Should I shave my beard if I am currently a civilian but have an interview for a Reserve position?

Maj Matt Hylton — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 11:32:01 -0400

I've been out for a year and the interview is in civies (business casual).

Response by MAJ Rene De La Rosa made Apr 10 at 2016 11:35 AM

MAJ Rene De La Rosa — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 11:35:55 -0400

Suggest that you shave your beard. This would make you more likely to get picked for the job.

Response by Maj Lee White made Apr 10 at 2016 11:41 AM

Maj Lee White — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 11:41:58 -0400

Yes. It grows back.

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Apr 10 at 2016 11:45 AM

Maj Mike Sciales — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 11:45:52 -0400

Best to shave your beard. The current military culture eschews beards - they allow for too much individuality and possibly dissent. The last time they were permitted was during Vietnam times, the Navy & Adm Zumwalt. I saw those guys, they looked like real sailors. Of course, that was the 70s when somehow, despite beards, smoking, drinking and going to strip clubs, people managed to get to work, did their jobs and faithfully executed the exacting, if somewhat confusing, instructions from our civilian masters. In the 70s retirees got 50% of their salary, plus COLA & free medical care at any base hospital for all the rest of their lives. It was a great deal for loyal and faithful service. Of course the stress of all that hard living in a Type A world (we had SAC then) meant that enlisted folks died on average 18 months after retirement and officers lasted 3 years. (Read the stat 1972). However, it's now 2016, we are drawing down forces and those billets will go at a premium to guys who look like they'll bring a lot to the fight, won't be a moments worry and would be happy to donate a lot of free time to furtherance of the mission, for whatever retirement annuity scheme the Reserves/Guard has. Your call.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Apr 10 at 2016 11:48 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 11:48:54 -0400

The beard will grow back - your opportunity to serve will not.
Priorities.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2016 12:06 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 12:06:32 -0400

Do you want the position? Not saying you would not get it with a beard or would get it clean shaven. But, I suspect the odds for success are considerable better shaven.

Is that right? Maybe not. But, I believe it is true.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2016 12:22 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 12:22:29 -0400

Yes, Sir. "Dress for the job you want.." :)

Good luck!!

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 10 at 2016 12:25 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 12:25:06 -0400

Damn straight!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2016 1:40 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 13:40:03 -0400

Maj Matt Hylton Sir, shave the beard.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Apr 10 at 2016 4:24 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 16:24:34 -0400

If I was going for a Reserve Officer interview I'd be with in Regs as far as appearance. You only get one chance to make a first impression.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Apr 10 at 2016 11:37 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 23:37:59 -0400

Absolutely. You want to look the part. Looking and acting the part shows them that you are ready to hit the ground running.

Response by Maj Matt Hylton made Apr 10 at 2016 11:50 PM

Maj Matt Hylton — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 23:50:32 -0400

Thanks everyone for confirming what I was 95% sure I was going to do anyway. Feels weird to not shave for almost a year and then take it all off again.

The hair never got out of regs. 3 on top, skin on side w/a high fade - I hate combing, fixing, styling my hair, it'll prickly never change.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Apr 11 at 2016 2:50 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 14:50:15 -0400

Maj Matt Hylton If you have to question it, the answer should be obvious. While nobody can actually say what the reaction would be to your beard in an interview, it much more likely that it will be negative than it will be positive, particularly when interviewing with military personnel.

In nan interview, you always want to put your best foot forward and present yourself in the best light possible. Having a beard in this situation would probably be viewed as a real negative and would probably cause most, if not all, to discount anything else about the interview. I am not saying that is fair, but it is, most likely, a fact.

Response by MSgt Bruce Hutchinson made Apr 12 at 2016 7:30 AM

MSgt Bruce Hutchinson — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 07:30:24 -0400

As said before, dress and groom for the job that you want.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2016 12:35 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 12:35:52 -0400

Yes. Because you know the rules. It probably wouldn't be held against a non prior as much, but you would be expected to appear in regs.

Response by MSgt Brian Welch made Apr 12 at 2016 4:22 PM

MSgt Brian Welch — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 16:22:00 -0400

The very questions infers one might be right and one might be a liability in the interview process. I'm certain being well shaved can't be wrong.

Response by TSgt Alexander Lewis made Apr 12 at 2016 5:25 PM

TSgt Alexander Lewis — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 17:25:45 -0400

Yes

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2016 3:39 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 15:39:21 -0400

yes! one should strive to look as professional as possible for any interview. Not saying that facial hair presents an opposite effect, but "you only get one chance to make a first impression". If you're going for a potential military affiliated position, cut it off. its only hair and will grow back in time.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2016 6:57 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 May 2016 06:57:30 -0400

The fact that you're asking at all means that you already know the right thing to do. Keeping your beard might cost you the job, but shaving it certainly will not.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2017 10:15 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 22:15:37 -0400

I joined the reserves with a full beard. There's no reason to shave until at least after you are accepted.