[Maestro]

If you're going for a IT job, keep it seem like they are standard wears amoung the IT crowd, otherwise it looks like you have the inability to grow a real beard so you settle for a goatee

[wakeboarder109]

Originally Posted by Maestro

If you're going for a IT job, keep it seem like they are standard wears amoung the IT crowd, otherwise it looks like you have the inability to grow a real beard so you settle for a goatee

unfortunately, growing facial hair is the least of my concerns, I've had a beard since I was 13.

[Cosmop]

I had a friend on our Rugby team that got a major black eye in a game the day before his big interview. The people doing the interview must have been impressed because he got the job.

[Feyd]

Originally Posted by wakeboarder109

unfortunately, growing facial hair is the least of my concerns, I've had a beard since I was 13.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

[MediaArtist]

Originally Posted by Maestro

If you're going for a IT job, keep it seem like they are standard wears amoung the IT crowd, otherwise it looks like you have the inability to grow a real beard so you settle for a goatee

Or ponytail.

[DBFIU]

If facial hair is the deciding factor between getting hired or not, then you're not doing a good enough job of selling yourself.

You can keep the beard if it's a clean one, no ratty looking sh1t.

Shaving takes 5 minutes, just do it.

[AjzRide]

I've help hired 7 chemical engineers in the last 4 years, interviewed close to 50, I can't remember if a single one of them had facial hair. Well... there was that one girl, but I don't think that counts. Then again I'm been accused of being way to insensitive in general, so maybe that is just a side effect my personality to not care about anything except how much work load a person can take off my plate. In the end if it makes you look more mature, and gives you confidence, then keep it because I don't think anyone will notice. Otherwise, shave it so you don't have to worry about it.

[335R1]

Originally Posted by Feyd

If it were me I'd shave it 100% of the time for interviews, no exceptions.

I said what I said, because the OP obviously has some reservations about leaving it for his interviews. The question isn't weather its professional or not, the question is why is he feeling the way he is. He should be going with his gut on this, not asking a bunch of people on a car forum at 10pm. Does he think it looks professional enough to leave it? Does he see a ton of people wearing suits/ties/uniforms at the Department of Defense rocking goatees?

And I'm sorry, but the naïvety is really killing me on this one. I've been in rooms and participated in conversations where people DON'T get hired specifically for little things like having facial hair, or needing a haircut, or the color of their tie. I know it sounds stupid and petty, but one of the first rules of interviewing is that you don't ever really know who is going to be critiquing you during interviews. Even people you don't speak to directly (like the boss's assistant) could be asked point blank what they "thought" of you... and those opinions my friends will be made solely on your appearance. And who knows, maybe the goatee reminds them of a creepy uncle they used to have... or that green tie reminds them of their abusive father. *shrug*

Also, its a competitive world out there. When you meet the "team" members on interview day they are going to instantaneously feel a bit competitive to a prospective employee. When this happens I have literally seen some people get so defensive they will start ragging on people's physical appearance later around the water cooler, etc. This happens a LOT more often than you think.

The bottom line is that while you can't control the opinions some people might have of you, one of the things you can control is your physical appearance. You need to let your experience/resume/personal interview stand out, and not anything else. With the economy the way it is, you don't need to give ANYONE any ammunition to keep you from getting hired... even if all that amounts to is having a goatee.

And since you might already have a tiny phobia about keeping it, if you don't shave it you have to weigh the potential likelihood of getting freaked about weather you made the right decision to keep it. And something seemingly insignificant like that has the potential to lessen your confidence and make you not interview as well.

Had to qoute for hitting the nail right on the head. I took Human Resource Management and that old saying for one chance at a first impression can't be any more true. Appearance is everything the first few moments. The interviewer will base their language and feeling towards how they see you.

[talisman311]

I work in IT at a major company, unless it's a small, liberal company - shave it... Also, if you have to ask.. well.. think you already answered your question.

[hhkim]

A first impression is made subconsciously within the first 2 seconds that two people meet. And that will seal your fate most likely, so don't jeopardize yourself by taking unnecessary risks.

Good luck on the interview