new thread
Hi all,
This is my first post here. It's great that we have such a resource.
Unfortunately I need to make this quick since I'm paying by the minute, so let me just fill you in real quick. I'm a guy, 20 years old, in college in Boulder, Colorado (lots of longhairs here, but a lot of preps too). My hair is straight and about 20 inches long. I've never had any luck tying it back due to the center parting. I can't overcome the part to pull it straight over my head, and with the part it looks funny in the back. Anyways, I don't mind it being loose and if I really need to I wear a bandana, hippie style :).
So my dilema of sorts is that I need a part time job soon, and I don't have much experience with being 'formal' for things like this. I've been living off savings and the parents for the last 2 years and I got my old job through a friend without even going to an interview. The hair is staying, no question about that, but instead I'd like to ask you guys how I should dress. I know no tee shirts and jeans, but I'm not going to go rent a suit either. I'm only applying to places like grocery stores and hardware shops. Would there be any problem with wearing a button down, short sleeved shirt and a nice pair of jeans, or is there some kind of standard atire that people wear to interviews these days?
Thanks
im in a similar position as i have to find a job soon to save money for college (i worked at a department store for 2 years up till this year)
here dress isnt much of an issue as generally you have to wear a uniform anyway once you ge tthe job. As long as your clean and tidy looking i dont think theyll mind
If you're trying for a job in customer-service (which it sounds like you are), just remember that the thing that they are most looking for in a new empolyee is someone who would be good in customer service.
And I think the reason why long haired guys are somewhat discriminated in the customer-service market is because employers tend to (closed-mindedly) associate long hair with rebellion and non-conformity. Long hair is stereotyped as something that young people grow as a means to be different, to be recognized. And rebellion is often a result of some type of social difficulty, not being able to fit in well with what is mainstream. Thus stores will look at us longhaired guys and think well, it's possible that he's a loner or dosen't get along well with the other kids and grew his hair as a consequence....would be necessarily be one who could be nice and charming to customers and easily get along with the rest of our staff?
Therefore, all you have to do is prove to them that you have good customer-service skills. If you don't, well, try and pretend that you do. I've been working in customer-service for a few years and trust me, pretending to be interested in other people's business is a large part of the job. So even if the employers see through your act, they might still appreciate it.
Don't worry so much about your hair. I would encourage tying it up (I mean, you will likely have to while on the clock anyway, so might as well get it figured out). Don't worry about still having a center-part when it is tied. I wear mine that way too. Lots of guys I see do as well.
But good luck with getting the job. Let us know how it goes.
My recommendation, being a 19 year old guy whop has put in over 30 application in the last year and finally got a job, is to avoid jeans at all costs. A button down and a pair of khakis looks much nicer than jeans ever could.
If you end up applying to any clothing stores, I will relay what was told to me at my interview for both American Eagle and Aeropostle, which apparently holds true for clothing stores. Attempt to wear the kinds of clothes that the store sells. If you can mimic a manican they have in the store, it looks good for your record...
Anyways, sorry for the long reply. Based on experience I suggest making a solid effort to tie your hair back at NEATLY as possible, and potentially clean up the back of the neck too, (you know those hairs that are there after you tie it back.) Wear any type of button down and not jeans :)
Good Luck!
As soon as you schedule an interview, go by the place of business, igcognito, and see what people are wearing. If everyone is in tutus, then rush to get a tutu. However, I believe you will observe a range of possibilities about the same width as your wardrobe.
But always clean and bright, never faded streaked norblotched with holes. Several acceptable possibilities.
A. Jeans and t-shirts
B. Slacks and short sleave sport shirt.
C. Slacks and polo shirt, but preferably not supporting anyone's advertisement unless they have paid you for it.
D. Slacks and solid white or blue shirt with low key tie.
E. Add jacket, if weather is cool.
[[If the stated compensation is more than $250,000. call immediately so I can arrange for you to meet our media consultant.]]
Wash your hair and stabilize it, with tie, jell or spray, or wear it down as you like, but do not mention it in the interview.
Focus entirely on the needs of the organization, the tools provided for you to accomplish these goals, and your skills which match their need.
If anyone asks you about your hair, dismiss it as a family tradition with spiritual significane [I can give you examples if you wish.]
If someone with less ability than you is hired only beause he had short hair, then you did not want to work for this compasny in the first place for they are doomed for losing site of the goal and focusing on trivialities.
There will be some discrimination.
Yes, we have won this struggle. Do not make your hair an issue in an interview. Do not mention it. Make sure it is neat and clean. Focus on the tasks they organization wants accomplished.
Take notes.
Later I will exlain why we are the shamans --I am not happy wity this term and will suggest some others -- of our society and how this encumbers us.
James
What people are looking for in employees is someone who cares and makes an effort to be neat and clean. I would stay away from jeans unless you are trying for a construction job; then the jeans would be OK. If you are not sure what is applicable, overdress a little. It can only add to the positive impression; if you dress short of the standard dress for the company, it makes an immediate negative impression. Do tie your hair back; it should not be an issue unless you are trying for a sales job with the company (as in outside sales, calling on customers). These type positions tend to demand more conformity to the business look.
More importantly, convey an image that you are truly interested in their company. Do a little research beforehand; get familiar with the basics of what they do and how they do it. Let them know that you are a self starter and will do whatever the position requires. Companies are looking for people that don't have to have supervisors standing over them at all times.
And remember, even if this is only a temporary or short time job, the effort you put in here during your tenure goes towards a recommendation from them for the next job. A good recommendation down the road from a respectible company makes the hair issue not much of one. You have already then proved the stereotype wrong.
Good luck on your search.
Big George
Hi Ryan
I have a center parting to and i also wear a ponytail for work ive been requested to do so !
Ok you need to know how to dress at a job it all depends where you work officer id say smart pair of trousers shirt & tie also id say wearing a ponytail is better than getting in your way as it will keep your hair from going on your face, clean and tidy appearence will give them a good impression of you ok you say you cant tie your hair in a ponytail but practise makes perfect as you will need to wear a ponytail for work if they request you to do so !
Axel
When I went to a job interview at a semi-casual office building near my house, I wore a pair of black shoes with jeans, a very dark brown tucked-in t-shirt and a black blazer, with my hair in a low ponytail. They seemed more than satisfied with that; I got the job without a hitch, and I'm still working there.
yay hippie style!
be sure to apply at McGuikin's, Alfalf....Wild Oats, and perhaps Celestial Seasonings. I see no problem with long hair in Boulder/ Ned.
Heck, most bosses will be thrilled you own a comb! (I like dreads, btw)
pop over to Savers by Southern Sun, which is oh, what does 93 become? Broadway? and Table Mesa.
Pick up a couple pairs of not-denim darker trousers and a couple button up shirts. Here in Littleton, that'd be about $20-$30.
some solid color non sandal shoes might help.
also, have you tried a braid for holding back your hair?
much luck from this sister...
Cool, someon else from around Boulder! I've been lookng for some new flipflops and will check out the place you mentioned. I did apply to Mcguckins too btw, but never got a call so I guess they don't need anyone at the moment.
