Piercings at Interviews

[psych for path]

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I know this has been discussed at some point somewhere, but I thought I'd revive it- How are we supposed to navigate having small facial/ear piercings during interviews for clinical programs? Strictly just take them out no matter what? Or, are small nose studs acceptable?

 

[voyeurofthemind]

I've heard the whole mix on this. Maybe I am just an old curmudgeon - but really? You're interviewing to be a doctoral level health provider. Take out the nose rings and keep the earrings tasteful. I'm a guy - I have my ears pierced but they were always out when I interviewed. I'll keep them in for class but anytime I am in supervision or doing clinical work they come out. At this point I'll probably just keep them out and let them close up. Ultimately it is your own choice but I would do everything I could to maximize my chances - you never know how it will be perceived. Why risk it?

 

[csandova]

I would take them out as well. Don't show up with nose piercings, lip piercings, etc. I'm pre-optometry and as far as interviews go, I've been wearing only small stud earrings, nothing wild.

 

[Marissa4usa]

For interviews, I would take out all facial piercings, except for small ear studs. If you have more than one piercing per ear, take out any additional ones.

Once you have started your program, I think it's more acceptable to wear multiple piercings per ear and probably a small nose stud. Bigger earrings (i.e. small dangling ones) are probably okay in most situations. However, this mostly applies to your time in class or in lab ( but not necessarily when running participants).

Once you start clinical work, you should probably go back to being more reserved, i.e. take out nose studs as well as multiple earrings. Small, dangling earrings are probably okay depending on what population you work with.

 

[becomethelight]

I've seen plenty of applicants for my graduate program interview (and get accepted) with face piercings. Mostly this is nose rings (can't remember anything else). I think it can be done tastefully. For some it is a cultural issue and my program is inclusive of different styles of dress. A small nose stud is inconsequential if you present yourself professionally in all other respects. I'd say just make sure it doesn't have any sparkly jewels on it.

 

[psych for path]

I agree, and was pretty sure that this is the response I'd get. I only asked because a professional "career coach" once - unsolicited - advised me to always keep it in because it hints at my character when presented with professional attire and demeanor haha