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AIBU?

To think I'm not glamorous enough for this job?

68 replies

Jackfruitburger · 12/12/2018 17:52

Ok long story, but I've taken a pay cut to work in a different sector with more chance of a promotion/ better pension and more sociable working hours. It will pay off in the long run but at the moment I'm skint. I need to get a Saturday job or another job to fit in around my current one so things don't feel so tight.
I've applied for one in a local estate agents which I'm over qualified for but will pay better than shop work (don't get me wrong, I worked in retail for years and LOVED it!) The thing that worries me is that I'm not the most glamorous woman in the world and most estate agents tend to be. We bought our house last year and every female estate agent I encountered had towering heels, perfect make up and flawless hair. I'm not dirty or scruffy but I don't enjoy doing my hair and I rarely wear makeup.
In my previous jobs as a receptionist this has been hinted at, one of my bosses even bought me make up once! Someone else left a leaflet about braces in my locker, it's been awful! I just don't care enough to try and on a personal note, I don't think it adds anything to my professionalism. I can do the job with or without false eyelashes.
Is this going to count against me in the interview? It really shouldn't but I know how these things work. You can never 'prove' that it's why didn't hire you.
Any tips?

OP posts:

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grumiosmum · 12/12/2018 17:54

If I was going for a job interview I would always take care to present myself in the best possible light.

That includes wearing makeup, even if I don't do it every day.

Sidelook · 12/12/2018 17:55

Don’t go changing because it may be comfortable for others. If you are happy with yourself, embrace it. Good luck in your new job.

IamSusan · 12/12/2018 17:56

No one can force you to wear make-up. However, your hair needs to be tidy and messy hair do is not acceptable for front-house roles.

At least try to look smart. It doesn't matter if you don't enjoy doing your hair, you don't need to spend an hour curling it every morning, but it should be either in a cut easy to manage, or put up neatly (which is much easier, and the reason why long hair is less faff)

WorraLiberty · 12/12/2018 17:58

Just make yourself as smart and presentable as you can

Good luck with the interview

funnylittlefloozie · 12/12/2018 18:05

Can you really not think of a middle ground between looking like a bag lady and being dolled up like Kim Kardashian?

Saying you need braces is rude. Expecting the public face of your company to look tidy and well-presented is not rude.

In a sales-based business, you need to look "prosperous", even if you aren't.

VioletCharlotte · 12/12/2018 18:06

I used to be an estate agent and I'm not glamorous at all. You need to look smart and well groomed though, so decent suit, polished shoes, neat hair and nails. Personality is really important, they'll want to see you're chatty and outgoing and comfortable talking to people. Good luck with the interview!

GertrudetheFifth · 12/12/2018 18:10

I’m not into make up and I hate doing hair too, but for work I always make sure my hair is neat (easy put up style) and wear a small amount of powder and blusher and a tinted lip balm. This lets me (give or take) fit in with the other women around me.

I kind of see it as part of work appropriate dress for women of my age. I wouldn’t wear my hoody and comfy old jeans to work, so nor would I have my hair in a quick ponytail. For me the key was finding a compromise that was quick to do, but still gave me a confidence boost that it looked nice and appropriate.

Jackfruitburger · 12/12/2018 18:11

@funnylittlefloozie where did I say I looked like a bag lady? I said I was clean and not scruffy. I just don't wear make up. My hair is curly so I tie it back, I don't straighten it because it's bad for its condition. I wear flats because they're comfortable. Basically I'm not going to do anything that they wouldn't expect a man to do.

OP posts:

Finfintytint · 12/12/2018 18:13

Just smart,clean and professional I would say as a customer not an employer. I don't care about the make up,etc. I would want you to do the job.

Babycham1979 · 12/12/2018 18:17

Basically I'm not going to do anything that they wouldn't expect a man to do

So, you're going to interview fully shaved, short back and sides in a suit, tie and shiny shoes? No, thought not.

The fluffy PC answer is that you can wear what you want, which you obviously can. Just don't expect to get the job.

You have every right to dress as you like but a) it won't exactly convey an impression of flexibility or willingness to cooperate and b) this may not be the image the company is trying to present to customers.

They have every right to require employees to dress as they ask (within reason).

MadisonMontgomery · 12/12/2018 18:17

If you want the job, why wouldn’t you dress for it? Obviously you can make as much/little effort as you want, but if you know they like a certain look and you want to get the job, I don’t see why you wouldn’t dress the part for the interview at least.

KonekoBasu · 12/12/2018 18:19

I don't get how they manage it. However hard I try I always have a slight air of scruffiness, my hair does what it wants and my skin won't tolerate make-up. And I can't wear heels, which I guess doesn't help.

NonaGrey · 12/12/2018 18:22

You can be glamorous and elegant in flats with curly hair and natural skin.

It’s all about presentation. There’s more than one way to skim a cat.

Jackfruitburger · 12/12/2018 18:23

@MadisonMontgomery because it's false. I like to believe that we don't need to do those things anymore. I work in a sector where there are so many more important things to consider than what you look like. It's actually not advised that I dress up for my other job as I work with vulnerable people who want a real person to speak to, not a facade. I worry that I won't be able to Flick the switch from one role to the other.
I suppose a bit of me resists because I know I'd be hardworking, loyal and a good member of the team and I feel that should be enough for them.

OP posts:

Jackfruitburger · 12/12/2018 18:24

@KonekoBasu same! It's like my body can't be bothered either!

OP posts:

IamSusan · 12/12/2018 18:27

Basically I'm not going to do anything that they wouldn't expect a man to do.
Babycham1979 has replied better than I would.

You are supposed to be dressed at your absolute smartest on your job interview - in a professional way . If you look like you haven't bothered to make an effort then, your interviewer is going to be very worried how casual you would turn up on your first day!

I rarely wear make-up, I'd rather go to the gym if I have 30mn at lunch time. I still look professional. I also wear flats as much as I wear heels, but not with a dowdy skirt, so I look fine. I can't think that many people even notice the small details.

Finfintytint · 12/12/2018 18:30

I agree OP. I work in a profession where there are rules about presentation. The rules dictate that there is no ostentationess. No obvious make up, hair colour, silly nails, customisation of uniform. It makes working life easier as you don't have to faff about your appearance other than being clean, smart and tidy.
You can focus on your actual ability to do the job rather than some facade.

Atalune · 12/12/2018 18:32

It’s interesting, you need the job and you know what to do it.

Your principles won’t let you go that extra (uncomfortable) step to secure the role.

How do you square the circle? Play the game for your own advantage or stick to your principles and loose out.

I know what I would do.

IamSusan · 12/12/2018 18:39

You can focus on your actual ability to do the job rather than some facade.

Appearance IS part of the job!

Finfintytint · 12/12/2018 18:44

Meh, only in some patriarchal nonsense where women are expected to " look the part ". Tis bollocks.

saveforthat · 12/12/2018 18:48

There is absolutely no need to wear make up to look professional. I pity women who have been brainwashed into thinking there is.

IamSusan · 12/12/2018 18:49

Meh, only in some patriarchal nonsense where women are expected to " look the part ". Tis bollocks.

as much as men are expected to look the part, so not sure what the patriarchy has to do in there.

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Jackfruitburger · 12/12/2018 18:51

Find me one job description where it tells staff that they have to wear high heels and make up? I know when I went into the bank earlier and the cashier couldn't do what I needed her to, whether it was her fault or not, the fact that she was wearing lots of make up made no difference to her ability to do her job. It didn't make one bit of difference to how I interacted with her nor my impression of the bank in general.

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Finfintytint · 12/12/2018 18:52

Iamsusan, really?

Jackfruitburger · 12/12/2018 18:52

@IamSusan but they're not expected to wear make up and high heels are they? They don't even need to be clean shaven anymore.

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