If you’re an active job seeker attending job-search related events, you may want to pay attention here.
There are some serious problems with hygiene and grooming in the unemployed community right now. I’m assuming these people aren’t aware and no matter how much I want to pull someone aside at a job fair or networking event, I just can’t be the one to ask them, “Why?”
Why wouldn’t you have pulled this back in a clip, braid or even a ponytail?

I’ve had this kind of hair day. I know it’s uncontrollable. But making the effort and trying goes a long way.
Why wouldn’t you invest in a hair cut? You’re wearing a suit…

I know that times are tough and financially it’s difficult to budget for luxuries like a trip to the salon or barber. But this is an investment. For $10-15 you can get a simple trim to correct this distraction. Make the investment.
Why would you not check a mirror if you know it’s windy out? Or at least your reflection on a window?

It’s natural. Wind can mess up your hair, we all know this. But please be aware and keep in mind that the wind doesn’t ease up to give special treatment to people walking into a networking event.
Why…WHY would you not wash your hair?

I can’t even think of an excuse for this one. And it’s unbelievable how many people I’ve met who clearly haven’t showered or bathed.
This isn’t meant to be humiliating or degrading. My intention is to be a little extreme to make you think.
When Job Fair Hair is talking to me about their job search, I’m so distracted by the question “Why?”, that I often can’t focus on who this person is as a professional. Mainly because their appearance is not professional.
Here are some resources to check out that will help you to prepare your appearance for job fairs, interviews and professional networking events:
http://www.quintcareers.com/dress_for_success.html
http://www.ihispano.com/article/why-your-appearance-matters-and-what-wear
http://www.veronicaludwig.com/tag/career-fair/
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