Your appearance says a lot about you, especially when you are looking for a job.
You may or may not be surprised to learn that most people form opinions, good or bad, right or wrong, based on how you look. They look at the clothes you wear, your hair style, personal hygiene, whether you have tattoos, pierced body parts or anything about you that draws attention.
There are certain standards of dress in our society that are considered rebellious, counter cultured, distracting, thuggish, or they bring to mind lower social status.
Dressing in this manner is especially harmful when you are looking for a job. Your appearance, in many cases, may be more of a determining factor in whether you get the job or not than your qualifications to do the work. This may not seem fair or be politically correct, but it's a fact and if you want the job, you may have to make some changes to the way you dress and/or the way you look.
The truth is, your appearance does matter and it may hinder your ability to get a job at certain companies. This is because many employers are profoundly judgmental about personal appearance, especially when the job requires interactions with the public.
Many employers, as well as their customers, frown on visible tattoos, spiked hair styles, pony tails, and multiple body piercing's, sagging pants, mini skirts, low cut blouses, and an over abundance of jewelry such as gold chains and oversized earrings.
Admittedly, these may be more in the range of distractions than anything else, but unfortunately, they may cause discomfort to clients, customers, and if your are hired, to co-workers as well.
Can you give yourself a makeover that may help you in your quest for employment? Yes! It is worthwhile to take a good look at just a few of the visual perceptions a potential employer may get when you apply for a job or go on an interview.
•Body piercing: Although all piercing may not be visible, some are. You should remove any jewelry from your nose, eyebrows, lips, or tongue. These are the areas that are most visible and garner the most attention.
•Beards, long hair, and pony tails on men: Many men wear their hair long as a fashion statement but many employers require men to be clean shaven and well barbered.
•Tattoos: Once you get a tattoo, it is hard to get it removed. Although most tattoos can be covered, portions of some may show a little. If you don't have tattoos and you are thinking about getting one or more, you should think about where you are going to have them put on your body.
•Sagging: Sagging is a term used for wearing your pants below the waistline and at times, below the buttocks. This is a definite no-no when going on a job interview.
•Mini skirts and low cut blouses on women: If you think this type of appearance will get you a job, think again. Women who cover themselves appropriately when looking for a job are more likely to get hired than those who don't. This is a fact!
•To much makeup: Most women, and some men, wear makeup because it makes them feel good about themselves. This is great and acceptable, but there is such a thing as to much makeup. As for men, hold off on the makeup when going for a job interview.
You may have your own ideas of what makes a good fashion statement for yourself, but you have to understand that when you go on a job interview, employers have their own fashion standards that they want followed. You may not agree with them, but there are certain dress codes that most employers have and they will not tolerate certain deviations.
How you look does make a difference when you are job hunting. People often judge your character by your appearance and this may keep you from getting the job you want or need.