Job Discussion Forums

[Qaaolchoura]

So obviously first impressions matter a great deal. I'm planning on flying to Istanbul in mid October if I don't get a job offer in another country before then, but regardless of whether I'm going out for an interview or simply meeting the school, I want to look appropriate. So I've got some questions about fashion.

1. In the US glasses are seen as both a mark of erudition and an object of humor, but most people are fairly indifferent. However I've heard that in come countries glasses are seen as a sign of a physical defect. Personally, I think I look better with glasses, however I've had enough people tell me the opposite that I've been using pictures where I don't wear glasses.

Honestly I don't really need glasses to see. I can compensate for my mild visual impairment to the point that I actually have 20/15 vision, however doing so causes for prolonged periods of time causes eyestrain and headaches. Most of the time I don't need them, but wear them out of comfort. I usually only avoid them completely if I'm driving or in a context where it would be hard to clean them. (And no, I won't wear contact lenses. Don't ask why, I have my reasons.) Any rate, I suppose it doesn't matter all that much, but I'm curious--are there serious cultural differences in how glasses are perceived?

2. The other thing is facial hair. I've never grown a beard because I've always been under the impression that a clean shaven face is more professional than even a neatly-trimmed beard. However I don't think I've been told this. And I know that, at least in the US, a lot of men avoid beards because women hate them. So I don't really know if beards are verboten even in the US, or it's just a personal fashion thing.

Beards are easier to maintain, and a I feel like they give more of an impression of authority, however I really don't know how facial hair is perceived in foreign countries (except to the extent that mustache-free beards are a sign of piety in Muslim countries). Are their countries where it would tend to matter one way or the other, or would any effect the beard had on school heads and colleagues be pretty much dependent on the individual? And do male teachers in your country generally wear beards?

3. Clothes. Normally I wear shorts in the summer, slacks and sweaters in the winter, and t-shirts, slacks, and a jacket, or slacks and a turtleneck in the spring. If I want to dress formally I wear slacks and a dress shirt, regardless of the season. I often got made fun of at my school as a result, but then, this was college. My friends insisted that I looked too uptight, and I had several people tell me that they assumed I was a professor when it became clear that I was a student. Though I took that last as a compliment.

Now I assume that dress code varies considerably from school to school. I suspect that some schools would force me to wear a tie, however in the schools which have websites with pictures, the teachers generally seem to be dressed in clothes which wouldn't be out of place among hipsters and art students. From your experiences, about what fraction of schools would my normal "nice dressing" (slacks and button-down shirt) be seen as appropriate, what fraction would I have to wear a tie and what fraction of schools have no dress code whatsoever?

Thanks,
~Q

[Phil_K]

Some advice I received early in my career was: Dress like your students. I'm not sure that would apply to teaching school-age children, although the standard of dressing for schoolteachers seems to have declined since my long-ago schooldays.

In the case of corporate classes, and speaking for Mexico, as that's all I know, I would think you're just about right in your choice. I used to wear formal pants, shirt and a tie (no jacket), but now I dispense with the tie, as that's how most of my students dress. I think these days that is considered professional enough.

[Sashadroogie]

Dress up in Istanbul. Shirt tie etc. Image is everything.

[scot47]

Wear a beard and people will assume that you are one of the Faithful.

[Glenski]

[Justin Trullinger]

Everywhere I've lived in the world, glasses are seen as a sign that you're using correction for a visual impairment. Nothing else that I can think of.

Some people will say they make you look smart, but they's true everyplace as well.

I've never heard of them being a problem; I've taught, with glasses, in maybe four countries now. They're just too commonplace to have any particular interpretation attached to them.

Best,
Justin

[Zero]

First order of business: Stop saying "slacks"!

[johntpartee]

Whaddya call 'em?

[Perilla]

[johntpartee]

Yes, I thought it would be trousers or pants; however, here (stress HERE) in China, if you call them trousers or pants, you're just as likely to be talking about jeans. "Slacks" will specify the more formal wear.

[naturegirl321]

[Paul D.]

[Zero]

It is a valid word where I come from. But to me it sounds ... not quite masculine enough.

[johnslat]

It's OK for johntpartee, After all, he's quite the slacker

Regards,
John

[johntpartee]

johnslat, I was wondering where you were! How's Joe?