Shaving vs. trimming for interviews?

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?

9 Comments
 

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.

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

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.

 

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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