used to tell the applicants that we had 50 places and 100 applicants, so their task was to persuade me why they should be one of the 50 accepted and not one of the 50 rejects.
That information seemed to be a puzzle to some ( They went on the reject pile ) .

[Maureen K Clifford]

No one cares I doubt that. The thing is that whilst the interviewer may not care - he/she may have to take into account other criteria.

An example in my own family where the girls are heavily tattooed and now find themselves having to wear long sleeved, high necked shirts even in summer, because the feeling is that their tatts may be offensive to some of the customers that they deal with in their work situation. I also note that the young receptionist of my podiatrist who obviously has piercings as well as tatts also wears a long sleeved outfit and removes the piercings whilst at work doubtless for the same reasons.

So perhaps if one works in a trendy place you can get away with it no matter how outlandish it is but if seeking employment in more conservative establishments then you shoot yourself in the foot by displaying all the ink and other paraphanalia before you even get in the door. Standing on a principle is fine - as is being an individual - but they are not the rules the games are played by .

[Vic Jefferies]

When you are applying of a job you are in fact asking the prospective employer to buy something...you!
If someone can't be bothered to at least try and look their best and thereby indicate that they really care about obtaining the position then why should the employer?
The other thing I think a great many young people (and not so young people) seriously overlook is what they put on their Facebook page. I think if I was going to consider employing someone I would be certainly having a look at what they post. Would have to be a pretty fair indication of what the applicant really believes and thinks.

[Heather]

The opposite can also apply. Someone I know, who was a photographer, was applying for nightshift work in a factory and attending the interviews in a suit - and didn't get the job. He dressed down in jeans and t-shirt and got the job. A friend recently dumbed down her resume (she was an area manager in insurance) when applying for a reception job. I guess it depends on the job and how you sell yourself. I wouldn't go dressed up for a gardening job but I would for an office job. It boils down to how the customers might perceive you I guess and how the management want to project their business and I suppose any employer is going to look more seriously at anyone who has made a bit of an effort with their appearance and dress.

I've learnt, like Allan, that people are people no matter what is in their nose or ears or hair or what they wear or don't wear.

[Cropduster]

People are indeed people, and some of the nicest and kindest people of I have known over recent years have for whatever reason chosen to adorn themselves with ink and piercings.

I met them through my community development work, as colleagues, partners and clients.

It just seems to me that the choice to appear different to what society would consider the 'norm' (whatever that may be) would severely limit the amount of opportunities that may have otherwise been available to them.

Regardless of their ability, I doubt you would ever see a newsreader with tattoos, or a flight attendant with facial piercings.

As Maureen points out, those who (I assume) covered up their tattoos to win a position, are then honour bound to wear clothing that hides the tattoos if they want to continue in their job.

I am all for individuality and lateral thinking, but if the choice places you at a disadvantage in a very competitive society, I wonder about the way in which people sometimes choose to express that individuality.

[Bob Pacey]

You win this one Allan If there is to be a winner.


First impressions will always count no matter what the job is I was in charge of recuitment for a supermarket chain employing all levels from managers butchers deli supervisors fruit and veg as well as general store team Members ( never called them staff ) .


As Heather said sometimes you need to consider the position and dress accordingly.

Cheers Bob