One of the discussions talked about having a clean shave, well, when I do I look like a baby and also the shine makes my double chin pop out. I use a electric trimmer and go against the grain, so less than 1mm hair. Little more than 5 o clock shadow. I look very clean and have a fade hair cut. Will I get dinged for not having a clean shave?
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I've seen mixed opinions about this on this forum, but the general consensus seems to be that you should be clean shaven if you want to be conservative. People have said that they don't get dinged for having facial hair only if it is very well kept, relatively short, and not patchy. I've seen people get offers both ways.
Hedge by shaving left cheek clean and trimming right.
+1 SB
What is the risk/reward here?
Just shave it off. If you keep it that short, you can always grow it back in a day or two anyhow. Once you get the job, you can figure out how often everyone shaves. If people care, you can probably get away with shaving M-Th, skipping Friday, and then having your stubble throughout the weekend so you look how you want with your friends.
I am asking this not because I am afraid to look like a baby for a day or two, but its how me looking like a baby impact my chances. Plus, I am a big guy (tall and huge) so it adds to the effect. That's my main concern.
By shaving: The risk is that I look like a big baby and don't get the offer. The reward is that I am clean shaven and maybe get the offer.
By not shaving/trimming: Risk: I don't get the offer. Reward: I don't look weird and maybe get the offer.
People aren't going to not hire you because you're clean shaven.
You are way overthinking this.
Honestly?
You shouldn't be asking on an internet forum. We can't see how you look. Solicit some semi-professional advice. Either hire an online style consultant (there's a few who will do photo analysis for not much) or try both ways while having someone who knows what the hell they're talking about can critique you.
Reason I say that is because it's dependent on you. Probably 95% of the time conservative and clean-cut is better....HOWEVER there are some people who look butt-ugly with the "normal" styles and can't pull them off or have a unique personal brand that works for them (rare because it needs to come across during a quick meeting, but does exist).
A great example is guys who are balding. I've seen a few of them successfully shave and let a bit of hair grow out to pull off a Jason Statham look. Again this is only a small minority of people. It's just one counterexample that might apply and that I am using as an example for why someone might want to break the general rule.
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