Hi Ladies!

23 Comments

1. Susan Sims-PrittsJanuary 31,2023 at 9:07PM UTC

   Wearing makeup isn't being 'fake'. It can be used to enhance your assets, just as clothing does. Think of it as putting on your professional 'work' attire. Some people wear it to cover blemishes, to correct the shape of their nose, etc, just as we choose clothing that flatters our body type. There is nothing wrong with that. When you're authentic on the inside, that is what people see. I would encourage you to use everything at your disposal to promote yourself, your skills and your gifts. There's a difference between presenting yourself in the best light, and putting on a fake show. Wearing makeup isn't 'fake'. In fact, it can protect your skin from environmental contaminants, so try to look at it as a positive thing.... just as you wear shoes to protect your feet from gravel, stones, and concrete, makeup protects the fragile skin on your face from air pollution, sun exposure, and other environmental things. The Ancients had a saying that 'the eyes are the windows to the soul'.... I always wear eye makeup, not much... a little (upper lid liner and mascara, some natural color shadow in the crease) as it draws the gaze to the eyes, and that's where we really 'see' the other person, and they see us. Just food for thought from an old, successful woman who also resisted what felt artificial......

2. AnonymousJanuary 31,2023 at 9:46PM UTC

   Thanks Susan!

   My fear is that I would apply too much since I never wear makeup and that would make me appear fake. I think we've all seen the type that's just too much. I don't want to detract from presenting myself as the skilled professional I am but if I need to take another step to make that happen, I'm lost.

3. Bonnie CoventryJanuary 31,2023 at 9:50PM UTC

   What? Advised to wear make up? Looking more polished and wearing makeup aren't the same, IMO. Make up is more natural looking currently, so if that fits with you go for it. I would say don't look like you just got up from a nap or your hair in a loose knot on the top of your head, but prepare to have professional conversations with professionals. It is an interview. Speak to the accomplishments and the measurable successes. We ALL have opportunities for improvement and prepare to speak about that. Can't remember the last interview where I even noticed the presence or lack there of of make up. huh. Good luck!

4. AnonymousJanuary 31,2023 at 10:10PM UTC

   First of all, congratulations on securing an interview in your field. I'm job searching as well so that's exciting! When interviewing, you want to be your most confident. If you don't wear makeup, don't simply for an interview. Be proud of who you are and what you've accomplished. Good luck!

5. AnonymousJanuary 31,2023 at 10:26PM UTC

   Hey I'd suggest giving yourself a little confidence boosting mini-makeover that reflects your personal style. For you that might not include a full face of make up. Maybe try some brightening lotion, a tinted sunscreen, light liquid blush, a light application of mascara - all of those wouldn't change your natural look but will make you look awake and pulled together. I'd also try out a few hair style and clothing options on a friend for feedback. If it is in your budget maybe treat yourself to a fresh haircut or new suit?

   Find a way to elevate your look that is in your comfort zone and you won't feel fake - you'll feel confident and professional!

6. Jerri WalkerJanuary 31,2023 at 10:32PM UTC

   Be who you are. Draw on all of your leadership stories and successes. Leadership isn't a look. If you want to put some makeup on, just a little foundation/powder is not fake.

7. AnonymousJanuary 31,2023 at 10:34PM UTC

   Get a good haircut, wear professional and understated clothes and make that looks polished.

8. Cindy GrossFebruary 1,2023 at 12:39AM UTC

   Our stereotypes of leadership for women tend towards being stable (no floppy earrings and no hair in your face), polished (your clothes all match and have no damage, a great haircut with no roots showing, nails all the same length, and either a fresh polish or no polish), and a bright face (for me it's casual eye makeup and occasionally a bit of lip liner, plus you'll want to exfoliate and/or moisturize). If you're meeting in person make sure you don't smell "bad" but PLEASE don't use perfume - for people like me it can cause migraines. Often a natural scent can help you pull off a good balance - an essential oil or citrus scent for example.

9. AnonymousFebruary 1,2023 at 1:32PM UTC

   The nice thing about being Executive Director is the you get to set the rules and expectations of company culture (and not have to conform

   to them). I’m sure the other women in your company would feel relieved to have a leader that allows them to come as they are and shine in their roles, without having to dress up for their co-workers. The best leader leads through example, with confidence, and by being themselves. They will see your leadership through your actions, not your clothes. Good luck and congrats!

10. AnonymousFebruary 1,2023 at 1:56PM UTC

    As a Board Chair who just completed the search and hiring process for a NP ED, I'd suggest that you highlight the experience and work that demonstrates your leadership capabilities. Make sure you get to share them in your interviews. If they don't come up, use the end of the time (when you get to ask questions, etc) to highlight them.

    Regarding your physical presence, I'd suggest you present yourself in the interview(s) however you plan to present yourself when you are representing the organization to external parties. The interview panel wants to know that, not only can you lead the team, but as the ED are you the right representative to other community orgs, funders, investors, etc. Most organizations wouldn't expect you to show up this way each day.

11. CathrineFebruary 1,2023 at 4:31PM UTC

    Other ways are to have your hair in a conservative style along with any jewelry. Stud earrings and a pearl necklace(i have 2 fake ones) :) no or muted nail polish. Also, be aware of your posture and how you show up in a room.

12. AnonymousFebruary 1,2023 at 7:24PM UTC

    Be yourself, don't dress in a way that causes you discomfort. Be sure that you speak directly to the elephant in the room. IE: I have worked in this field for X years and have XYZ references to support my ability to be Exec Director. Go for it! Makeup won't produce any results that will differ from the quality of the content of your experience and references. You got this!

13. Audrey KirschFebruary 1,2023 at 8:03PM UTC

    Be yourself. Open your mouth and dazzle them with your knowledge and experience. Practice how you'll respond to various questions. Be open, honest, friendly and professional. That will matter more than your appearance to most people.

14. AnonymousFebruary 1,2023 at 9:55PM UTC

    I am in the same boat, I think what other opinions are lacking is that no matter what we do, we still have the young face that doesn't look experienced so there is always a bias. I am learning that projecting confidence by knowing you have the experience. The person that stated I have xx years of experience to address the elephant in the room without drawing attention to it is key.

    You got this! Congrats on your interview and good luck!

15. AnonymousFebruary 2,2023 at 3:19PM UTC

    Go over to your local Belk, Macy's, Dillards, dept store and seek out one of the many professional makeup consultants. Tell them you need a more polished but demure makeup to boost your confidence in applying to these new roles. Also, get yourself a professional business suit and pair of pumps to wear. It doesn't have to be skirt/dress but should be professional. Wear a light pink or blue shirt with it. Tone down the jewelry or wear small post earrings. Next, research common interview questions and practice what your response to the questions would be. Always demonstrate positives even when asked something negative like "What are your weaknesses"....... I would respond "my thoroughness and desire to understand fully what I'm preparing/working on sometimes makes it seem like I'm struggling when I'm not". And, end it at that. Network or join with some groups or associations where you have the opportunity to meet others in your field. Mine was CPA groups or business associations. Good Luck!

16. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistFebruary 3,2023 at 6:11AM UTC

    Who did you receive this feedback from?

17. Sarah BojorquezFebruary 3,2023 at 1:35PM UTC

    Makeup? I promise I have never gone into an interview judging an applicant for not wearing makeup. If it makes you feel more confident, great, wear it! If not, skip it. I doubt anyone will notice, much less be judging you.

    Wear neat, professional clothing in color and style that suits you and makes you feel comfortable. Great tailoring is never a bad investment. Jewelry and accessories are important and should compliment the outfit and not compete with it (nothing too flashy-no "bling"). The most important thing is to wear something you are COMFORTABLE in. Nothing hurts your credibility in an interview worse than fidgeting.

    More importantly, make sure you go in ready. Research the role and company thoroughly. Have answers ready for questions they may ask, and have questions ready yourself. Be genuine, and try to relax and project confidence. And remember, the person interviewing you is a person too. Show interest in them and kindness towards them, and you will be ahead of the majority of the competition.

18. AnonymousFebruary 3,2023 at 3:06PM UTC

    At the end of interview when they ask if you have any questions ask them something along the lines on if there's anything you've said during the interview that they would like you to expand on or clarify ? This is helpful if there is anything that they didn't get time to expand on or came up towards the end of the interview. It also shows you're happy with feedback and what some people might think as of criticism. It's also a question most people won't ask so it makes you stick out in their eyes. Good luck ☺️

19. Kimberly GrahamFebruary 3,2023 at 5:24PM UTC

    Yes! I agree completely and this has helped me on more than one occasion to actually make the difference in getting the job!

20. Jennifer WuolletFebruary 3,2023 at 3:40PM UTC

    Honestly, this is exactly the reason I let my grey hair grow out during COVID, when I dyed it I looked in my early 30s and no one took me seriously. I do know adding a little mascara and maybe some foundation does seem to help as well, maybe go to sephora and have them match you and give you a sample to use just for interviews? Good luck!

21. AnonymousFebruary 3,2023 at 4:56PM UTC

    You can look polished without wearing a lot of make up. I have always looked very young for me age and understand your struggle with people doubting your leadership capabilities. When presented with this exact situation, I went to a make up artist and asked for help. She gave me great advice and updated my look to help make my face look more defined, not fake. It helped. I my everyday is sunscreen, mascara and defined eyebrows. For business meetings, I wear lipstick. Good luck, which ever way you go, make up or no.

22. Kimberly GrahamFebruary 3,2023 at 5:28PM UTC

    This post just shows how much we ALL have in common! As a 56 year old I have trimmed my resume to avoid ageism and now I read your post and can't help but smile since we all have our insecurities. My advice would be to be your authentic self makeup or not. You landed the interview based on your experience and skills so let your true self shine through and be YOU! If you're not accustomed to wearing makeup you might feel like an imposter so don't - very similar to when we dress in something we don't feel comfortable in. Good luck!

23. Kathy LeskiFebruary 4,2023 at 5:08AM UTC

    Was going to say something similar. I'm also 56 but as my former colleagues would tell you I have the passion of someone in their 20's. But authenticity is the best thing you can do. Focus on what you believe you can bring to the table for XX country. If they feel you're reading off notes, that may make them to lead towards inexperience- makeup or not...