Interviewing in Braces

[uncleezno]

Hi All,

Just wanted to offer my two cents on interviewing with braces. I'm 30, and I was headhunted for a position a few months back. Did interviews over the phone and they went fine. I got braces, and after wearing them for one week, the company flew me out for in-person interviews with the whole team. I was self-conscious, but nobody cared, and I was extended an offer. I know plenty of people are nervous about job situations with braces, but it's not so bad as you expect. As long as you're confident, you'll be fine.

In terms of my appearance, they only bothered me for that first week or so. Now

[mapleleafman888]

Agreed, had an interview about 2 months back and all went well, I ended up turning the job down though but seriously it's not a big deal.

[Siobhan]

Thanks to both of you for posting. I'm not looking but it's certainly reassuring to know it's not a big deal.

[djspeece]

Well done and congratulations!

[ljms]

I've had two interviews since getting braces, although no job offers. I'm pretty sure that having braces has nothing to do with that.

One interview went extremely well, especially considering I wasn't really qualified for the position. I received the nicest and most positive rejection email I've ever seen.

The second interview didn't go well but I don't think my braces had anything to do with it. Things started going off the rails before they had a chance to even notice I had braces. Something very strange is going on there.

I have another interview on Monday. It will be the first since getting my bottom braces on in February but I'm becoming less self-conscious everyday.

[twentysomething]

I went thru a couple professional interviews....one just recently and havent gotten a response yet (but I have already made up my mind with my options, so the results wont matter to me even if I think it went well). I woukdnt say I am 100% confident in these interviews with braces because 1.) I already look pretty young -it's in the genes- and braces seems to make me look like im still in high school, which might not be good when looking at management positions or upper level.
2.) I would most certainly smile more and look a lot more friendlier and less uptight without braces...so again confidence is affected. Im also not sure whether sometimes they're staring at my braces or at my big lips, haha.

[Shxyshun]

I was really worried about this. I know I will be thinking about it the whole time and it will distract me. Hopefully I can learn to put it out of my mind.

[MIbean]

I may have to do this soon either through skype or over the phone. I'll be "guy with the braces" in the skype interview and "guy who sounded kinda funny" on the phone. Seems like I can't win either way. Wish me luck!

[Woobster]

I just had an interview last week. One of the interviewers did a noticable double take when I smiled at him, but that almost made it easier.

You just have to own them... And brush well!

[bracedincollege?]

That's great to hear!!

I am in college right now, and that is one of the big issues that has kept me from getting braces again. I tend to be a bit self conscious, so I have always been worried about how a male college senior, trying to enter the business world would be perceived. It's always good to hear those stories though, and who knows, maybe I'll work up the courage to get something done about it soon!

[djspeece]

Really, what interviewers want to know is how you can help their company, and speaking for myself and some of my colleagues, couldn't care less about braces. However I did tell a story here in which a candidate removed her Hawley retainer midway through an interview with one of my colleagues, who nearly gagged at the sight. Said candidate was henceforth known as "Retainer girl," and no, we did not hire her. Couldn't be confident with a person like that in front of a customer.

[TheKT]

Agree with Dan. Be present, prepared and confident in your interview. Employers are looking for talent that can contribute to their growth and bottom line and those that fit in with their culture. You having braces on your teeth for a few years is irrelevant. With that said, I totally get how you are feeling because these things are a complete nuisance while they are on and especially in public settings BUT they serve a purpose...OUR purpose and have nothing to do with our competencies.

Best of luck in your job search and go knock em' dead! You've got this!!!!!