new thread
Heyas, as of now I have two professional job interviews in latter part of the week. They're full-time math teaching positions at the high school level (public schools). I don't plan to get a preemptive hair cut (or preemptive hair strike, if you will)
Mr. Crow has mentioned in a previous post that he feels it's necessary to be extra formal in dress to make up for growing out long, curly hair. I hope that is merely being extra cautious, because I have always hated suits and ties. When I have taught in the past I've usually worn a golf shirt and slacks, sometimes a button business shirt up but no tie.
I'll share the results later, keep rockin'
Good luck Revan, I agree if you look sharp enough without going down the suit route and maybe a ponytail, then the hair should not be an issue.
Let us know how you get on.
Regards Dave
I, too, have an aversion to suits and ties; I'd feel like I was cross-dressed in that kind of clothing. Going into an interview feeling self-conscious because you don't feel like yourself is not going to help you sell yourself.
There are options. Wear the newest clothes that you have. Wear clothes that are not in muted colors that look like they may be faded. And, of course, wear clothes that are clean and that you have not worn at all since washing them.
The differences I've mentioned are subtle, but people definitely notice them, even if only in the subconscious, but it is in the subconscious where impressions count. One way I know these differences exist is that I am received by strangers with much more enthusiasm when I am wearing such clothes. People do notice fading, signs of wear, wrinkles, and small bits of lint or dirt.
And, naturally, have your hair at its best!
Good luck!
Bill
Bill is right, although I would still always wear a suit and tie for the interview, and probably the first day on the job if I didn't know what other people were wearing. After that you will see what the other guys are wearing when you take a cup of coffee in the staff room with the other teachers.
Most other jobs you would be able to figure it out even before that, but of course most of the people around you will be students. Dress codes for students and teachers have different issues, different rules, and even a different set of laws, even assuming you wanted to look anything like the students, which I doubt.
As for the hair, all I would worry about is that it is clean and combed. OTOH, often long hair looks it's best the day after you wash it, not the same day, so you may want to try choosing when to wash it so it looks it's best at the time of the interview.
YMMV depending on the actual length of your hair and how much grease your scalp produces, so it's probably best not to do anything much different from your usual routine. Also remember that wearing a ponytail makes it greasier (but also covers up the appearance of too much grease to a limited extent).
With 2 interviews in 3 days it could be a bit difficult. If you wash it right before the first one it might look best on the day inbetween the 2 interviews, but that is probably the best you can do.
Best of luck! it is a great profession and, while it has its challenges, it also has some great rewards.
The principal should care more about how you will help improve student learning and less about your haircut (or lack therof).
Shawn (Mr.Crow)