Dear Lola,
I am a young female college student who is preparing to enter the workforce. During my mock interviews, one of the common pieces of feedback is that I need to wear makeup. My attire is appropriate, my hair is never mentioned, even my answers to interview questions are given great marks. Yet each mock interviewer has said my lack of makeup can be viewed as unprofessional. I find it absolutely distasteful that I’m expected to slap on a face of paint in order to showcase myself as a competent worker. Even worse is that I’m entering a very male-dominated industry and all of the interviews have been conducted by men. Am I just going to be seen as eye-candy or can I go without makeup and be taken seriously?
Sincerely,
Manager NOT Mistress
Dear Manager NOT Mistress,
Just when I think I’ve read it all, I get a letter like this. I really wish you had mentioned how old these interviewers were, but I’m guessing they are at least 10 years out of college if they’re appointed with helping students hone their interview skills. To be honest, I’m really hoping they are in their mid-fifties or older because then I could write it off as a generational difference of opinion in how ‘professional’ women should present themselves.
That makes their suggestions disappointing, but not completely abhorrent.
Either way, I think you need to approach the school system that has arranged these mock interviews and have a discussion with them about the people you’ve been paired with for guidance. Women have more to offer the workplace than their looks and it sounds like you are presenting them with an equitable package to your male counterparts. Your attire is professional, your hair is tidy, and your face has skin on it.
If the interviewers want to see makeup so badly, they should apply it to themselves each morning.
In all reality I am sure many readers would disagree and say that to get a job you have to play the game. That’s for you to decide. Maybe, just maybe, not playing the game will lead you to a job where the boss doesn’t care about your blush choice and instead values your work ethic. Just make sure to show up with skin on your face.
♥Lola♥
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Wow. Just wow! Do people serious think this still these days?
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I know, it’s pretty shocking!
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I used to not where make up for work unless it was a big presentation or unless I was going out for lunch. Or job interviews. It became a bit obvious after awhile…hehehehe
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Wear! Where is my brain?
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I hardly ever wear make up, and when I do, people are always thrown off.
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I say go with how you feel most confident as this is what will make the biggest difference in an interview.
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Good word, Lola, and when I read the title to this piece, I was sure that you were going to be setting some boundaries for how Heather could refer to herself in reference to you!
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I would laugh if this wasn’t so likely true: where are the #metoo crowd when you need them??? #DreamTeam
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I’ve never worn make up to an interview, I don’t wear jewellery either (I tend to fidget with it when I’m nervous and that’s never a good look.) I have always, always remembered to keep my skin on though. And maybe a few clothes on the other bits of my body!
#Dreamteam
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Skin and bits of clothing are the most important!
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I’m shocked that this is even a thing! As if! God I’m never leaving my current job, I look like crap most days and know one cares! Lol
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I can’t believe people are still evaluating a workforce based on their mascara skills!
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Shocking and absurd that this is actually still a problem. Good grief.
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I know, I was really surprised to get this letter.
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I think this is definitely still a thing in some work places. Make-up and heels for a polished look apparently, but surely it’s what you can bring to the table with your mind, so to speak. Meh…. dress codes. #DreamTeam 😉
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I would be in so much trouble with a dress code that included make up. I can barely wear anything on my face because my skin is so sensitive that I get a rash anywhere I put make up on. Imagine having to explain that to a new employer because their dress code is so antiquated!
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I am regularly make up free and this really disappoints me to hear that we’re just not moving enough with the times, pretty shocking! #dreamteam
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I agree, skills and work ethic are much more important than if the person is wearing mascara. I am never bothered by people who want to wear make up, but I am bothered by people who demand others wear make up because of their own opinion on what looks acceptable to them. A person’s face is their face, as long as it is clean that is all that matters.
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