Wild hair may be okay, but not piercings

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), April, 2006

John A. Challenger, chief executive officer of the global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc., Chicago, offers some advice on issues that could come up for young job seekers steeped in the latest fashion and youth-oriented trends:

Tattoo. Show it off, unless it is offensive, in which case you should plan on concealing it in the interview and even after getting the job. The other time you would want to conceal your tattoos is if you know that a certain employer would frown upon such decorations.

Piercings. Beware! With increased security at many corporate offices, too much bling could set off the metal detectors. You do not want to be late to the interview because you were forced to remove 12 body piercings at the security desk. Moreover, too many piercings might be a distraction for the interviewer and could hurt your chances. Also, it would be prudent to remove tongue and lip piercings, as these often make it difficult for others to understand what you are saying.

Baggy clothing. Avoid blue jeans, unless it is how everyone else in the office dresses. It is possible to look presentable in loose-fitting khakis and a button-down shirt. For the interview, refrain from wearing pants that ride below the waistline (often showing off one's undergarments or bare body).

Wild hair. Streaks of blue, green, or fire-engine red will not scare off most hiring authorities, but a Mohawk or hairdo resembling a bird's nest might.

Cell phones. Cell phones have no place in the job interview. They should be turned off and stashed away in a bag or briefcase. Imagine being in the middle of answering a question and your personalized ring tone featuring the latest hip-hop anthem interrupts. Even on vibrate, a cell phone going off can be a major distraction.