Artistic Expression and First Impression

First Impressions

How does what you consider an artistic expression come across as a first impression during an interview? Tattoos, non-traditional hair styles, non-conservative dress and body piercings; it’s important to know your audience. If only the entire world did not judge a book by its cover.  If only every person you meet, didn’t immediately make a snap decision about you based entirely on what you look like.  If only.

Unfortunately, we can’t really stop ourselves from how we feel or control how others feel about us. A first impression is a first impression.  Everyone does it, whether they know it or not.  You glance at every person you pass on the street and within seconds something clicks inside and you form an opinion about that person.

I don’t think it is physically possible to stop it.  It is part of what makes us who we are and helps us determine what or who is safe and what or who is not.

In an interview, that first impression tells us who we feel comfortable enough to work with and with whom we don’t feel that comfort level. It can be as simple as meeting someone who reminds you of your favorite cousin or someone who reminds you of your crazy uncle who drowns kittens.  Sometimes it’s the tone of voice or the mannerisms or just the same hair style.  It’s still a snap opinion, made in the first seconds.

I don’t know anyone who teaches their children to seek out the largest, scariest looking guy they can find if they are frightened or lost, because that person will protect them.  Although I have personally known some people who look extremely scary, but who are gentle as a lamb and who would protect any child from danger.

Tattoos on an Interview

One woman I met had covered her entire body with tattoos.  She dressed in a high neck, long sleeve blouse and slacks with a jacket for her interview for a very high level position with a creative firm.  She reached across to shake hands and the cuff of her blouse slipped up. The hiring manager saw a very tiny piece of one of her tattoos.  After about a half hour of rolling up sleeves and showing off each other’s tattoos they finished the interview.  She was offered the job on the spot.  So there’s no telling for sure which way any of this will go. Of course, based on the job you are interviewing for, the level of the position and the reputation of the company, you may be able to let some of your artistic expression show.  However, you may want to stay on the conservative side, just in case.

Conservative Company Equals Conservative Dress

If you are interviewing with a traditionally conservative company, toning down the bright purple hair with green high lights, the 25 piercings in your face and ears and covering up some of the more flamboyant tattoos may be in your best interest.  Remember you only have one chance to make a good first impression.