How much does appearance really matter?

If I usually wear all black, with black eyeliner, does it really affect my chances of getting a job if i show up at an interview, or show up to return an application looking like that, as long as I smile and have a positive attitude? My mom always says to dress in no black, or I wont get the job. Whats true?

Your appearance matters a lot to employers no matter what the job. Your choice of clothing tells a lot about you. I'd go with what your mom suggests.

Depends upon the style of outfit/dress and how much eyeliner for a day job imo. A white blouse with black skirt is always appropriate though. TC

That kind of look would probably not get you the job, unfortunately. People, especially older generations will probably look less favorably on you due to your appearance.

Sadly, this world goes on looks, not just the person that's best for the job. I know some jobs if you were a guy and had long hair they'd request you to cut it. That sucks, too. Although I certainly disagree with this kind of discrimination, it does happen all too often.

YES.................. it matters, and a lot.

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What Not to Wear to a Job Interview
Candidates Top 20 Wardrobe Malfunctions
CareerBuilder.com
What is the worst outfit ever worn to a job interview? For a career services director at the University of Chicago, it was the applicant who sported a Madras tie as a belt and a patterned cotton hat. Other contenders, according to a CareerBuilder.com survey of hiring managers, include candidates with dirty fingernails, micro-miniskirts, t-shirts with offensive slogans and even bare feet!

No one needs 'Queer Eye's' Carson Kressley to tell them that wearing shoes to an interview is a good idea, but could you be guilty of one of these top 20 fashion faux pas?

1. Carrying a backpack or fannypack instead of a briefcase or portfolio: Some image consultants suggest women ditch their purse, too!

2. Sunglasses on top of your head or headphones around your neck: Be sure to remove all your "transit gear" and tuck it in your briefcase before entering the lobby.

3. Too-short skirts: Forget what some of those gals on 'The Apprentice' are wearing. Your skirt should cover your thighs when you are seated.

4. The wrong tie: Ties should be made of silk, no less than 3 ¾ inches wide with a conservative pattern. Image consultants say the best colors are red or burgundy.

5. Overly bright or large-patterned clothing: With the possible exception of creative fields like advertising or computer programming, it's best to stick with navy, black or gray.

6. Heavy makeup on women (or any makeup on a man)

7. Earrings on men: In fact, men should avoid wearing any jewelry unless it is a wedding ring, class ring or metal watch.

8. More than one set of earrings on women

9. Facial piercings, tongue jewelry or visible tattoos

10. Ill-fitting clothes. Few people can wear things straight off the rack. Spending a little extra to have your garments tailored is a worthwhile investment.

11. Long fingernails, especially with bright or specialty polishes. Nails should look clean and be trimmed to a length that doesn't leave an observer wondering how you keep from stabbing yourself.

12. Unnatural hair colors or styles. Remember, Donald Trump was a billionaire well before he began wearing a comb-over. If you're balding, try a close-cropped cut like Bruce Willis or Matt Lauer.

13. Short-sleeved shirts, even worse when worn with a tie

14. Fishnets, patterned hosiery or bare legs (no matter how tan you are). Women should stick with neutral color hosiery that complements their suit.

15. Men whose socks don't match their shoes, or whose socks are too short and leave a gap of flesh when they are seated

16. Rumpled or stained clothing: If interviewing late in the day, try to change to a fresh suit beforehand.

17. Scuffed or inappropriate footwear, including sneakers, stilettos, open-toed shoes and sandals

18. Strong aftershaves, perfumes or colognes: Many people are allergic to certain scents. For a subtle fragrance, use a good quality bath soap.

19. Belts and shoes that don't match: Shoes and belts should be made of leather or leather-like materials and the best colors for men are black or cordovan.

20. Telltale signs that your wearing a new suit. Remove all tags and extra buttons -- and remember to cut off the zigzag thread that keeps pockets and slits closed!

Don't be a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen. Plan and lay out what you're going to wear several days before the interview, so you'll have time to shop or get garments pressed and cleaned. Save "innovative" or revealing garb for the club (or your couch) and strive for crisp, clean and professional. Remember, you want the interviewer to be listening to what you're saying, not critiquing what you're wearing.

I think it depends on the company... In general, appearance does make a big difference if you get the job or not...

But then sometimes, as with my oldest son, who happens to be a natural blonde, but dyed his hair black and has fair skin ta boot.. His hair is past his shoulders... and well, he isn't the sharpest dresser either...He worked as a temp for this company doing some kind of computer and radar work..(He tried to explain what he does but I don't get it, lol)

To even work for this company he had to take a test and he passed it with the highest grade... even over those who have degrees in this field....(my son doesn't have a degree).. anyway he got the job as a temp and they later hired him...and he then had to get a top secret security clearance.. and and well....... they love him...... the company later on needed to hire another guy and my son's boss said they sure hope they can find someone like my son... His boss said my son could pick up a manual and figure it out faster than some who has had years of training.. He also got an award and a bonus for being the best in his department... in other words, they love him. smilen

Oh I almost forgot, when they have company meetings my son is required to "dress up"... esp if a potential contract is involved...... sooooo appearance does matter and sometimes it doesn't as long as you do a super great job...O oo and he travels all over the USA and might go to Australia for a job.. He works on a lot of military bases too.. but i don't know what he does lol

Now my other son is a sharp dresser, takes pride in his appearance. He is still working on a CS degree.. He has been in school for like 6/7 years... Soon he should have a degree... i think.... lol ... I cross my fingers that when he does get a job, he can keep it.... now that says a lot without explaining.......

Yes, appearance matters, especially in employment. There are some places which are more accepting of "alternative" or relaxed looks, but I don't know of any that will accept dirty and unkempt. Also, while a company might accept goth and alternative looks, it's best not to go to the interview like that in general, because they usually want you to show you care enough and take the job seriously enough to make the effort to come in a professional look.

Totally interesting thread ...

IMO - totally contingent on the type of job. I would err on the side of conservative though. Do you know what the day to day dress code at the company is? Maybe go one step up from that for the interview.

Generally a nice shirt and skirt, a nice piece of jewellery, and subtle makeup are a good bet (unless it's in a very corporate environment).

Good luck

I work in an extremely conservative environment, and I am not conservative. I do tone it down a notch, but no way am I changing to accommodate The Man. I think it's more important how you carry yourself than specifically what you look like. Your credibility stems from your composure, your attitude, and your confidence -- not from whether you dress like a librarian or goth.

We are smart-casual ... but I'm a girly-girl so I usually wear skirts and heels anyway.

Only thing that annoys me is the no-jeans policy even on casual friday (which is mostly the same as every other day - grrrrrr )

You can wear black if you wear an appropriate STYLE, preferably business contemporary style. For instance, this picture illustrates it perfectly:

Notice the blouse is white. Other colors that can be worn for the blouse is pale pink, pale yellow, pale blue, or light mint green.

Sorry that I rambled on last night... My son told me to chill last night and brought me a glass of wine and I guess I chilled big time ...sooooo I just wanted to add

Appearance is very important....and yes appearance does matter.....So therefore, being well groomed is always a good idea for job interviews........Years ago, when I was going on interviews, I wore either a navy blue suit or my fav black suit. Which I might add, looked sharp...I always tried to look my best for all interviews since I knew appearance was important...

What I rambled on last night about my son is not the norm. Because appearance did not land him the job. Skills and personality did......He is the only man in the company with long hair.. He also is required to wear his hair pulled back...

It's true, your appearance is essential at a job interview. Sad but true. They could easily determine whether they would like to hire you or not by simply looking at your dress attire, hair, and make-up. I recommend just looking sunny at least this one time. Just to get in, then once your in you can go back to who you are and they won't be able to do anything about it. As long as your appropriate that's all that matters.

Good luck, I hope you get whatever job it is that your looking for.

Yes, often ppl with good speaking skills and competency in what they know will be hired in spite of how they might visually present. Unfortunately, those who hire are often determined to go by "first impressions" and we all know that means pleasing to the eye.

I was taught long ago, the best color for job interviews is navy blue. It is suppose to be the psychological color of honesty, but I have no idea if that has any factual support. Although, every job interview I have been on and worn Navy and Tan, the interview usually goes very well.

well i'm not going for a big job.. im only 15, and just looking for a 'first' job i guess, at a coffee shop, or food restaurants, since thats all i can really do at 15 years of age. i guess i do dress in more of the goth styles, but i am in no way dirty or unkept. i'm so used to wearing thick black eyeliner, i think i look scary without it. but i did have one interview where i wore eyeliner only lightly, and wore black pants and a burgandy [more dressy looking] t-shirt. so i am trying to wear more 'dressier' clothes to interviews, but its kind of difficult when i only have 1 shirt that fits me that ISNT black :] so anyways, i was just looking for some advice on what to wear, and what not to wear. my hair is dirty-blonde, though i was looking foreward to adding black and burgandy-ish streaks. [but i obviously cant do that if i want a job]

I would maybe somehow add a lil color to the all black look... maybe a belt or a ribbon in your hair... Just something to offset the alll black look......... And if at all possible, a different colored top..... Hey your 15, so dress like a 15 year old... Wear something that is comfortable and you feel good in... We always do better when we feel comfy in what we have on....Maybe you could ask your mom before you interview if what you have on looks good.. Moms most of the time give good advice...... . Good luck........ Hope you get a job for the summer............

Go ahead and wear black, just tone down the goth style a bit . . . I'd still suggest wearing 3 piece outfit . . . black slacks or skirt, black jacket or thin overshirt, and a pale pastel camisol.

i do wear things that i'm comfortable in.. what i usually wear is what i'm comfortable in. if i had jeans that didnt have a rip in them, i'd wear those, and my burgandy top, but i dont have jeans that dont have a hole in the knee. and i dont wear shorts, skirts, or dresses.

While I know that jeans seem to go anywhere, they don't go to a job interview, unless it's for picking crops or slopping burgers, imo. Comfort is one thing, casual is another?

think about economics . . . Job = $
try not to think about having to alter you image for a couple hours (for interview)

I like this article . . . excerpt below:
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There is an interesting article by Susan Young on the Inside Bay Area website about an experiment conducted by two teen girls applying for jobs at large, national retailers Abercrombie and Fitch and Hot Topic. One of the girls dressed up in gothic attire and one dressed up in typical teen style of jeans and t-shirt. Both went to these two different stores to ask about employment. The girl with gothic appearance was given the cold shoulder by both stores while the girl in pleasant, “normal” attire was warmly received and provided an interview date on the spot.

The tone of the article suggested that judgment by employers on outward appearances is discriminatory. Whether hiring on appearance is discriminatory or not, it is interesting to note the fact that openness on the part of the employer was improved by the pleasant appearance of the girl dressed in attractive, average clothing. Additionally, since the girls were applying for public-contact, sales-oriented positions, their appearance would have an effect on sales performance. In fact, the article notes several instances of negative reactions by passersby to the gothic-attired girl. Negative reactions by the buying public do not translate into sales for retailers.

This experiment was conducted by high school age girls in a minimum-wage employment setting, but the effects of appearance by job applicants is applicable across all industries and wage levels. How you look makes a difference in the job search process – like it or not. First impressions impact not only the reception you receive by prospective employers but also by people you meet in networking, professional development, and on the job itself.

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Picking crops and slopping burgers. Isn't that a bit harsh.. What was your first job??? Most teens do work in coffee shops or fast food places for their first job... Never quite heard it as slopping burgers tho..

i've never had a job, but i'm looking for a parttime one, thats why i started this.

I think you could get away with the streaks if you wore your hair in a neat or tight ponytail. Then again, take what *I* say with a grain of salt because I seem to be in the minority here regarding how conservative you need to be for a job interview.

Could you go to Goodwill and pick up a pair of pants and a shirt you like? They have some really good stuff for very little money.

Again, though -- my best advice is that if you are cheerful, polite, confident (firm handshake, look people directly in the eye, smile often, listen "actively", ask good questions, and speak articulately), then your makeup, clothes, hair is truly secondary. I wouldn't hesitate to hire someone who wore all black with heavy makeup and streaks in their hair -- as long as they had the skills I needed and seemed enthusiastic, professional, articulate, and motivated. Then again, I was rather 'goth' (although the term wasn't in use at the time) at your age so I am probably less likely to consider goth to be a bad thing than someone who was preppy.