Facial hair for interviews

[cop to pa]

Is it appropriate to have a beard for an interview for PA school?

[rev ronin]

I don't recall any of my classmates wearing a beard to an interview... but they were mostly women. :-)

In all seriousness, I wouldn't.  Things are so competitive, I would hate to get ding'ed on something like that.... and I much prefer my beard to shaving, but have only been able to grow one on vacation since I joined the fire service.  I think people who think well-kept beards are unprofessional are bigoted, but at the same time acknowledge the reality that they may have input into my life that can be anonymous and subtle.

[cg02186]

I didn't wear one for my interview but saw several classmates with beards and they got in.  As long as it's clean and professional looking, it doesn't matter.  Good luck! 

[Z PA-C]

All of the men that I saw during the interviews (including my current classmates) were clean-shaven. After they were accepted seems to be when they let it all grow back. I remember the first day of class hardly recognizing some of the men because they now had beards :)

[JohnnyM2]

Beards are in. I don't personally like them but would have no problem with an applicant with a nicely sculpted beard even if she were a woman, just to show you how flexible I am.

 

[cordelia*8]

Do you feel you look better, or are you more confident with a beard? If so, I'd say keep it. That would be a really stupid thing for adcoms to hold against you.

[delco714]

I don't have a burly beard, but a well kempt and trimmed one. Have had it since beginning of college. no issues here prePA through PAC so far.

 

[iskendar]

Doesn't matter as long as you look like you take care of yourself. Within limits, have a beer if it makes you feel better. Shave if it you don't want one. Keep it neat.

 

not so stealth edit (1020): I meant beard, not beer. Have the beer afterwards.

[db_pavnp]

If you have a strong app and are inherently good looking, other human beings will mysteriously manage to overlook minor indiscretions.  I'm not explicitly calling a beard an indiscretion, but you can dilute out the people who do.

[gbrothers98]

When I interview students, I vote to accept those with the following characteristics:

beards regardless of gender (conflict disclosure: I found this winter I am capable of growing a rather large and bushy beard that drives the ladies nuts and men insanely envious. It will happen every fall & winter till I die from now on.)

different skin color than mine

tatoos and piercings

old and young

no suit

I also vote to accept middle age clean cut males & females without visible jewelry or other markings whom wear suits.

I am more interested in the following:

If I think they are hardworking and seem like a genuine person.

Their GPA.

The HCE they have and how it has formed what they desire as a healthcare provider.

What their goals are after graduation.

What their insight is into the next 2 years of their lives.

GB PA-C

[cop to pa]

Thanks gbrothers.  Full beard, nose piercing, birkensocks and Bermuda shorts it is.  Seriously, good points, thanks.

[EMEDPA]

I don't have a burly beard, but a well kempt and trimmed one. Have had it since beginning of college. no issues here prePA through PAC so far.

I look like I'm 12 without the beard so have had one for 20 years now. When I shave it off I get carded and my younger wife does not.

[delco714]

You and me both E. Though additionally my beard may make me fit in better with these Mainers haha

[EMEDPA]

 my beard may make me fit in better with these Mainers haha

ayah, that it does.

[SHU-CH]

Just be aware that some facial hair may prevent you from being able to wear an N95 mask properly.

[cinntsp]

Just be aware that some facial hair may prevent you from being able to wear an N95 mask properly.

But then you get to look like an astronaut instead!

 

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

 

[Duality]

I look like I'm 12 without the beard so have had one for 20 years now. When I shave it off I get carded and my younger wife does not.

 

Same problem here. I've noticed I get taken more seriously with one ;-)

Not shaving, interview here I come.