In the eye of the beholder

Piercings, tattoos, Mohicans, tracksuits, pink hair…. what’s really acceptable at an interview? A recent news report from the BBC asked employers whether they would employ a 24-year-old girl called Rebecca. Rebecca, a very pretty girl, had multiple piercings, purple streaks in semi dreadlocked hair, tattoos and was casually dressed. The news article poses an interesting question for employers about what’s suitable ‘work attire’ and whether some people are rightly or wrongly pushing the boundaries of acceptable interview dress these days.

Quite rightly, I’m sure employers wouldn’t dream of discriminating against someone in an interview because of race, disability, age etc but is it really still acceptable to judge people on appearance. Perhaps you’d argue that Rebecca couldn’t work in a customer service role, in a banking, legal profession etc… but why is that?

What do you think?  If you had 2 candidates both with the same qualifications would you base your final decision on appearance?  What if the applicant with pink hair and piercings was slightly better qualified, would your choice still be influenced by her appearance?

The advice we give to young people is to dress smartly to make a good impression. How important is this when you’re recruiting?  Is it OK to have piercings and a Mohican if you’re qualified and dressed in a suit?  It’s an interesting question and we’d love you to share your views.

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