Perhaps you’ve been wearing your natural hair in a corporate environment for many years, but suddenly you experience a job loss. Is natural hair a disadvantage during your job search?
Many naturals believe that it is. They feel they must game the system by wearing a wig or weave during a job search. But that doesn’t have to be the case. You can rock your natural hair in a corporate environment, including during your job search. Here are five tips to help you have a successful job search without ditching your natural hair.
Do Your Research
Learn as much as you can about the organization you’ll be interviewing with. (This is a rule of thumb that applies to all interviewees.) What is the company culture? Is it ultra-conservative? Is the company diverse and progressive? The answers to these questions will not only help you decide how to wear your natural hair. They can help you determine whether the organization is a good fit for you. After all, do you really want to land a job that will make you miserable?
Visit the company’s website. Review any info on the executive team. Take note of how current employees are styled and dressed. Even if the photos are stock photos, it will still give you a good idea of what the company finds acceptable.
Don’t Try the Old Bait and Switch
Your first thought might be to straighten your tresses to conform to what you think the company will find acceptable. Many job hunters feel the need to press or blow-dry natural hair. Others might decide to wear a wig or weave. If these hairstyles aren’t part of your regular hairstyle routine, don’t feel that you must present a completely different hair texture in order to land the job.
If the company has a problem with your natural hair texture during the interview, it will likely be a problem once you’re hired. So rather than sending the message that natural hair isn’t appropriate for the workplace, select a style that proves that it is.
Tone It Down
We love the versatility of our natural hair. It can be low-key or an expression of our unique personalities. So maybe you’ve been rocking the biggest ‘fro you can manage in screaming pink. While that might work in a business that welcomes creative expression, it probably won’t work for the average corporate gig. (That applies no matter the color of your skin or the texture of your hair.) So consider toning it down a bit.
During the job interview isn’t the time for your hair to take center stage. So keep it conservative. Find a hairstyle that feels like you, but that won’t distract from your qualifications and experience during your interview. A bun or low ponytail works well for longer hair during an interview. For shorter natural hair, select a fresh, neat style like a wash and go. Make sure that hair is in tiptop shape to get the best results.
Healthy Hair is a Crowd Pleaser
Moisturized, well-maintained hair isn’t just healthier, it’s more appealing. Another great reason to properly care for your natural hair.
Thirsty hair and split ends make natural hair look wild and unkempt. Well-nourished hair that is free of split ends is shiny, healthy and more easily styled. Take care of your hair regularly and consult with a natural hair stylist if your hair isn’t in its healthiest state. When your hair is healthy and moisturized, it will be easier to achieve the desired style on the day of your interview.
Be Confident
A lack of confidence is apparent during the interview process and will damage your chances of landing your dream job. So go into your interview confident, knowing your natural hair looks its best. Make your credentials and experience the star of the show and let your winning personality shine through.
The job market is tough and the smallest factor can be the difference in landing a job or not. However, rocking your natural texture doesn’t have to be a disadvantage during a job hunt. Just be sure to research potential organizations to see if they are a good fit. Don’t try to fool potential employers by switching up your texture just for the interview. Tone down any style that might be a tad too bold for the corporate world. Keep your hair healthy. Then be confident in your qualifications and let your personality shine during the interview.
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