Keith Fulton ⋅ South Orange, NJ ⋅ 24 years experience

It depends on the position you're applying for, and the culture of the company you are applying at. A C-level executive is one standard and a web designer in a startup is another. Dressing to show respect for the job means overdressing slightly but it's all relative to the situation. Regarding facial hair, if you want to have a beard in the job if you get it, don't shave it off for the interview with the plan to regrow it later. Just have it, own it, and don't comment on it at all. Shouldn't be an issue, but if it is, you may not want to work there anyway. If you don't have a beard, you should be recently clean-shaven for the interview as part of the showing respect aspect.

Timothy Ruiz ⋅ New Port Richey, FL Ringfeder Power Transmission ⋅ 17 years experience

Mr. Roberts,

I have not read the other posts, but likely the majority of the advise would lean towards a more "business" dress code, vs a casual dress code. In other words, it is better to be over-dressed than to be under-dressed.

For most all my interviews, I have dressed suit and tie. But this is also due to the types of positions that I am interviewing for. On a rare occasion, I have been advised directly by the interviewer or recruiter, that the dress code is business casual (no jacket or tie required), and in that case I am sure to wear a sports coat (blazer).

Regarding facial hair, this is the first time I have interviewed with a beard. It seems to me that currently, a well trimmed and short haired beard is professionally acceptable .. just watch the ESPN reporting hosts, for example). Must be OK, because I did land the job. Prior to this, I have always worn a goatee, and have always secured positions. I would say it's about neatness, keeping it trim, looking professional.

At the end of it all though Mr. Roberts, it is your professional character that should win them over! Be WHO you are, and that is the strongest presentation of yourself that you could put forward.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts and experience!

Helen Wilson ⋅ Dallas, TX CoreLogic ⋅ 25 years experience

Scott,

I've worked in Human Resources for many years, currently at the Executive level, across multiple industries - financial services, insurance, data, pharma, etc . . . As long as your facial hair is neat and well-groomed - and your overall appearance is professional, there is no issue with facial hair. In my opinion, that is an outdated stereotype.

Day to day I work with everyone from mid-level managers to executives across multiple domains - operations, marketing, finance, technology, legal, etc . . . some have facial hair, some don't. However, I've not noted anyone to have a bias against facial hair.

From my experience, the interviewers are focused on the skills & abilities of the individual, understanding their experience, their attitude (positive or negative), ability to team, level of ego, as well as, overall cultural fit for the organization. Candidates are assessed for their ability to present their qualifications, and the professionalism demonstrated in their overall appearance.

I hope this is helpful to you in your search.

Regards,

Helen

Richter Yeske ⋅ New York, NY Jefferies ⋅ 11 years experience

Beards are becoming a bit more common in places where they were once taboo (like finance), but they should be neatly kept.

David Moore ⋅ Spokane, WA Realtime Associates ⋅ 35 years experience

Go to the company and pick up a copy of their Annual Report. Look at the picture of the President/CEO and note how he/she is dressed. No guarantees but a dark business suit, white or light blue dress shirt and a conservative tie is a good bet. BTW, there's no such thing as a "short sleeve dress shirt." Be clean shaven. If you wear a beard or mustache, neat and trimmed. Never have the scuzzy unshaved look that's currently popular. Good luck

Jim Davis ⋅ Tallahassee, FL Michael Baker International ⋅ 20 years experience

Look the part, neat beards are fine, be conservative in your dress. Drop the high and tight, if you have one, I want to see someone who is making the transition out of the military. My best advice is look at the person who is going to do your interview. You are probably in your 40"s and I would suspect you will be interviewing with someone older than you. Our society may say tattoos are ok but most of us senior managers especially in professional firms still don't fully accept them. I want to see someone who dresses like me. That is the bottom-line. Now I agree with others, we want to hire the best people so if you are the best your dress is less important but it can be a discriminator. Good luck

Lyle Jeansonne ⋅ Bossier City, LA Citizens National Bank ⋅ 33 years experience

Major,
I think it is fine as long as it is neat in appearance. I am in banking at the Executive level and I have facial hair. I grew this as I became more and more bald on the top. I haven't had any problems.
I would think only the most rigid and old fashioned organizations would have an issue.
Best wishes,
Lyle Jeansonne

Jim Obenshain ⋅ Blanchard, OK General Electric ⋅ 11 years experience

I grew a beard when I left the USAF in 1999 and have not shaved it since. During the time in between I have worked for 5 different companies, it has never been an issue. However, as you may already know there are situations where it may be, for instance in the Oil & Gas industry if you are in a position requiring ability to wear a respirator.
As far as attire, I struggled with this when leaving the military, you never have to "really' decide what to wear then. So initially I went straight for the suit and tie. I have since worked overseas some and decided a tie and sport coat can also work well. I have also been a hiring manager and try not to let someone appearance affect my opinion of them, but your first impression can last a long time, recommend making it the best you can.

Steve Smith ⋅ Cedar Park, TX U.S. Army, Sergeant ⋅ 10 years served

Thank you for your service!

I agree that you need to know what the business culture accepts. In addition, if you can, grab a cup of coffee and hang around the entrance of the company - see how peope are dressed and if anyone has facial hair, and how it is maintained. Do some web searches and get some intel on their leadership. Good luck!

Bob Potterton ⋅ Oakton, VA Monday Properties (Commercial real estate owner manager, operator) ⋅ 30 years experience

Good question ! In general, It all depends on the position and industry you are interviewing for. Dress the role, know the industry and what it is you would be doing. Above all- no matter what the role, wear clothing that is clean, un-tattered and in style. Be well groomed. First impressions begin visually and are exceptionally powerful.
Good luck, Bob

Nicole Wahlen ⋅ Milwaukee, WI DRS Technologies ⋅ 20 years experience

As a HR/Recruiting professional, I always advise to dress for an interview. It makes a great first impression. Suit and tie if you can - if not, at least a shirt and tie.

With facial hair, I agree with the majority here. If it is clean and well trimmed it is fine. The only exception is if a company has a policy of no facial hair. Then you would have to decide if your beard or mustache is something you can sacrifice. Best of luck in your job search.

G. Rino Fazio ⋅ Arlington, VA U.S. Department of State ⋅ 15 years experience

Fellow Major -

If it was me, I would not have facial hair while I am interviewing. I would recommend adding the beard/mustache/goatee after you get hired.

I would also have a nice clean conservative dark suit, crisp clean white shirt, non-flashy tie, and conservative shoes. Once you get hired, you can look around and see what everyone else is wearing.

I'd also take it to the extreme and would get whiting strips and ensure all my all nose/ear hair is trimmed before the interview. Also, it's time to ditch the high-and-tight.

If you want to climb the ranks, appearance does matter most of the time. Just go the company website and look at the pictures of their executives.

But more importantly, be courteous, confident, and articulate in your responses.

Also, check out this article:
http://info.theladders.com/career-advice/what-to-wear-to-a-job-interview

Good luck!

- Rino

terry pernell ⋅ Chicago, IL U.S. Navy, Seaman ⋅ 4 years served

Major,

They aren't really concerned about your facial hair initially, it's what you have to offer that's more important and you have ALOT to offer!! Furthermore, they will let you know if they have a problem. In my opinion, I suggest you do what makes you feel the most comfortable because you can always adjust your comfort level according to the firm you're applying for.
Do what makes you feel comfortable Major. You earned that!!!

Best of Luck to you!

Jeff Shoemaker ⋅ Lake In The Hills, IL Colorado Technical University ⋅ 20 years experience

Scott,
Always play it safe. You also take a coat off but if you don't have one with you it's tough to put one on. Dress like you are going to the bank for a business loan. You want to be remembered for your qualifications and not the guy wearing a pink tie.

John Patram ⋅ North Olmsted, OH Moen inc. ⋅ 20 years experience

In my opinion even in this day and age, it is most appropriate to dress smartly with a white shirt, spit shined black shoes and matching suit.

First impressions are lasting impressions.

Roberta Hernandez ⋅ San Francisco, CA Zynga, Inc. ⋅ 20 years experience

You need to know the culture that you are walking into. Facial hair, dress code, etc. I have worked in environments that had a very strict dress code to very casual. When I interviewed at the casual companies, I dressed business casual and I was still over dressed. I would at minimum maintain business casual. For facial hair, again, I would do some research and contact others who are currently working for the company. LinkedIn is a great resource to connect to current and past employees.

Bill Felice ⋅ Springfield, PA SWCA Environmental Consultants ⋅ 25 years experience

Hi Scott, great question and I am enjoying the varied responses. I've changed jobs several times in the past few years and based on my experience I concur with those whose guidance is to be sure your mustache, beard, etc., is clean and well groomed. Facial hear is very prevalant in most work places, much more so than 20 years ago. If it "looks good" on you and you feel comfortable and yourself with it, go for it, no worries in my opinion.

Omar Sultan ⋅ Elk Grove, CA Cisco ⋅ 25 years experience

It really depends on the industry and the culture--as someone noted, spend some time on the company's web site, look at their marketing and annual reports to see what kind of image they want to portray. In my neck of the woods, in Silicon Valley, a beard is not a problem, but a suit might actually be deal killer--better off in jeans, collared shirt and maybe a jacket.

Good luck and thank you for your service.

Maura Halligan ⋅ Lindenhurst, NY Agentive ⋅ 28 years experience

Keith Fulton's answer was exactly what I would say.

Joe Floyd ⋅ Norfolk, VA U.S. Air Force, Senior Airman ⋅ 4 years served

I have learned over the years as a consultant/business owner that you never try to dress up for an interview. Be natural in your dress. Black shoes are always in style, tassels if you prefer. Always wear a dark suit and very conservative tie, for an interview, not RED as this is a power tie. Wear a medium blue tie with a dark blue suit and white shirt, no short sleeves. You should try to visit the operation prior to the interview and perhaps talk with someone who can give you some information of value. You never want to dress better than the a person you are going to meet. Facial hair, well you have to determine that yourself.

Regards,

Joe

George Oestreich ⋅ Fort Lauderdale, FL First Service Residential ⋅ 40 years experience

I have responded to this question but had something else to consider. Not knowing the profession or position you are seeking I can only offer what seems to work----dress for the position----e.g. wearing a suit for an engineer's position maybe too much but for a chief engineer's position a sport coat and open collared dress shirt could be best. Having a neat appearance always works.

Gregg Thompson ⋅ Louisville, KY UPS ⋅ 32 years experience

You have received very good advice thus far. Unfortunately my company does not allow beards well groomed or not for employees. If you are targeting such a company I would shave! Best of Luck!

Judy Tomlinson ⋅ Richardson, TX Energy Future Holdings ⋅ 30 years experience

Always dress your best. A suit or formal attire is always the way to go. If you don't have a suit, a nice jacket will work. Dressing up for an interview shows respect. As far as facial hair, if possible, find out what the "norm" is for that business. More businesses are allowing facial hair, but if you want the job and are in doubt, shave and grow the beard back when you are comfortable in the job.

At then end of every interview the interviewer typically asks if you have any questions...if you want the job, your response should be...."When do I start?"

Aitbek Amatov ⋅ Athens, GA ⋅ 5 years experience

Major Roberts,

It is a personal preference to have facial hair, it should not be long though.
Google Ben Bernanke and that person's facial hair should serve as an example, he is a public figure.

Sincerely,
Bek

Peter Carruth ⋅ Sacramento, CA Strato Communications, Inc - Former USAF ⋅ 15 years experience

Being in the corp world (Professionally in Construction and Tech) and a business owner, when in doubt: Suit / Tie, not heavy or none at all on Cologne; clean breath, well groomed (clean beard should not matter). Not recommended smelling as if one just had a cigarette coming into interview.

Rance Pullin ⋅ Lakeside, AZ Navajo County Accommodation School Dist ⋅ 40 years experience

Hi Major, First of all I want to thank you for your service. Secondly, I am a former school principal of almost 40 years and have retired somewhat but not completely. I have had many opportunities of interviewing and would say that first impressions are so important and I would be sure that in preparation for an interview to be well groomed and in a suit and tie. I would probably over dress somewhat but that's ok. My suit would be the color of blue. Make sure that you coordinate colors that match the shirt and suit and tie. I would also say NO facial hair for the interview. If possible research the company and community and find out what others in the firm are wearing to work. When you get the job you can become familiar with the dress standards and follow suit!!!! Dress for success at the interview! I do think that well groomed and trimmed facial hair has its place in a company but do not take a chance...there might not be a second one. Rance

Scott Roberts ⋅ Mims, FL U.S. Air Force, Major ⋅ 21 years served

For all who took the time to place your considerations on AdvisorNet, thank you for your inputs. A friend of mine (recently retired) was chatting with me on this topic; spurning my question out to the community. I am not big on goatees, beards, mustaches; but wanted to ask the question to see how the professional community looks at the topic.

I know it is a person decision on how to groom and appear, but ditching anything that is a distractor is where I approached my conversation with him. Personally, I don't have a problem with someone that can pull off a conservative beard, mustache, etc... but didn't know how the community evaluated the consideration. Appreciate the inputs.

I know that I need to ditch the "high and tight" and learn how to match up suit clothes; which is harder than it sounded to train my hair and find something to dress for occasions. So much easier with my ABUs and Blues. I am learning though

Again thanks for all the inputs. I think the topic may help many others with, though small, a considerate review of opinions on the topic.

DAVID PARR ⋅ Roanoke, VA Medical Recovery Services ⋅ 15 years experience

There are two schools of thought here. 1. Go as you would like to go to work every day. 2. Always overdress and lose facial hair. I think that the latter is better, because one can always dress down later, but the first impression has to be made properly at the start.

Aleta Anderson ⋅ Silver Spring, MD All Media Linked ⋅ 20 years experience

Hmm.. Depends on the industry. Grooming is key. If you have facial hair be sure it is neat and trim. It doesn't hurt to check out the facilities in advance to find out what the trend is among existing employees.

Joseph Sullivan ⋅ West Hollywood, CA City National Bank ⋅ 20 years experience

Generally well manicured facial hair is acceptable. I would consider what you are applying for and the culture of the company. In work for a conservative organization and would advise against any facial hair. As a manager of managers and one who interviews people from entry level to management I prefer not to see facial hair. So, my advice? Eliminate the question by eliminating the hair.

Mark Levine ⋅ Southeastern, PA Cerner Corporation ⋅ 47 years experience

You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Many companies have relaxed dress code standards, particularly in certain areas like technology. Business casual is often the standard in many companies, but the definition of business casual is open to a wide range of judgment. On job interviews it is always advisable for men to wear a suit and a tie. Clean shaven is also the standard as well as neatly groomed hair and nails. You are trying to give the company an impression of who you are, and this standard will help them see that you have good judgment and that they can have confidence in you to do whatever job you are applying for.

STEVE SWENERTON ⋅ Boulder, CO SWENERTON CONSULTING, INC ⋅ 43 years experience

Many things in business have changed over the years, but appearance in a job interview has not. You need to wear a suit and tie and be clean shaven. The person interviewing you may not be wearing a suit and tie and may have facial hair, but you cannot take a chance that that will be acceptable since you will not know the culture or dress policy until you join the organization.

George Oestreich ⋅ Fort Lauderdale, FL First Service Residential ⋅ 40 years experience

As you can see, I do not have facial hair. I have been in the hospitality business for most of my life with food service being a big part of the industry----facial hair and food do not go will. While I do not see facial hair as a deal breaker I do not see it as a deal enhancer----look at the photos of the respondents and most, with photos, do not have facial hair, again not a deal breaker. Why take the chance during the search process?
Thank you for your service to our great country.

Les Fieldman ⋅ Minneapolis, MN Griffiths Corporation ⋅ 25 years experience

If you have spoken to a recruiter on the phone and have a face-to-face scheduled, you should feel free to ask that person what is the usual wear for interviews. Depending on the company you visit, the standard for one is not the same for all. My feeling is it is better to be a little overdressed than underdressed; you can always take a tie or a sport coat off.
Watch out for cologne, a hint is usually okay but some interviewers may have allergies so don't overdo. If time and opportunity allow, drive by the interview site a day or two before the interview, to make sure you know the route and can arrive on time. Also you may get a look at what others are wearing. And wear a positive mental attitude!

Christopher Ahlberg ⋅ Holtsville, NY Recorded Future, Inc. ⋅ 15 years experience

Good input above. I like the " Look at the picture of the President/CEO and note how he/she is dressed." - good idea. In fact - for many companies you may be able to find pictures of their people (not just CEO) on the HR/hiring/jobs/About us page [of course they will be a bit fake, but still, probably a decent indication].

It is hard to go wrong with a suit, but only if you actually know how to wear it. As an officer you should be able to look very natural in it I assume :)

But on other hand - when people show up in a suit interviewing at my startup I always get a bit worried, have they not done their homework? As nobody ever wear a suit at the company basically...

Stephen Kemp ⋅ Peoria, AZ City of Peoria, Arizona ⋅ 32 years experience

I interview professionals, para-professionals and staff. Trimmed Beards are fine, Both men and women should be groomed. If you have tattoos on the arms, cover them, many interviews are with panels and some may find that un-professional. Jewelry on Men and Women should be tasteful and professional looking. In essence. Nothing that detracts from you presenting yourself and why you are the best applicant for the position.

Josh Margolis ⋅ Columbus, OH CRM Insights LLC ⋅ 40 years experience

You're an Air Force officer with 21 years experience. Dress and act like it. You're going to be talking about it no matter what the interviewer's first question is. List what you've accomplished and the benefits derived from your actions. List what you've tried to accomplish but failed, and the lessons learned from that.

You're stable, not flitting from one job to another; you have discipline and management experience, skills in whichever Command(s) you've served. Now, what can you do for me?

Harry Gard ⋅ Dublin, OH IBM ⋅ 15 years experience

Interviewers are people, and people hold prejudices. Facial hair evokes varying emotions (many negative, such as fear or untrust) in people when they see it on others. If it were me, I'd go clean shaven. If you feel like that's being false, then do abide by the advice here to have it very neatly trimmed.

William S. Stokes ⋅ Leesburg, FL Self Employed Since 1989 ⋅ 39 years experience

Gentlemen, I'm "old school": My idea of 'casual' is going without a tie with a dress shirt. Interview-wise, please - a conservative tie and subdued shirt with suit or sport coat and slacks. Shoes shined: no moccasins, thongs or shower shoes.

And get a haircut. The "fashion statement" you may wish to make as an individual would probably go over like a lead balloon. NO facial hair. As someone above said, "check out the staff" and follow suit (no pun intended).

Bill, Leesburg, FL

Rick Spiewak ⋅ Annapolis, MD Intellectix ⋅ 44 years experience

Here's my idiosyncratic answer: business dress and appearance are costume.
Unless you're applying for a sales position or something customer-facing, your objective should be to have no one you interview with remember any details of how you were dressed, or your appearance other than an overall positive "clean" impression.
If you will be selling or meeting customers or the public, you should pay more attention to detail in this.
Growing a beard after you've been hired is different from having one at the interview, unless the interviewer also has one. Tattoos shouldn't show at this point, either.

Dale Krysinski ⋅ Zelienople, PA Hatch Mott MacDonald ⋅ 33 years experience

Major Roberts - one thing I might add to all of the above comments is this: it depends on the position you are seeking. Some positions (in the oil and gas field, for example) require you to be able to wear a respirator (even if you wouldnt need one on a regular basis), and that will preclude having any facial hair other than a light mustache. If you are considering a position like that, it might be best to be clean shaven for the interview so you can demonstrate that you are aware of their safety requirements.

Thank you for your service, and best of luck in your job search.
Dale Krysinski

George Wilhelmsen ⋅ Rochelle, IL Sargent & Lundy ⋅ 38 years experience

Scott,

To be honest, I'm more interested in what a person brings to the table than their facial hair, tatoos or piercings.

You need to consider the place you are applying to. My advice, do a quick reconnoiter of the place, and see what the "way of the place" is with regards to facial hair. If you see people with it, then go for it. If everyone is clean shaven, well, either look elsewhere, or match the crowd.

Sincerely,
George Wilhelmsen

Edward Marchelitis ⋅ Berkeley Heights, NJ AIG ⋅ 15 years experience

Hi Major,
Thank you for your service.

Over the years I have worked in a wide range of industries. Facial hair is acceptable in today’s business environment. Be sure to keep it trimmed and professional looking. Remember, an interview is your chance to make a good impression on your potential employer. You want to make the most out of the opportunity.

Susan Weber ⋅ Easton, PA AIG ⋅ 30 years experience

I work in the insurance industry. Most of our Senior Executives are clean shaven but I agree with the others if it's neat in appearance you should be fine.

Joe Paschall ⋅ Madison, AL nLogic, LLC ⋅ 26 years experience

Absolutely. I have had a neatly-trimmed goatee since I took off the uniform. Of course if you are being interviewed while still in uniform, you don't have that luxury.