Does it matter how I dress when simply turning in an application?

Question

It’s at an Office Depot if that helps any. My mother swears that my slight facial stubble, black t shirt and blue jeans, may have cost me a job opportunity. I cant believe it! Sure, I should look good for an actual face to face interview, but simply handing over my application (with a smile) to some stranger……does it really matter that much?

Answer 1

I would say yes it does matter, because the person you turn in your App to knows the boss, and will probably tell them what their impression of you was.

Answer 2

......if you look like your avatar, then no

Answer 3

It really depends on the person/place.

The more right way is to dress nice even when you're turning the application in because first impressions can either make or brake you. Some people are dead set on being professional so how you dress will really matter to them.

But then again sometimes it won't matter either. Like for instance, a couple years back I turned in a job application at a retail store and one day when me and my mom were driving around she insisted I go in there and ask what the status of my application was. Well I was totally unprepared cause it was spur of the moment and was dressed in a t-shirt and shorts. But when I went in anyway to ask they interviewed me on the spot and I got the job.

So yeah who really knows! But it's better safe than sorry so I would def. recommend dressing professional. Good luck!

Answer 4

Your mother is correct.

I used to manage a cell phone company and when people would turn in applications dressed like a slacker, or dressed "ghetto" (pants halfway down their a$$, lots of "gold" chains) I wouldn't even bother to read their application.  I'm not saying they had to wear a suit, but, shave and wear something decent and ironed.

Oh, and people that wore flip flops when they turned applications in got their applications thrown in the garbage too.

Answer 5

Yes it does matter what you look like when you are turning in an application.  I had this one job at a convience store and they use to tell us to put a smiley face if the person looked ok and a sad face if they did not.  So you might want to shave up and look nice.

Answer 6

You never know if they're going to give you an interview right then and there (it happens) so it is a good idea to dress at least semi-dressy. Defintely not ripped jeans or an old t-shirt! But I don't think you need to be quite as dressy as you would be going in for the actual interview. Good luck!

Answer 7

Okay, having been through many, many classes in art of applying for and getting a job, yes it does matter how you look. You are basically making your first impression from the moment you turn in that application. Your best bet is black pants (not jeans) and a nice white shirt because that is the basic outfit for most places. Be on your best behavior because that person you hand the application to (if they don't take well to you) can have a big influence on whether you get the job or not. As for the facial hair, have you been to this store before and seen it on any employees, if not get rid of it and if you get the job and they say it is okay, then grow it back.  

Answer 8

That stranger might just be the manager who will interview and hire you.  So, shave, put on a regular shirt with your blue jeans and drop off the application.  You would do even better to put on some khakis or casual slacks.  The people who work there always look neat and clean.  Personally, I like a beard but think the stubble just looks careless.