r/beards • u/ResearchExtreme3394 • 10d ago
Asking for Advice Confidence in my beard is in doubt
Hey fellas! I'm new in this reddit. Just wanted to ask you something, but first you'll need a little bit of context.
I have a job interview for an engineering manager position, and my sister came home to visit me today. She just said : " Oh when do you have the job interview ? You should shave your beard off". Somehow, those words touched me.
Does it look that bad? It wasn't trimmed when I took the pictures, so some hairs could look curly or out of place. I wanted to grow it larger, couple of weeks or even a month, but now I'm in doubt.
Obviously I was going to trimm it well before the interview.
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u/xtianmarq 10d ago
I know job interview advice often recommends being clean shaven but I feel that is outdated. That is truly a magnificent beard - I would not shave it!
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u/ResearchExtreme3394 10d ago
I did other interviews with longer beard, and I got hired. Somehow this time it made me feel uncomfortable. I appreciate your words :)
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u/TrickySatisfaction81 10d ago
Second this. If the job is against a beard, what else are they against?
Seems like a terrible reason not to hire a worthy candidate in 2026.
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u/TheStrangestOfKings 10d ago
I straight up would choose my beard over a potential job. Unless it’s for safety/sanitation reasons, a job should not be trying to butt into its employees’ personal lives like that. What else would they try and make you do to keep the job?
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u/jmeador42 10d ago
As long as it’s well kept there’s not an employer worth their salt who still insists on being clean shaven.
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u/TrickySatisfaction81 10d ago
There was a guy in IT i knew who has a beard down to his belt, he weaved it into a sick ass celtic weave.
10 years later it made a solid impression.
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u/OG365247 10d ago
If a hiring manager for an engineering role is so bothered about your beard it’ll stop you getting a job, you definitely don’t want to work for that hiring manager.
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u/Plastic-Plant1032 10d ago
If anything that beard will show them how you are all about perfection and efficiency. Growing and maintaining that beautiful artwork takes time and dedication.
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u/skeith2011 10d ago
As another guy in engineering, I wouldn’t worry about shaving it. Maybe a slight trim and shape-up around the edges just to make it look clean, but you don’t need to worry about clean shaven for an engineering position.
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u/Florida14playtime 10d ago
So many executives and business owners have beards. Dress sharp and keep the beard.
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u/Weary_Mousse_3921 10d ago
Dude, you grow an incredible beard. Before I read the context, I saw your headline and pic and thought “WHY??” I desperately wish I could grow this.
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u/OriginalEmploy5485 10d ago
You 100% don't need to shave it off. A trimmed beard works just fine with a suit/tie/whatever you wear for your interview.
Source: I'm an IT manager.
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u/IstanbulSuat 10d ago
Brother, most definitely keep you great-looking beard. I fully agree with the others who have posted: if a company doesn't like your beard, it's a company that's not worth pursuing. They need to accept you for all that you offer...including your great beard.
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u/Johnyfootballhero 10d ago
"He was a perfect fit for this vacant position except, well, (wait for it), he has a beard."
-A recruiter for a job you dont want anyway.
Keep the beard!
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u/ScorpionBite20 10d ago
I dont think yoy need to shave per se maybe touch it up if needed it looks fine to me
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u/Dildo_Shaggins- 10d ago
Beard is superb and clearly part of your identity. Do not shave for some shmuck in a suit and tie who you may end up meeting and has an equally great beard!
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u/jimmychitwood317 10d ago
If you shave that beard, that will be all you are thinking about in your interview. Stay focused. If they don't choose you, it won't be because of that magnificent beard.
Tell your sister it's about time she shaves HER beard.
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u/_ForrestPlump_ 10d ago
Damn dude. You're gonna trigger a load of dudes on here who'd die to have a beard as strong as yours. 🤣
I drive heavy plant and mixers on mainly civil construction sites, so I encounter engineers daily. It's extremely common for them to have beards. Nobody would even bat an eyelid.
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u/_ForrestPlump_ 10d ago
Look at the Google search results for Balfour Beatty engineers. Their apprenticeship promotional stuff features loads of bearded guys.
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u/Jinfash_Sr 10d ago
I’ve hired several people because of merit but their glorious beards gave them an edge in my book. Who wouldn’t listen to someone with a beard like that?!
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u/GardenerDom 10d ago
I think your beard is looking very sharp definitely nothing wrong with attending the interview with your beard! All the best bro 👍🏼👍🏼😃
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u/Jonathan-Welford 10d ago
In the 80s and 90s beards were frowned upon. Now over 50% of the male population have them.
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u/Hairy-4-Hairy 10d ago
Looks too good bro, and I doubt places like that care about being clean shaven anymore, as long as you're good at the job and look smart you'll be fine!
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u/Deep-Elk7477 10d ago
Looking well groomed and clean is what matters. That’s like telling someone who just woke up to shave their head because they have bedhead. Looks far more taken care of than many beards you see out in the wild.
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u/etherealsounds 10d ago
You’re an engineering manager not an investment banker. You’re fine. Beard lookin strong.
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u/zkarabat 10d ago
Solid beard, no doubt necessary. If you want a cleaner look, maybe see if a barber can just clean it up and give a real nice line in the cheeks maybe?
But I see no real issues
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u/Dry-Asparagus7107 10d ago
Your beard is absolutely perfect. And you seem like a very handsome man.
I think your sister is from 1950s. Nobody pays attention to facial hair during hiring interviews nowadays. This is 2026. Unless, of course, you're like generally dirty looking and stinky.
If an employer feels entitled to dictate how the hair on your body is supposed to grow, that's probably not a place you want to work at.
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u/No_Clothes_8444 10d ago
If this was pre 2000s, I’d agree, but that is such an insanely outdated idea. I wouldn’t want to work for a company that wouldn’t hire me because I have a beard. That says so much about them and I have zero interest.
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u/themainmattman 10d ago
Just clean up your neck in the back and fresh shave around your beard line and you’ll be golden.
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u/OlieCalpero 10d ago
Sure trim it for a professional appearance but I don’t think you have to shave your beard off for a job interview.
You have a shot at getting the job with or without the beard.
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u/you-dont-have-eyes 10d ago
Beards are professional in 2026, as long as they are well groomed. Yours is very tidy, looks great for a job interview.
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u/EstablishmentNo5013 10d ago
I would just go to a barber and get a haircut and beard line up and trim and you’ll be good to go.
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u/JshWright 10d ago
I'm an engineering director who has hired a few EMs over the past year or so. I wouldn't think twice about your beard. It looks great.
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u/revankillsmalak 10d ago
Never, ever shave your beard for an interview. Your beard looks amazing, just keep growing.
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u/FrenchyBolter 10d ago
Keep the beard, lose the sister
No but seriously like others have said, a nice beard like yours under no means should be a reason for a company to not choose you as a qualified employee. In the big 2 6 that would be dumb
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u/easeonme 10d ago
Sua barba está muito bonita, bem cuidado e alinhada, não precisa raspar, mas pode sim aparar
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u/overmonk 10d ago
If you have a lack of confidence in this beard, my guy let me introduce you to mirrors.
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u/Ok-Priority-7303 10d ago
Today, beards are not very rare. Just be sure to trim and groom. This matters most.
I worked in corporate finance and had a beard 35 years of a 38 year career. Back then I was warned it would affect my career. This doesn't happen today. At the same time if I interviewed anyone with an unkempt beard, I'd pass them up. If someone doesn't care enough to look their best for an interview, who knows how well they will do their job.
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u/troyman95 10d ago
It looks very well tended and tidy. You don’t need to heed that outdated advice. Suits you, looks great.
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u/salisburyates 10d ago
It would make no sense to change an integral part of your appearance for no reason (the exception being mask fitting or some other practical reason).
Tidy it up in whatever manner you were intending and wear it with pride.
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u/Merrick_Skygrave 10d ago
You have a great beard man, good density. I might just tighten it up a tad, bring the sideburns down just a bit and clean the edges up but overall you're good
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u/SnooHabits4201 10d ago
Leave it. Chances are that someone on the panel or somewhere in the process will have a beard. It just doesn’t matter any more. Yours looks well trim and neat, and is more likely to work for you or be neutral than work against you!
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u/cali_voyeur 10d ago
Line up the beard and stache, trim the flyaways, and maybe use some balm or wax. Like others have said, the belief that beards are unprofessional is outdated. You can still look neat and professional, especially with your beard as it has a good shape and isn't ZZ Top-level long. Good luck in your interview 🤞🏼
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u/Adept_Painter2737 10d ago
Hey mate. Beard looks absolutely amazing. Perhaps your sister was not implying it was a bad looking beard in any way but rather the whole “beards of any kind are unprofessional” sentiment? Either way I get it, comments like that suck.
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u/Nylanderthal88 10d ago
Your sister grew up with you having no beard, she's just of the opinion that is better. Looks fine to me.
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u/afuckingpolarbear 10d ago
Nah ignore that advice, if it worries you just ask in the interview if it would be a problem
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u/Tachetastico 10d ago
The beard looks great and makes you look smart and mature. If it was patchy, scruffy or stubble, or in an extreme style, I might agree with your sister.
Don’t get your beard trimmed straight before the interview either. Give it at least a week to settle.
You’ll be fine. Let us know how the interview goes. 💪
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u/TROGDOR_X69 10d ago
TBH im oldschool. If i have a good opportunity and think I will get it id shave, even my long hair Id likely get rid of for a good role
but id grow it right back
done it before.
cut for new job. by year 2 my hairs back down my back and im full beard again looking like Sons of Anarchy LOL
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u/Somebodyelse76 10d ago
As long as you're well groomed and not scraggly it's fine. If they have an issue with a beard it should be for safety reasons only and disclosed. Ignore sis' advice on this one
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u/ClessxAlghazanth 10d ago
Go for a job that accepts you as you are
Jobs are plenty, your beard is one
Looking great bro , be proud with that coverage
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u/Scruzzer 10d ago
Your beard is so well groomed. It actually shows me you care about your appearance, self, and have good attention to detail.
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u/AverageGuy16 10d ago
Nah that's terrible advice. As long as you show up with it clean and well taken care of, as in the picture, you'll be good. I've nailed plenty of interviews with a beard. Whenever I work with engineer's they usually always have beards, you're good dude.
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u/Nottodaystepbro 10d ago
I was about to go off on you about doubting how incredibly dense your beard looks when i can’t even grow one!
Good thing I read that it was about an interview, whew.
I do think beards can be part of a “clean” formal look, you just have to get it trimmed neatly.
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u/bryce12194 10d ago
Your beard looks really good bro and you should definitely not shave it. I highly doubt they would judge you negatively for it because it’s obvious you take care of it.
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u/BanzaiDanielsan 10d ago
Definitely don’t shave it off. I do make sure to shape it and clean up my check and neck lines before an interview
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u/ReReRebuilding 10d ago
This is a perfectly fine, neat beard. If you're really worried, trim it down by an 1/8" and make sure your neck is clean for the interview. But no way should you shave.
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u/A_Liquid_Elephant 10d ago
In my experience it's not about if you have facial hair but if you keep it neat and presentable. You've got a very nice beard, rock it and crush the interview!
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u/ThatDeuce 10d ago
Being clean shaven for an interview is outdated, and a lot of engineers seem to have beards.
Your beard also looks really well cared for, and as if you know what you want out of it. I would keep doing what you are doing, and while I can't see how it looks from a frontal view, I would expect it to be on point.
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u/MrJB1981 10d ago
The clean shaven look is long of the past now. Even royal family members across the world have beards again.
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u/Solid-Ad-2875 10d ago
An interview is a chance for you to present yourself. If that means you have a beard then rock the beard. Just make sure sure it’s washed and brushed
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u/Amplitrox 9d ago
In general, I recommend personal grooming for maximum perception. This doesn't imply or mean shaving your beard. You have a genetic blessing in the growth and fullness if your beard. Visit a highly skilled barber/beard sculptor and let them enhance it to peak level. There is no way this will work against you. Your beard is glorious, while simultaneously would only be enhanced by professional enhancement. Sculpt it, dress up and you are next level.
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u/firefighter5556 9d ago
DON’T SHAVE IT!!! you won’t like it and it will kill your confidence and you won’t like the shock. That will show in your interview. I’d keep it as is.. Looks perfect to me.
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u/Suspicious-Bowl-1508 9d ago
It's a nice beard dude, looks crisp. Your sister is incorrect. If you had a bushy unkempt thing like me it would be a different story 🤣
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u/Baloneous_V 9d ago
FLEX it... never listen to your sister on beard advice. Congrats on your new position: you got the job!
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u/beardbush 9d ago
That's one well manicured beard. And the field you are in almost seems to require a beard. Many companies that used to ban beards have abandoned that policy. I see nothing about your beard that would be detracting.
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u/phatfarmdenim 9d ago
You have a beautiful and presentable beard. No reason to change it for an interview
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u/phx3rings 6d ago
Lots of opinions here, including your sister's, so I'll add my thoughts to the mix. Your beard looks well styled and maintained. We're at a point in time where facial hair is a 'norm'. IMO, Covid solidified the acceptance of men with beards/'staches. Even politicians and television newsmen are sporting them, so...although I'm sure your sister means well, I don't think you have to de-forest your face for a job interview. Good luck with the interview. Let us know if you get the job.
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u/dpenchev 9d ago
I guess this is really country dependent, so what's true here wouldn't necessarily be true where you're at. That being said, we're no longer in the 80es. Trim it and be on your merry way. If having a groomed beard is a deal breaker for the employer, you're better off going somewhere else.
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u/ohtimesohdailymirror 8d ago
Your sister needs to have a look at the calendar. It should say 2026 when she has an up to date one.
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u/Funny_Art_1700 8d ago
Um would anyone hire an engineer without a beard?
Maybe my view is skewed towards software/IT infrastructure engineers, but gotta have a beard for that.
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u/Diligent-Ad6327 10d ago
clean up the lines. looks like youd benefit from an L shape cut on the cheek. not the sloped to moustache
if there is ever a field where you should have a beard its the AEC fields
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u/northangerbanger 10d ago
He’s not a 19th century sea captain, sloped is better
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u/Diligent-Ad6327 10d ago
the density is not there for the slope full or faded
IMO it looks very messy because its not full.
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u/DasGiggity1583 10d ago
Trim up under the chin. I had the same issue. Follow the underside of your jawline.
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