Facial Hair for Interview?

[Turpulus]

I have an interview next week and I wanted to know what the protocol on facial hair is. I know the rule of thumb is to be clean shaven, but I just look better and more mature in a beard. If I shave it, I pretty much look like a 15 year old. Should I go for the more mature look or will they automatically look down on me for not shaving?

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[FSU2013]

There's nothing uprofeaaional about a beard. In fact, there can even be something "doctorly" or professorial about having a decent, well-groomed beard.

I, too, look like I'm not old enough to drink without a beard. I had it for med school interviews and I'm not shaving for residency interviews. You don't want to have a David Crowder type beard, but, short of that, you're fine.

Good luck.

 

[LizzyM]

I have an interview next week and I wanted to know what the protocol on facial hair is. I know the rule of thumb is to be clean shaven, but I just look better and more mature in a beard. If I shave it, I pretty much look like a 15 year old. Should I go for the more mature look or will they automatically look down on me for not shaving?

Did you have to submit a picture with your application. Did you have a beard in the picture? Does your offical photo ID (drivers license or whatever) show you with a beard? If yes to either question, go with the beard.

 

[Warick22]

I have an interview next week and I wanted to know what the protocol on facial hair is. I know the rule of thumb is to be clean shaven, but I just look better and more mature in a beard. If I shave it, I pretty much look like a 15 year old. Should I go for the more mature look or will they automatically look down on me for not shaving?

If it is clean and taken care of then I don't believe it is an issue. Lots of doctors have facial hair. However, if it looks like you just didn't shave or didnt groom it, I would just go the safe route and shave it. Shaving will be okay, facial hair is a toss up. Ultimately its up to you

 

[red7]

I have an interview next week and I wanted to know what the protocol on facial hair is. I know the rule of thumb is to be clean shaven, but I just look better and more mature in a beard. If I shave it, I pretty much look like a 15 year old. Should I go for the more mature look or will they automatically look down on me for not shaving?

There are a lot of threads along these lines - bottom line seems to be go with whatever makes you feel comfortable as long as:

1. You look neat + professional - get your family/friends to critique
2. You're not interviewing at a military/religious institution or some other place that might look down on facial hair for some reason

 

[Dianyla]

If you're male and it's neatly trimmed, go for it.

 

[Praefectus]

If you're male and it's neatly trimmed, go for it.

Make sure your beard looks neatly trimmed. That's vital.

 

[NickNaylor]

I have an interview next week and I wanted to know what the protocol on facial hair is. I know the rule of thumb is to be clean shaven, but I just look better and more mature in a beard. If I shave it, I pretty much look like a 15 year old. Should I go for the more mature look or will they automatically look down on me for not shaving?

As others have mentioned, just make sure if you go with a beard that it's not out of control or scruffy looking. Not only does it look messy, it tends to make your face look chubbier than it is.

 

[ShenanigansMD]

Lol my blond "beard" would just make adcoms laugh at my futile attempt to appear older than I am (no one takes blond dudes seriously for some reason). As long as your hair isn't fair.

 

[Sephiroth]

I always shave before an interview. Not quite completely clean shaven as that irritates my face, but the next closest thing. Then again, my facial hair is basically well-trimmed scruff-buzz, so it's not too professional. A full on beard that's well trimmed I would imagine it would be fine, just has to look professional.

 

[Irish Football]

If you're male and it's neatly trimmed, go for it.

Yes, all the ladies out there, please make sure and shave your beards before your interview. There's nothing "doctorly" about a girl with a goatee.