Tanning Taboos to Consider Before an Interview

Posted by in Career Advice


 

In the summer months everyone seems to have a healthy glow about them as time spent outdoors increases. Bright sunny days boost levels of vitamin D absorbed in the skin as well as increasing most people’s mood. Summer is the time for tanning but does the degree of your tan affect an interview? Absolutely.

 

If Snow White and Snooki both came in for an interview who do you think would get hired? A spray tan signifies a fake personality. Hiring managers have learned that someone who is superficial doesn’t put the effort in to accomplishing their goals the right way. In it for appearances only, the tan-in-a-can-type want instant gratification and will settle for short cuts even if it compromises the quality of the end result.

 

Regularly scheduled fake and bake sessions at the tanning bed aren’t much better. Someone who overexposes themselves to UV rays shows that they aren’t concerned for the future. Now is what matters most to them whatever the inevitable consequences. This invincible, impulsive, compulsive attitude can trigger red flags on employers’ insurance expense radar. Worse yet you could wind up looking like the New Jersey mom who was accused of taking her young daughter to the tanning bed.

 

When it comes down to it no tan is better than too tan especially if you work in an indoor office setting. People in cubicle based positions tend to pale in complexion in comparison to occupations like landscapers and construction workers. Some color in the skin is important though if you don’t want to appear reclusive and antisocial.

 

If you’re the fairest of them all make sure to wear colorful clothing. Otherwise, an interviewer could easily assume you go for the goth look which might not be the image they want representing their company. They probably don’t want a steamed lobster as the face of their staff either so slather on the sun screen when you know you’ll be outdoors for a while. Try to schedule interviews a few days after any vacation time in case you burn and need some time to tone down the tint of tomato.

 

A natural active tan makes the best impression on hiring managers. Procuring a level of pigment that has been built up over time with care to health and safety concerns is a plus when gauging your personal character. Your healthy hue is an after effect to other rewarding activities like yard work, sports, or just getting out and about. All of those attributes are attractive to employers. Either you’re hard working, a good team player, outgoing or better yet all three.

 

Take a quick peek in the mirror. If you are the color of an Oompa Loompa or your skin looks like it was made from leather it’s time to do something different. Not just for your hire-ability but also for your long term health.

 

What’s your summer skin routine in the summer?

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