Long hair for interviews

thebusynurse · Jan 31, 2012

I always wore my long hair down for all of my interviews, and it didn't prevent me from getting hired.

As long as your hair is clean and neat, I doubt that it will make much of an impact on those interviewing you... unless it's spiked 2ft tall & purple with green tips :eek:

If you're really concerned about it, you can always wear it in a bun or other updo that's a little more stylish than a ponytail.

Good luck!

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jan 31, 2012

For interviews, you want a polished, professional look, and hair hanging down around your face doesn't quite accomplish it.:)I usually put mine in a no-nonsense ponytail at the nape of my neck and secure the loose ends with a satin scrunchie, or sweep it all into a controlled updo with a clip. Although I have done the bun, on an older woman like me it tends to look rather severe unless you leave the hair sort of loose around it, so I don't use it on business-related visits.

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · Jan 31, 2012

I wore my hair down for my interview and that didn't prevent me from getting hired.

Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2012

I really think as long as it's neat no one is going to make a hiring decision based on it. My hair tends to do the unruly wavy thing when down (unless I straighten which takes hours), so I usually do an updo so it stays neater. If your hair is more manageable worn down I see no issue with it.

maria25 · Jan 31, 2012

Thanks for all the opinions. For my first interview I pulled just the sides back so nothing was in my face, but it wasn't "up" either. For some reason, I think pony tails are informal and an updo/bun is too formal for an interview. I recently cut a lot of length off (but still below my shoulders) so I don't like the look of just the sides pulled back now. For yesterday's interview I just kept it all down and think I will do the same from now on.

Aurora77 · Jan 31, 2012

We got told in school to pull our hair back so we look more like we will when we're working. I have long hair. I left it down, but pulled back with a barette. Got the job.

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Jan 31, 2012

I wore mine down at my first job and it was long, I just kept it neat and professional and it was fine. After that I've had it in a short bob since.

RNLaborNurse4U · Jan 31, 2012

Just keep it neat, professional, and nothing too fancy (nor too "thrown back"). Wear it how you would wear your business casual clothing. I have very long hair, and I just make sure it's styled neatly, with the top and sides pulled back behind my ears.

cdsga · Jan 31, 2012

Wear it however, just make sure it's washed and not greasy.

NoviceRN10 · Feb 1, 2012

I don't know about anyone else, but actually working as a nurse I am not required to keep my hair up or back (we're not in school anymore and bound by those rules!). I have medium length hair, but if it were longer I still wouldn't have to keep it pulled back. For an interview I think you should wear your hair in a way that flatters your appearance the most. I think wearing mine up or back makes me look older, which is not an image I want to give the manager .

cdsga · Feb 1, 2012

I honestly don't understand how you can have long hair down when you are caring for a patient who is sick. I don't want a nurse standing over me flicking her hair back when they are changing a dressing, etc. You have a tendency to handle it with your fingers too much or using the back of your hand to flip back over your shoulder. It's just kind of gross-hair filters all the pollution in the air, has bacteria, etc. Just not a good thing in my opinion. If you can pull it back, pull it back. You are at work not a club. or working at a beauty salon or retail. Check out restaurants where servers bring food. How many long haired wait staff bring food to your table? You don't want hair in your food or on your table anymore than patients want your hair in their bed or on their gown, or in their dressing. There are youthful ways to put your hair back and look professional. On interviews, it really doesn't matter if you wear your hair up or down. I have interviewed folks many times over. What they are looking for is a well polished, clean, neat professional appearance. Clothes don't have to be the latest designer duds, just something that looks professional. Remember, once you are hired, very few will see you in street clothes except for coming or going from work. Other jobs may require lab coat over your outfit. Minimal cleavage, Hair clean and styled and neat so that you don't play with it during the interview, and clothes that are pressed and clean. They don't care about too much else.