So, you’re a guy with long hair, you’re out looking for a job—maybe your first job?—and you’re wondering, “Do I need to cut my hair?”
Maybe some other people—your dad, your girlfriend, your roommate—are wondering on your behalf: “Hmm, I *wonder* why you can’t get a job… is it because of your *HAIR*?!”
Allow me to join the fray and provide 9 quick thoughts on the question,”Should you cut your hair?”
1. If you are looking for a job as a cast member at a Disney theme park, the answer is yes, cut it.
2. If you are looking for a job as a cast member of the Broadway play “Hair,” the answer is no, do not cut it (Yes, that’s Treat Williams in there.)
3. If you grew your hair out in college because you could, because you wanted to know what it was like to be That Guy for awhile, because you wanted to stick it to your old man for being too strict with you growing up, because you always wanted long hair but your basketball coach wouldn’t let you do it, or because that really hot girl you were after said she liked long hair and you thought, “Hey, man, whatever it takes,” then yes, you’ve had your fun, now cut it.
4. If you grew your hair out because it’s who you are, if you wear it with confidence, and if the only reason you’re considering cutting now is to conform to the HR policies of a company you might not work for or because you’re trying to please someone else, or because your confidence is shot and you don’t know what else to do, then no, Samson, don’t cut it, you’ll regret it later, as you’ll be needlessly cutting away part of what makes you you. (Though if you would be willing to cut it later, do let the interviewer know.)
5. If you want a job on wall street, then forget your hair, get your head checked.
6. If you want a job at Ye Olde Renaissance Faire, then no, don’t cut it.
7. If you find yourself going to sites like this one to keep your hair styled properly, then I don’t know what to tell you. I’m sort of old school when it comes to guys and flat irons… I might not say anything to your face, but I will wonder silently why you would want to look like Victoria Beckham, and why, given all the talk about how beauty magazines are damaging to women’s self-esteem, you’d want to head down a similar path. I’d say cut it, but that’s just me showing my age. No offense, Pete.
8. If you are not a musician but you look like you could lead a cover band from a different decade, such as Skid Row or Nirvana or the Wailers, then—and I say this with all due respect to Sebastian and Kurt and Bob—then yes, cut it.
9. Finally, if you are really good at what you do, then leave it, cut it—it doesn’t matter. Focus on being great at what you do, and draw people’s attention to that. Right, Mr. Agassi?
Jason Seiden is CEO of Ajax Workforce Marketing. Ajax amplifies brands by aligning employees' online messaging.
I'm Jason. I run a brand agency with a specialization in workforce marketing.
{ 2 trackbacks }
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Very entertaining… and absolutely right on!!
As someone living two lives, consultant to corporate America by day and rock club sound guy/bartender by night, I often find myself straddling the line between what superficial attributes (hair, piercings, clothing) are pushing the boundaries in either arena. (i.e. While not many consultants have a pierced nose and long hair, not many sound engineers shop at the Men’s Warehouse.) Thank you for encouraging people who are good at what they do to be who they are. I think that goes for both sides of the fence. In either venue, it should be a person’s professionalism, demeanor and ability to do their job that are taken into account, not the cover of their book alone. That said, you do make a point that I very much agree with that individualism does NOT excuse you from being clean and well groomed, even if that takes a flat iron and ponytail holder. The same goes for guys in bands, I’ve been there. On the road, sleeping in vans, on floors or even in a video store (true story) but when someone offers you a shower, you take it!
Sebastian Bach always did have a hard time finding gainful employment after the Skid Row years… Now I know why….
Out – K
I say if you’re self conscious enough to ask… get a haircut. You can always grow it back out if you feel it was a mistake. I will say that chances are… it is not your hair keeping out of a job. Most likely the thing keeping you out of a steady pay check in a professional setting is the lack of experience.
No you do not need to get a hair cut just go to pro wrisling. then you ask the if you can work for them. then if it is yes you can work any where y like to. That is the small time pro wrisling groups not WWE or TNA. I hope this helps.