Appearance for Interviews- Stubble+ type of suit?

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nabilesmail

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Hey guys, I searched the forums but am still a bit unclear on the appearance. I personally wear a stubble as I feel it makes me look older and a bit more attractive. My girlfriend also likes it too. I was wondering what your guys opinions were on it. Here are a couple of pictures, I don't really think it looks hoboish but I'm afraid the perceptions of it might be so as it is more of a "modern" appearance (Lost, other tv-shows, etc...).

Thanks!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.ne...777177303265_1054331725_2093046_3121536_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.ne...500224819626_1054331725_1479057_7022604_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.ne...3612803561_1054331725_2965019_507441523_n.jpg

(Please don't make fun of me 😛)
 
nabilesmail said:
Hey guys, I searched the forums but am still a bit unclear on the appearance. I personally wear a stubble as I feel it makes me look older and a bit more attractive. My girlfriend also likes it too. I was wondering what your guys opinions were on it. Here are a couple of pictures, I don't really think it looks hoboish but I'm afraid the perceptions of it might be so as it is more of a "modern" appearance (Lost, other tv-shows, etc...).

Thanks!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...1543802109031.76381.1054331725&type=1&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...1543802109031.76381.1054331725&type=1&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...1543802109031.76381.1054331725&type=1&theater

(Please don't make fun of me 😛)
Click to expand...

I have a little chin type beard and it makes me feel more confident. I also wear contacts instead of glasses for the same reason. I'm interested to see what other people have to say about what to do in interviews.

Also those pictures don't work. Right click and select "copy image URL" if you're using firefox or chrome.
 
MDschoolorbust said:
I have a little chin type beard and it makes me feel more confident. I also wear contacts instead of glasses for the same reason. I'm interested to see what other people have to say about what to do in interviews.

Also those pictures don't work. Right click and select "copy image URL" if you're using firefox or chrome.
Click to expand...

Fixed it thanks!
 
nabilesmail said:
Hey guys, I searched the forums but am still a bit unclear on the appearance. I personally wear a stubble as I feel it makes me look older and a bit more attractive. My girlfriend also likes it too. I was wondering what your guys opinions were on it. Here are a couple of pictures, I don't really think it looks hoboish but I'm afraid the perceptions of it might be so as it is more of a "modern" appearance (Lost, other tv-shows, etc...).

Thanks!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.ne...777177303265_1054331725_2093046_3121536_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.ne...500224819626_1054331725_1479057_7022604_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.ne...3612803561_1054331725_2965019_507441523_n.jpg

(Please don't make fun of me 😛)
Click to expand...

No stubble. None. Zero. This is not a dance club. You are interviewing as a potential medical professional. Your conservative MD interviewers will not think you look like Brad Pitt. They will think you look like a lazy piece of crap who doesn't know how to shave.
 
VisionaryTics said:
No stubble. None. Zero. This is not a dance club. You are interviewing as a potential medical professional. Your conservative MD interviewers will not think you look like Brad Pitt. They will think you look like a lazy piece of crap who doesn't know how to shave.
Click to expand...

This may be a bit extreme, however, why even risk it. You know that clean shaven will not be viewed as negative while having stubble may be.
 
It's either clean-shaven or very well maintained/groomed beard...the in between is exactly the area you don't want to be in for interviews.
 
Clean shaven. You are not Sonny Crocket. Tubbs is not going to interview you.

Sonny-Crockett3_9059.jpg
 
No stubble. Only if it's long enough to be credibly considered a beard. Even then, it should be trimmed immaculately.
 
These types of threads blow my mind. If you have to ask, then you know the answer already. Why add any type of unnecessary of controversy to yourself? This is your medical school interview! This is a huge moment in your career.
 
for one of my interviews i was pretty unshaven. There had not been power in my house for the past week and the night before i slept at a friends house just so i could have a hot shower in the morning and shaving just didn't cross my mind...

oh well... we'll see if i get in...
 
VisionaryTics said:
No stubble. None. Zero. This is not a dance club. You are interviewing as a potential medical professional. Your conservative MD interviewers will not think you look like Brad Pitt. They will think you look like a lazy piece of crap who doesn't know how to shave.
Click to expand...

Agree.
 
+1 for shaving, OP. I too wear a stubble 95% of the time, but when it comes interview time, I will be clean shaven. No matter if it does detract from my attractiveness. :cry: lol
 
OP based on that first pic alone, you are one cheeky bloke mate I swear! More pics of gf for further evaluation!

Ditch the stubble. What was your question about the type of suit?
 
No stubble. People notice, and it makes you look lazy, or worse like you don't give a crap.
 
Wear stubles if it looks clean (which is possible as long as its very short). Maybe shave the night before? Or day before around 5
 
Definitely go clean shaven. I'm a stubble/beard man too but for events like weddings, job interviews, etc. the razor comes out every time. This sucks when I have a sweet beard I've been working on but when you only have stubble at least it only takes a couple of days to grow back.
 
VisionaryTics said:
No stubble. None. Zero. This is not a dance club. You are interviewing as a potential medical professional. Your conservative MD interviewers will not think you look like Brad Pitt. They will think you look like a lazy piece of crap who doesn't know how to shave.
Click to expand...

👍
 
VisionaryTics said:
No stubble. None. Zero. This is not a dance club. You are interviewing as a potential medical professional. Your conservative MD interviewers will not think you look like Brad Pitt. They will think you look like a lazy piece of crap who doesn't know how to shave.
Click to expand...

Haha, true or not this gave me a good laugh.
 
Make sure you also have a shave down below! Never know how these interviews can end up. Very nice!
😉
 
Thego2guy said:
Make sure you also have a shave down below! Never know how these interviews can end up. Very nice!
😉
Click to expand...

:laugh:

Definitely shave. You can't go in looking like a bum. Also, wear a conservative suit (i.e. navy blue or charcoal grey). Don't be the clown in brown.
 
Praefectus said:
:laugh:

Definitely shave. You can't go in looking like a bum. Also, wear a conservative suit (i.e. navy blue or charcoal grey). Don't be the clown in brown.
Click to expand...

Or a shirt darker than your tie.

*Flashback to 8th-grade dance. Dark red and black shirts everywhere...*
 
I had light - medium stubble at all of my interviews and I did fine; I had several old WASP interviewers (even one at my pre-med committee interview who commented on nail length!) and my facial hair/ appearance in general wasn't an issue. If a lack of stubble affects you on a subconscious level I'd just keep it, your confidence and ability to maintain a natural conversation are much more important than that 1:10,000 chance that you'll get a stubble nazi as your interviewer.
 
WhizoMD said:
I had light - medium stubble at all of my interviews and I did fine; I had several old WASP interviewers (even one at my pre-med committee interview who commented on nail length!) and my facial hair/ appearance in general wasn't an issue. If a lack of stubble affects you on a subconscious level I'd just keep it, your confidence and ability to maintain a natural conversation are much more important than that 1:10,000 chance that you'll get a stubble nazi as your interviewer.
Click to expand...

Like me. I am out there. And I may be doing interviews next year...
 
nabilesmail said:
Hey guys, I searched the forums but am still a bit unclear on the appearance. I personally wear a stubble as I feel it makes me look older and a bit more attractive. My girlfriend also likes it too. I was wondering what your guys opinions were on it. Here are a couple of pictures, I don't really think it looks hoboish but I'm afraid the perceptions of it might be so as it is more of a "modern" appearance (Lost, other tv-shows, etc...).

Thanks!
Click to expand...

That's funny because I was wondering the exact same thing today as I was shaving. I never shave with a razor because I have super coarse, curly facial hair and get horrible razor burn, so instead I just use a beard trimmer on the lowest setting. While it may look like stubble it is still neatly trimmed.

Would this be acceptable for an interview?

Edit: So I should either grow out a beard or shave? I seriously haven't shaved with a razor in years and I'm afraid of the razor burn. lol, seriously though
 
MuAgonist said:
That's funny because I was wondering the exact same thing today as I was shaving. I never shave with a razor because I have super coarse, curly facial hair and get horrible razor burn, so instead I just use a beard trimmer on the lowest setting. While it may look like stubble it is still neatly trimmed.

Would this be acceptable for an interview?

Edit: So I should either grow out a beard or shave? I seriously haven't shaved with a razor in years and I'm afraid of the razor burn. lol, seriously though
Click to expand...

As long as you don't look like a bum or like Dumbledore, I think you'll be fine dude. Grow it to a nice length, and keep it very well trimmed.

Or you could just use a flamethrower instead of a razor, there will be less burn 😛
 
MuAgonist said:
That's funny because I was wondering the exact same thing today as I was shaving. I never shave with a razor because I have super coarse, curly facial hair and get horrible razor burn, so instead I just use a beard trimmer on the lowest setting. While it may look like stubble it is still neatly trimmed.

Would this be acceptable for an interview?

Edit: So I should either grow out a beard or shave? I seriously haven't shaved with a razor in years and I'm afraid of the razor burn. lol, seriously though
Click to expand...

You should either have a proper beard or shave.

There are razor blades designed not to shave too close for people just such as yourself. By cutting the beard hairs off just a little further out, ingrown hairs and razor burn are greatly reduced. These are usually marketed to African American med, who typically have course, tightly curled hair. I believe "Bump Fighter" is one of these brands.
 
phltz said:
You should either have a proper beard or shave.

There are razor blades designed not to shave too close for people just such as yourself. By cutting the beard hairs off just a little further out, ingrown hairs and razor burn are greatly reduced. These are usually marketed to African American med, who typically have course, tightly curled hair. I believe "Bump Fighter" is one of these brands.
Click to expand...

thanks, I must concur with my African American brethren.
 
haha, you should wear those glasses to.

:laugh:
 
Myro said:
OP based on that first pic alone, you are one cheeky bloke mate I swear! More pics of gf for further evaluation!

Ditch the stubble. What was your question about the type of suit?
Click to expand...

Hahaha what does Cheeky Bloke mean? Lol.

And So I guess the votes were 29829838232 : 1 in favor of shaving. I guess I'll do that!

Is it okay to shave before the night before? as previously mentioned by someone else, I have shaved like once in 3 years (I also bought a hair trimmer and use it at lowest settings). My face becomes rashy and uncomfortable when i clean shave.
Thanks for all the help, despite some of the bashes haha.
 
Last edited:
nabilesmail said:
Hahaha what does Cheeky Bloke mean? Lol.

And So I guess the votes were 29829838232 : 1 in favor of shaving. I guess I'll do that!

Is it okay to shave before the night before? as previously mentioned by someone else, I have shaved like once in 3 years (I also bought a hair trimmer and use it at lowest settings). My face becomes rashy and uncomfortable when i clean shave.
Thanks for all the help, despite some of the bashes haha.
Click to expand...

Story of my life.

On an unrelated note, do you mind if we make memes with your pics? :laugh:
 
MuAgonist said:
Story of my life.

On an unrelated note, do you mind if we make memes with your pics? :laugh:
Click to expand...

Yes I would mind haha hence the "please don't make fun of me 😛"

I don't know, to me it never looked unprofessional (when at lowest settings). I feel I look like a hobo if I trim it to lowest settings and wait 2-3 days. But in cali (or LA atleast) most guys here sport the stubble and it seems most girls like it.

Anyways. Who thinks a Black suit + deep maroon shirt is a good choice?

I'm thinking about that, or a grey/charcoal suit + a black shirt
 
nabilesmail said:
Yes I would mind haha hence the "please don't make fun of me 😛"

I don't know, to me it never looked unprofessional (when at lowest settings). I feel I look like a hobo if I trim it to lowest settings and wait 2-3 days. But in cali (or LA atleast) most guys here sport the stubble and it seems most girls like it.

Anyways. Who thinks a Black suit + deep maroon shirt is a good choice?

I'm thinking about that, or a grey/charcoal suit + a black shirt
Click to expand...

I agree with somebody earlier about the shirt should be lighter than the tie, so I personally wouldn't choose either a maroon or black shirt. Both kind of give off ominous vibes. I think light blue shirt, navy suit, and any tie can't go wrong. Look at how politicians dress.
 
I disagree with the anti-stubble sentiment in this thread but the shirt advice is correct. Anything darker than baby blue would be ill-advised (even If you have a darker tie, ie. navy shirt w/black tie is not okay).
 
WhizoMD said:
I disagree with the anti-stubble sentiment in this thread but the shirt advice is correct. Anything darker than baby blue would be ill-advised (even If you have a darker tie, ie. navy shirt w/black tie is not okay).
Click to expand...

Holy crap, so we shouldn't be wearing dark shirts? I wonder why? I always thought dark shirts just look nicer and classier. Can anyone elaborate?
 
nabilesmail said:
Holy crap, so we shouldn't be wearing dark shirts? I wonder why? I always thought dark shirts just look nicer and classier. Can anyone elaborate?
Click to expand...

To me those two choices you mentioned might work for Vegas with no tie and the shirt open, but not for a professional interview. Look at how politicians dress. Either black or navy suit, white or light blue shirt, and the tie is where you express yourself.
 
Ahh I guess thats the kind of look I "like" haha. So looking "sleek" isn't a good look? I think politicians dress rather boring/unattractive.

I like the vegas suit looks (except I agree, a tie is necessary)

So confused :/
 
nabilesmail said:
Ahh I guess thats the kind of look I "like" haha. So looking "sleek" isn't a good look? I think politicians dress rather boring/unattractive.

I like the vegas suit looks (except I agree, a tie is necessary)

So confused :/
Click to expand...

Exactly, you might be interviewing with some pretty old, conservative people.
 
nabilesmail said:
Ahh I guess thats the kind of look I "like" haha. So looking "sleek" isn't a good look? I think politicians dress rather boring/unattractive.

I like the vegas suit looks (except I agree, a tie is necessary)

So confused :/
Click to expand...
if your suit fits (tailored, not off the rack), it shouldn't look unattractive. And, boring (inconspicuous) is pretty much what you're going for in an interview setting. You want to draw attention with your words, not your appearance.
 
MuAgonist said:
To me those two choices you mentioned might work for Vegas with no tie and the shirt open, but not for a professional interview. Look at how politicians dress. Either black or navy suit, white or light blue shirt, and the tie is where you express yourself.
Click to expand...
You mean like Phil in The Hangover? :laugh:

images
 
MuAgonist said:
lol, exactly.
Click to expand...

I go for those kind of looks whenever I wear a suit haha. Unbuttoned shirt/dark colors (though all the events I wear a suit to are more party/event based. Not professional settings). I think I'm even wearing that style in my first picture. I thought I would just modify it by putting a dark tie on as well. I guess not :/

So is a grey suit+ black shirt not a good idea. I thought I read somewhere that that was a unique way but still professional?

What are you guys going to wear, or what DID you wear?

Thanks for the help guys!
 
nabilesmail said:
I go for those kind of looks whenever I wear a suit haha. Unbuttoned shirt/dark colors (though all the events I wear a suit to are more party/event based. Not professional settings). I think I'm even wearing that style in my first picture. I thought I would just modify it by putting a dark tie on as well. I guess not :/

So is a grey suit+ black shirt not a good idea. I thought I read somewhere that that was a unique way but still professional?

What are you guys going to wear, or what DID you wear?

Thanks for the help guys!
Click to expand...

I agree with the consensus here that a black/dark shirt is a bad idea - it just looks horrible except in very limited circumstances. I am personally going to wear a dark grey suit, white shirt and burgundy tie. :shrug:

EDIT: Here are the previous years interview clothing threads - some great information.


Interview Clothing
2011: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=842733
2010: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=731757
2008: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=552578
 
nabilesmail said:
I go for those kind of looks whenever I wear a suit haha. Unbuttoned shirt/dark colors (though all the events I wear a suit to are more party/event based. Not professional settings). I think I'm even wearing that style in my first picture. I thought I would just modify it by putting a dark tie on as well. I guess not :/

So is a grey suit+ black shirt not a good idea. I thought I read somewhere that that was a unique way but still professional?

What are you guys going to wear, or what DID you wear?

Thanks for the help guys!
Click to expand...

I mean that's just being on the safe side like with the shaving. The tie being darker than the shirt is a general rule, like no brown with black. So black shirt with tie to me is like high school dance. I like the look of light blue over white for shirt, but with either you can pick pretty much any tie or suit.
 
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