I graduated in December and am currently interviewing. This may sound like a silly question, but my career advisor suggested I shave my beard — could that really make a difference?
Did my son put you up to writing this question? He’s in high school and could grow a fuller beard than I could — but I won’t let him. (And no, Elias, it’s not because I’m jealous!)
The choices we make about those aspects of our appearance we can control send a message. Clothing, jewelry, fragrances, piercings and, yes, facial hair, all make some kind of statement. Whether or not a beard on a recent grad will have an impact on a job search depends on several factors. I mean, are we talking Williamsburg hipster scruff or Rip Van Winkle? And what kind of jobs are you applying for, in what kind of firms? Skinny jeans, chunky glasses and casual cool-wear is the uniform for tech start-ups, with or without the scruff stuff.
If you’re going for more traditional corporate jobs, though, I’d suggest losing the beard for the interviews. Clean-cut and professional works everywhere (including high school!).
I see film crews operating all over the city, and I’d love to work on one. But I’ve heard getting a job in film or TV production is very competitive. Any tips for breaking in?
So you’re ready for your close-up, are you? Well stick with me, kid, and I’ll make you a star . . . or at least the guy who directs traffic away from the celebrity trailers.
The Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting is great place to start. It coordinates all the shoots around the city (and issues permits for trailers to take up all the parking spaces, so I have to circle for hours). On its Web site you’ll find a weekly posting called Reel Jobs listing opportunities, including jobs working on productions shooting around town. It also offers mentorship and training programs. For info see nyc.gov/film.
By the way, pounding the pavement is always worthwhile and something few people actually try. Show up with resume in hand and tell them you’re ready for “action.”