Appearance at interviews

Discussion in 'Job Seekers' started by TeacherWhoRuns, May 19, 2017.

  1. TeacherWhoRuns

    TeacherWhoRuns Companion

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2011
    Messages:
    187
    Likes Received:
    52

    May 19, 2017

    So here's a question.
    I've been on temporary contracts for the last three years. Although I've been hired back at my same position each time, I still apply at various places and go through interviews.
    I want to do a fantasy hair color over the summer. I'd never do it during the school year because of the distraction. If I have a band-aid on or a piece of jewelry that I've never worn before, my students can't focus on anything else. I got new glasses this year and for weeks all they wanted to talk about was why I changed my glasses. So, the summer seems like a good time to do something fun like purple hair. But, it's also interview season. I'm wondering how badly it might hurt me. Obviously I'd go back to a conservative color to go back to school, but I'm not sure explaining that would convince an interview panel. On the other hand, maybe people are more liberal than I'm expecting. We have a lot of teachers with visible tattoos these days, but most of them are permanent contracts and not in danger of losing their jobs over such things.
    Thoughts?
     
    Leaborb192 likes this.
  2.  
  3. MrsC

    MrsC Multitudinous

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2005
    Messages:
    14,067
    Likes Received:
    1,884

    May 19, 2017

    Here, it wouldn't be an issue at all--even during the school year. I certainly can't speak for other areas, however.
     
  4. teacherintexas

    teacherintexas Maven

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2005
    Messages:
    5,294
    Likes Received:
    760

    May 19, 2017

    If you are interviewing, keep a naturally occurring hair color. That can wait until another summer.
     
    ready2learn, Leaborb192 and otterpop like this.
  5. pommom

    pommom Comrade

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2015
    Messages:
    444
    Likes Received:
    98

    May 19, 2017

    Agree, because you don't want something stupid like that to be in the back of your mind on why you didn't land a job.
     
    Leaborb192 and anon55 like this.
  6. czacza

    czacza Multitudinous

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2001
    Messages:
    24,959
    Likes Received:
    2,116

    May 19, 2017

    This
     
    Leaborb192 likes this.
  7. Nab

    Nab Companion

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2014
    Messages:
    208
    Likes Received:
    25

    May 19, 2017

    It can be a really big deal for some interviewers. I know where I am all teachers must have a hair color that is naturally in nature (blond, black, brown, or red). I would leave the hair dying until another summer. OR, get a fabulous wig in your natural hair color.
     
  8. waterfall

    waterfall Virtuoso

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2011
    Messages:
    6,156
    Likes Received:
    993

    May 20, 2017

    I'm in a liberal area and I think it could have an impact on interviews here. I'm not saying it would knock you right out of the running, but it might be a factor. I personally wouldn't risk it.
     
    Leaborb192 likes this.
  9. rpan

    rpan Cohort

    Joined:
    Mar 19, 2017
    Messages:
    703
    Likes Received:
    540

    May 20, 2017

    You want to look professional in your interviews, not like one of the students.
     
  10. DHE

    DHE Connoisseur

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2007
    Messages:
    1,909
    Likes Received:
    29

    May 27, 2017

    i wouldn't do it in this area.
     
  11. vickilyn

    vickilyn Multitudinous

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2014
    Messages:
    12,142
    Likes Received:
    2,960

    May 27, 2017

    I am going to go out on a limb and suggest that you have a 5x7 picture of your appearance (hair color) with students, and then the same for you appearance when you "let your hair down" over the summer when you are de-stressing. I, personally, would appreciate the sly sense of humor, and your way of showing that the school you and summer you are affected by your desire to do what is right for the kids at all times. That sends a message that you appreciate and follow norms because you want to be an asset, not a distraction, for your students.

    Best of luck!
     

Share This Page

Members Online Now

Total: 136 (members: 0, guests: 109, robots: 27)
test