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I might have an important job interview coming up within the next week. I am curious as to which style is more appropriate: a ponytail or a single, neat braid? I ask because a ponytail is more "conventional," but a braid seems to be "neater" and more compact.
What are your thoughts?
If they DO ask me to cut my hair, and I say no, I'll probably ask to see if it's written in the company dress code. What do I do from there?
Well, that depends on whether or not long hair on men is forbidden in the dress code. If it isn't, then tell them that there doesn't seem to be a problem: you're keeping your hair. If there is something forbidding it, then ask them how they feel about gender discrimination lawsuits (j/k!), ask them if they make exceptions for those who keep it restrained (such as a ponytail or single braid).
Good luck!
That "Ball" Guy
www.thatballguy.com
It is looking like less of a problem these days. It is becoming far less acceptable for companies, even financial companies, to ask you to cut your hair. I worked for a mutual fund company 5 years ago, and my hair was long, even then.
As a rule of thumb, if you are at the interview stage, look to see what people at the company are wearing. If you see chubby women dressing like Britney Spears, then you have no worries. I worked at Fidelity in Boston, MA. Although they tried to enforce dress codes, bosses were too chicken-hearted to tell the women to go home and change for dressing up as 'hoochie-mamas'. I had no fear of my hair being an issue, as I was the best dressed employee there.
You should be okay. Good luck.
I would go with the ponytail if I were you Micahel. It seems more appropriate. You might try either tying it close to your head at the top of your neck or lower down toward the base, nowhere in between.
If they tell you to cut it, and you say no, and ask where it is in their dress code, I almost guarantee they can't find it, but they'll get mad at you because you put egg in their faces.
I just hope things go okay.
Ivix (Charles)
Men in my profession (scientific) tend to go with a low, neat ponytail when attending meetings, conferences, etc. With your straight hair, I would think that you would present a very neat appearance with a low tail.
Personally, I feel a company which makes issue of hair length solely on bias of appearance (hair length can be a legitimate concern for safety or health reasons, but can be corrected with restraint or covering) will also be "chicken" in other areas such as overtime compensation, incentive awards, general attitude towards employees, etc. Remember, the interview is a two way process. You are also interviewing your prospective employer! If hair is an issue and you reject their offer, I would just "move on" to your next goal and not waste your time getting upset about the policies and attitudes of a place you have decided you will not work.
Good Luck and let us know how it goes.
Given your length and texture, I'd say go for a single English Braid.
That "Ball" Guy
www.thatballguy.com
Many people and companies DON'T know WHAT to make of long hair.
It is a sort of 'mystery' to them.
Some may believe that you are trying to get some kind of 'message' across.
Or maybe that it is a reflection of your political beliefs.
WHY do people always assume that is your hair is LONG,
that automatically makes you a liberal when
the opposite may be true?
I am NOT blaming anyone for their views concerning long hair.
They watch the media...the films in particular...where the 'bad' buys
usually have long hair.
Or they show drug addicts with long hair. And with
few exceptions, the good guys have shorter hair.
There are few 'clean cut' bums portrayed. And
so many have come to associate LONG hair with filthy habits.
So looking at it from the perspective of the people who
do the hiring,
we can easily understand they they do not want to
hire the 'wrong' people; they are looking out for the best interests of their company, etc.
Longhairs are certainly a minority, so the media never feels obligated to be accurate in their portrayal of us.
Good Luck on getting them to see the 'real' you!
What long hair DOES say is that you own yourself. This scares the hell out of people who hope to own you.
You may be able to deflect those fears by emphasizing your dependability. Sell yourself as one who will be loyal to the company, who will work hard, and who will be there promptly whenever he is supposed to be. If the clients loved you where you just came from, tell 'em that.
Although demands to cut long hair are almost always "power" issues, getting into wrestling matches over power at the interview stage is apt to be counterproductive when their biggest fear already is a fear of a lessening of their power in your presence. You want to convince them you are NOT a threat, and that, using whatever power you do have, you will tugging on THEIR end of the rope with it.
Bill
In discussions I've had with engineers is that our field is one of the most lenient on hair and dress codes. In a recent conversation, it was pointed out that as an engineer, you are supposed to be empowered to do what your firm has signed on for, and they need workers who think outside the box, and know what they do and why. Two or three of the engineers I've spoken with so far have had long hair (one was waist length!)
That "Ball" Guy
www.thatballguy.com
I did not consider THAT one! How true!
Hi Michael, I think a low ponytail would probably look best. It does depend on who is hiring you. If you are being interviewed by a record company you could probably wear your hair loose but if you are being interviewed by an insurance company you may have to keep your hair tucked inside your shirt. Absalom
'Twas a local library to which I applied...
I would think either a ponytail or braid would be just fine. I am reasonably sure that most libraries are long hair friendly. Good luck. Absalom
