Getting the Right Hair for the JobA Men's Trend Alert by American Crew
Your current hairstyle may be a perfect fit for your present lifestyle…. but does it fit the bill for the job you’re looking for? If you’re not sure, maybe it’s time to think about if your shiny super-glued 6-inch quiff says rock-star, or executive wizard. Because, like it or not, your outward appearance can affect your career goals---it’s a jungle out there, and corporate culture continues to lean towards conservative and clean-cut when it comes to men’s fashion. Worried about what hairstyles to rock in a given workplace? Never fear, here are our best tips for matching your look to your job.
A general rule for job seekers everywhere is to err on the conservative side, especially when it comes to hairstyles. Stories of men losing a job opportunity for sporting a sober haircut are far and few between, but many workplaces have rules about the hair colors and styles for employees and will think twice before hiring an applicant that breaks them.
When it comes to men’s hair, conservative means matte before shine and shorter not longer. In interviews, you want the person asking the questions to see you, the qualified professional and not be distracted by details with no bearing on the job in question. Most long-lasting impressions are made in the first few seconds of an interview, so it’s up to you to make sure your smile and handshake get remembered, not your spectacular faux hawk.
A softer, medium-to-short style with a side-part is a good option for men looking to climb the ladder in the corporate or finance world. It shows your interviewer that you take care of yourself and make an effort look good but aren’t a slave to trends or fads. Smooth your hair back with some of our styling gel for a groomed look, or work a dab of American Crew pomade into freshly washed hair and let pieces of it fall forward and frame your face for a casual dinner with clients after you land the job.
For guys just starting out in the corporate world and men with jobs that involve a certain amount of power play like lawyers and stock traders, a shorter, textured style transmits energy and ambition, and requires very little maintenance. This modern take on a traditional short cut tells people you mean business and you won’t let your hair (or anything else) get in the way.Men working in creative sectors like the media, music and art, can usually pull off less conservative looks. If you’re one of them, you can relax and wear your hair as wild as you dare—texture, volume, length—it’s all up to you. That said, be warned that you’ll likely be subject to criticism from your peers and public if you choose poorly, as in these industries your personal style is a near-to-sacred part of the profession.
A few final pre-interview tips...
Never get a haircut on the day of your interview. Don’t even think about getting your hair touched up the day before. For one, going straight from your stylist’s chair to the interview may make you seem too eager, and desperate for the job, (desperation is as unattractive in professional relationships as it is in personal ones). Also, it’s really important that you feel confident and lingering insecurities about a new style could cause you to come off as lacking self-confidence in general, so give yourself some time and space to get used to a cut before important appointments like job interviews.
And if you’re not sure what style is the best, trust the experts. Talk to your American Crew stylist about why you you’re there and the job you’re being interviewed for. While we can’t guarantee you’ll get the job, we can at least help you look the part.
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Disclosure: No compensation was offered or taken in exchange for this feature article. I have no affiliation to any of these brands or retailers mentioned and any opinions expressed are my own.