wearing black nail polish in a corporate job inappropriate?

Chika_2015
Chika_2015 Posts: 357 Member
in Chit-Chat
I am just trying to get a feel of what you all think. I have an interview in 2 weeks with a corporate office. And a friends of mine mentioned that i should not forget to take off my black nail polish,. I looked at her and i was like, why should that matter?

Opninions...Thoughts!!!!
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Replies

  • Ely82010
    Ely82010 Posts: 1,998 Member
    I agree with your friend, if you want to get the job.
  • Mama_Jag
    Mama_Jag Posts: 474 Member
    I also agree with your friend.
  • bikermike5094
    bikermike5094 Posts: 1,752 Member
    I agree too..as a person who has hired a lot of folks in my life, black nail polish wont make my decision for me, but it would make me wonder if this person is a goth or emo.. and what kind of baggage is she bringing into my work invironment that I'm going to have to deal with later....
  • Kristen0526
    Kristen0526 Posts: 168 Member
    You want to look professional in your interview, so they get the best first impression possible. Afterwards, put the polish back on! I wear black and dark purple polish all the time, I just like the way it looks against my skin. But just a clear coat on your nails will make them look clean and classic, and that will def help with your *hopefully!!* new bosses. Good luck!
  • ItsMeRebekah
    ItsMeRebekah Posts: 909 Member
    agree
  • Chika_2015
    Chika_2015 Posts: 357 Member
    wow, I am dis heartened to heat this. So the color of my nails determines how people will perceive me, WOW. It's just a color on my nails, why should that matter.

    Basically i can have all the qualifications in the world and a great personality, but because of the color of my nails i might not get hired..WHAT!!!!! ::jaw drops::
  • otrlynn
    otrlynn Posts: 273 Member
    I agree too..as a person who has hired a lot of folks in my life, black nail polish wont make my decision for me, but it would make me wonder if this person is a goth or emo.. and what kind of baggage is she bringing into my work invironment that I'm going to have to deal with later....

    Yep! It never hurts to be a little more conservative, and a LITTLE dressier than what you might dress like if you actually worked there. I'd also avoid low cut blouses, "flip flop" type sandals, and too much jewelry.

    If you are in a techy or very "artsy" field, the above may not apply...
  • Schraudt814
    Schraudt814 Posts: 496 Member
    I would say yes remove it just for the interview. I don't think it's inappropriate once you have the job, but for the interview I would go with a clear polish. Good luck in your interview too!
  • LisaH1967
    LisaH1967 Posts: 332 Member
    I agree. I would remove the black polish during the interview.
  • JeaninePaige
    JeaninePaige Posts: 464 Member
    Switch the black for a vampy shade of red or even navy blue for your interview.
    Good luck. :)
  • AmberMahfouz
    AmberMahfouz Posts: 316
    I disagree, but they need to be professionally manicured. Not chipped, too long, and crappy looking. Black is fashionable and matches everything.
  • Schraudt814
    Schraudt814 Posts: 496 Member
    wow, I am dis heartened to heat this. So the color of my nails determines how people will perceive me, WOW. It's just a color on my nails, why should that matter.

    Basically i can have all the qualifications in the world and a great personality, but because of the color of my nails i might not get hired..WHAT!!!!! ::jaw drops::

    I don't think that's what anyone's saying at all and it might not affect the outcome. But you asked for people's thoughts and opinions on the matter and most people would say yes black polish is a little much for an interview...if you want to wear it then of course that's your choice
  • MissesJai
    MissesJai Posts: 48
    I'm in HR and do interviews for a living - for the purposes of the interview, definitely drop the black. Stay neutral, same with your makeup. Less is more. Too much makeup, drastic nail colors, even large earrings are distractions for the inteviewer and can be seen as unprofessional. Remember, you don't get a second chance to make a first impression. Once you get the job you can rock the black but it's not appropriate for interviews.

    Good luck!
  • bikermike5094
    bikermike5094 Posts: 1,752 Member
    nobody said life was fair and you hear it all the time, perception is reality.. sucks I know but when your in management and you have to clean up personnel issues with HR over and over again, you do tend to become a little jaded. You want to stand out from the crowd in a good way, bright and colorful makes an impact... dark and gloomy does to.. but not in a good way.
  • Alliwan
    Alliwan Posts: 1,245 Member
    wow, I am dis heartened to heat this. So the color of my nails determines how people will perceive me, WOW. It's just a color on my nails, why should that matter.

    Basically i can have all the qualifications in the world and a great personality, but because of the color of my nails i might not get hired..WHAT!!!!! ::jaw drops::

    anything you wear on your body or even how you wear it determines how people will perceive you, why would your nails be any different?

    The young adult with multiple facial piercings might have 'all the qualifications in the world and a great personality' too but they probably wont get a corporate job, as the image the customers would have of that business would be at least partly based off the appearance of the personel there.

    you do what you have to do to get the job, then can often do things a little differently when you get the job.
  • julesboots
    julesboots Posts: 311 Member
    Agree. Unfortunately, hiring managers don't have the luxury of getting to know the "real you" and part of their job is to pick up on every tiny clue possible. Conservative appearance at a job interview is a relative societal norm, and if one doesn't show they can easily follow those norms (even around miniscule things) it sends the message that the person could potentially have some issues.
  • DargoMack
    DargoMack Posts: 75 Member
    I wear dark purple all the time as well. A good friend of mine loves to wear wacky colors. She has been interviewing for jobs for the last 6+ months. She would paint them clear/nude/neutral. I would change them for the interview, but once you start I think it's fine to be yourself and wear what works for you.
  • Laceylala
    Laceylala Posts: 3,094 Member
    As a person with a nose piercing and multiple visible tattoos...take it off. It is what it is in the job world and if you want the job you will do what it takes to get it. I hid my tattoos when I had my interview and changed the stud in my nose to clear. Now my tatttoos show at work and I wear a green stud most days...unless I am traveling for work which happens four or five times a year, and I cover them all up and dress the part. If you cannot live with that, if you feel it is going to hinder your personal beliefs, then perhaps you will want to consider trying for other jobs. But I haven't been to an interview yet, or interviewed people to hire where the clothes and appearance didn't matter!
  • Laceylala
    Laceylala Posts: 3,094 Member
    It's about showing you are willing to do what it takes to get the job.
  • creech6317
    creech6317 Posts: 869 Member
    You want to look professional and all make-up, jewelry and clothing should be subtle and well put together.
    Black nail polish isn't necessarily going to give a "professional" type of impression.
    It is the same as when I was looking for a job. I always made sure all of my tattoo's were covered.
    For the interview you want to look like you will fit in and be a benefit to the company.
    After you get the job and get a feel for the work enviroment is when you start to put your personality back into wardrobe and body.
  • aj_31
    aj_31 Posts: 994 Member
    Unfair as it might be take the black off. I'd either go with no polish or do a very light neutral color. Nothing too flashy.

    I also don't like blue in the 'corporate' setting. I don't know why but I cringe when I see ladies walking around with blue nails or toes. To me that is the worst color you could wear even after you get the job.
  • brnsgrsbody
    brnsgrsbody Posts: 254 Member
    Take it off sweetie! We already have a hard time getting high profile jobs with just our education and certifications. They pick us apart looking for anything to say "No". Trust me sweetie I know and they hate me being on top of my game honey. :wink:

    Stacy
  • Kristen0526
    Kristen0526 Posts: 168 Member
    Unfair as it might be take the black off. I'd either go with no polish or do a very light neutral color. Nothing too flashy.

    I also don't like blue in the 'corporate' setting. I don't know why but I cringe when I see ladies walking around with blue nails or toes. To me that is the worst color you could wear even after you get the job.

    I agree! I don't know why, I like the color, and I like to mix up the polish on my toes every time I get a pedicure, but I can't bring myself to do blue! Maybe because I think of 90's Spice Girl era teeny boppers running around with blue nail polish that makes me cringe haha
  • linz1125
    linz1125 Posts: 441 Member
    Switch the black for a vampy shade of red or even navy blue for your interview.
    Good luck. :)
    Disagree!!!!

    I think that for interviews, a person shouldn't wear anything that will stand out. Every piece of advice that I have heard regarding females in interviews say that nails should be trimmed nicely, and a polish in a shade that does not stand out. A light shade is generally appropriate.

    Good luck with your interview!
  • rossi02
    rossi02 Posts: 549 Member
    I'm in HR and do interviews for a living - for the purposes of the interview, definitely drop the black. Stay neutral, same with your makeup. Less is more. Too much makeup, drastic nail colors, even large earrings are distractions for the inteviewer and can be seen as unprofessional. Remember, you don't get a second chance to make a first impression. Once you get the job you can rock the black but it's not appropriate for interviews.

    Good luck!

    I'm not in HR myself, but am very familiar with the onboarding of new associates... I completely agree with what is stated above. The person interviewing you may not notice either way, but I'd rather play it a little more toned down and not wonder if the details like that... ended up counting against me.

    Best of luck!!!
  • penrbrown
    penrbrown Posts: 2,685 Member
    I don't even work in corporate settings but I know my boss has refused to hire people because of their appearance!

    Appearance is a BIG PART of your first impression.

    Now, the black nail polish? I think it's kind of a silly thing BUT you want to improve your chances so it's best to remain clean, neat and subtle. Black doesn't look clean, neat or tidy.

    Just my two cents. :)
  • LeenaRuns
    LeenaRuns Posts: 1,309 Member
    For an interview, I agree, no nail polish (oh ANY kind unless that ugly light, light pink). Once you get the job, by all means paint them black, purple, or whatever you want.
  • sgtlittle
    sgtlittle Posts: 258 Member
    Get the job, then repaint nails.
  • FR89
    FR89 Posts: 186 Member
    I disagree, but they need to be professionally manicured. Not chipped, too long, and crappy looking. Black is fashionable and matches everything.

    ^^^ this... i wear it to work .. no one has ever said anything.. black is one of my favourite nail polish colour to wear.. (top three are silver, black and red) as long as you are dressed well for the interview and present yourself nicely the colour of your nails shoudnt matter!BUT now that your friend has said it.. i think you might aswell change it .. or not wear any colour at all .. just to be on the safe side! xx Good Luck xx
  • JanineHarrison
    JanineHarrison Posts: 164 Member
    It isn't that black polish will make or break you but you want them to remember YOU and what you have done or have to say, you don't want anything you are wearing to be a distraction, the same goes for perfumes and other things like that. Names are not the first thing that sticks in peoples heads, People instinctually pick something about you as an identifier, so it could be something as basic as in a post interview discusion the hiring team remembering you as the girl that worked at XYZ Compnay for 5yrs rather than the girl with the black nail polish.

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