Not to wear make up for a job interview?

[TinDogTavern]

I have a job interview this afternoon. I very very rarely wear make up, just weddings and big occasions really. I usually, grudgingly, put a bit on for interviews but does anyone care/notice? As a non-make up wearer I know I wouldn’t notice if someone had make up on or not (unless they had tons on, and massive brows or something). If you were interviewing would you notice/judge? Would you always wear make up for an interview? Job is secretarial in NHS.

It shouldn't make a difference, but it probably will. If you have good skin, just a tinted moisturiser & maybe some mascara will suffice?

Not wearing make-up and wearing too much does the same thing in securing a bad impression. You only need a bit of coloured lip gloss / a lick of mascara. Will take 5 min.

I never wear make up either but I do for job interviews. I think the first subconscious expression is very important when going for a job interview, and if a hint of make up makes you look less tired it is definitely worth it.

impression, not expression

Jesus Christ! Do not wear makeup if you don’t want to. This site is a bed of misogyny. No man would be told to wear makeup.

I have sensitive eyes and can’t wear eye makeup. I suppose I might as well give up trying to find a job or become a man.

What made you think you need make up? Just dress and present yourself smartly in whatever way you are comfortable. Then you can focus on the interview.

Thanks for the replies. What would the ‘bad impression’ be? I would only wear a tiny amount as suggested so I guess I’m kinda surprised that interviewers would look that forensically. I have reasonably clear skin but am 40s so definitely not dewy and fresh-faced!

If you don't normally wear make up and feel comfortable without it then don't wear it! Just be yourself. Good luck with the interview!

It shouldn't make a difference, but it probably will.

Seriously? My daughter never wears makeup, she does have fantastic skin though and not once has she worn any to interviews, not even mascara. She now works in a very 'looks oriented' workplace, she didn't wear any to that interview either. I think it's bloody shocking that someone might be denied a job if they don't wear makeup to an interview.

That’s my thinking @believeitornot - also as it’s about a million degrees I’d just be worried about it melting off, or rubbing my eye without thinking as I don’t usually wear mascara.

If you don’t usually wear make up then don’t wear makeup! Be yourself and good luck in your interview.

Isn't it depressing that making a good impression (for women exclusively) means changing your face so it looks "better".

I've always taken the view that if I'm otherwise well groomed and tidy then make-up less is how they'll have to take me because I don't own any, wouldn't know how to put it on properly and would be self conscious about having it on.

I've never worn makeup to an interview. I've always been offered the job afterwards so doesn't appear to have had a negative impact.

Forgot to wish you luck OP. Hope you are successful!

I don’t think it’s about whether you wear make up or not. It doesn’t matter either way.
However looking well groomed and professional does matter.
Personally I look a bag of shit without make up on so would have the confidence to go with out to an interview.
I also generally look tired without it. I wouldn’t want a future employer to think I’m “tired”
It sounds like you can get away with it!

Oh and I should say I interview people and it would not make the slightest difference to me

Thanks @violetcharlotte!

It shouldn't matter whether you're wearing make up or not but realistically it might. For lots of people (men and women) it falls under "making an effort" and of course an interview situation carries an expectation of you "making an effort" in how you present and that includes appearance.

Women + makeup is so normalized that I'd worry the interviewers, even if just subconsciously, might perceive this as not that bothered/doesn't particularly want the job .

OP depends what the job is for and what type of company.

If it was say for a customer facing in fashion retailer, as a receptionist or car sales, then yes you should wear make up. However if its for a job in a supermarket, backend offfice role or academic role I wouldn't bother.

I used to interview people, no make up made no difference whatsoever. As long as candidates looked smart and interviewed well.

I think people only look odd/bad without makeup if people are used to seeing them with make up if that makes sense? So if you usually have a full face on, people might think you look pale or tired without it. But it's ridiculous, why should women be expected to decorate their face?

Eh? What fucking difference? Jesus, such fucking lame sheep of women on here.

I interview people and I DGAF whether they wear makeup or not! It certainly has zero to do with making a good impression. Being appropriately dressed, on time, interested and interesting is what makes an impression, not whether you've had the inclination to paint yourself that day. What an odd thing to think.

I’ve done a lot of interviewing and the things that have made me judge candidates in a negative light have been lack of concentration, obvious failure to have understood the job description (even when prompted/corrected), arrogance... I honestly don’t think I’ve ever worried about whether someone had make-up on.

The main thing I’d say is consider your work environment. I’ve never worked in the NHS, but I can’t imagine it being the kind of environment where this would be an issue. If you were going to work in fashion or events planning, it would probably be different (not that that makes it fair - it’s just reality).

I’d rather interview someone with no makeup than someone with bad makeup which they didn’t even want to wear. I used to work in recruitment and it would have made zero difference to me. Unless I was interviewing you for a makeup artist role maybe!

I used to interview a lot of engineers of all genders and hardly any of them wore makeup. Did not make a difference to anyone.

I also take the view that if somebody thought makeup wasn't optional and discounted me due to that then it would be a lucky escape.

I think if you don’t usually wear make up then don’t wear it for the interview. Be yourself OP. Good luck, hope it goes well