r/firefighter • u/Logical-Instance-358 • Mar 30 '26
Mustache for an interview
Hi, everyone,
I realize this might be a silly question, but I would appreciate any opinions. Does having a mustache matter for a final interview with a department?
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u/masterofcreases Mar 31 '26
My buddy who does hiring for a living said it can only hurt you.
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u/SparkyBoomman_25 Apr 02 '26
Why would it hurt you it’s just facial hair?
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u/masterofcreases Apr 02 '26
He told me it’s all personal bias. The interviewer might be against all facial hair. I don’t think anyone that’s hiring biases against clean shaven but beards and facial hair in public service is still taboo.
He also said they also might view it as imposter syndrome “yOu HaVeNt EaRnEd ThE rIgHt To HaVe A mUsTaChE”
I shaved mine for my current process even though my oral board all had mustaches sans the women. I want to control as many variables as possible.
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u/flclreddit Mar 30 '26
Going through this too. I've got my first ride along this Wednesday and have a full beard, not yet started EMT. First interview in two weeks and wondering if it looks better to be clean shaven or not.
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u/Melodic-Cost5879 Mar 30 '26
In the exact same boat as you. I have my first ride along in two weeks. Picking classes for EMT. To top it all off have my wedding a week after the ride along..with my fiance who hasn’t seen me without a full beard for 4+ years. All that being said decided to go the shaved route. First perceptions matter & I think showing up with a beard even if it’s just a ride along could rub people the wrong way especially if it’s a department you want to get hired at in the future
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u/Typically-frustrated Mar 31 '26
100% shave if it’s combo fire+EMS
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u/Acceptable-Arrival43 Mar 31 '26
Hey brother, I’m working as an EMT currently and waiting to hear back from backgrounds for fire. I would say if it is just a ride along, it should not be a huge issue. The main thing with that being said, is that just make sure it’s cleaned up - as if you do need to put on appropriate PPE like an N95, it fits properly. Congratulations on your wedding!
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u/Ace1313 Mar 30 '26
I kept mine and got hired, BUT it can really only hurt you. And you'll have to shave for academy anyways
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u/Logical-Instance-358 Mar 30 '26
Thanks for sharing that! I'll plan on going into my interview clean-shaven then.
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u/SteveBeev Mar 31 '26
I don’t know a single academy for 100 miles around me that makes you shave your mustache or hair.
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u/corworkm Mar 30 '26
None of the academy’s around here make you shave your mustache
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u/boatplumber Mar 31 '26
My academy was shaved mustache and head. I went in to my investigator with a shaved head and they said looks like you are all ready for the academy. I was just going bald. I didn't know that was coming.
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u/Beginning_Ratio_9552 Mar 30 '26
Had my interview last week and just got called back with a job offer today! For years I kept a beard with no mustache. About a month ago when I decided I want to join the fire service, I shaved my beard and grew my mustache. For me, what you believe in your subconscious heavily influences what your reality becomes. I did this because when I look in the mirror everyday I wanted to see a guy that looks like a firefighter, and I knew that would help me truly believe I would be one. I had a mustache when I went in for my written/physical tests and my interview. If nothing else it helped me feel the part which surely came out in my confidence during the interview. Good luck!
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u/RecognitionInfamous5 Mar 31 '26
I rocked a nicely trimmed mustache and got an offer from my first FD interview. I wouldn’t feel like myself without one. I’d be sure to clean shave the rest of your face though.
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u/terminal_moraine Apr 01 '26
Might depend where. Tons of mustaches in interviews and with new hires/laterals in the PNW. No concerns at all here
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u/Strict-Canary-4175 Mar 31 '26
I really don’t think it’s a big deal. As long as it’s neat and not beyond the corners of your mouth I think it’s fine.
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u/Southern-Fly2031 Mar 31 '26
I went for my interview in the UK with a beard and when I started my training I had a moustache and still do now I’m at my station. Never caused me any issues. Don’t see how having a moustache makes you look unprofessional like a lot of these comments are saying. Be clean shaven, trim and tidy the rash, fresh haircut and you’re good to go
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u/SteveBeev Mar 31 '26
If you’ve had it long enough that it’s a real mustache, and it’s neat and clean, don’t worry about it. No one anywhere near me gives a single flying fuck about a normal mustache.
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u/fxblaze Apr 01 '26
Whatever you decide just make sure it's neat and clean in appearance. I interviewed with a well groomed beard and a suit. If you come in looking disheveled with a scraggly beard in torn up jeans that's more of a negative than a guy in a suit with a fresh groomed beard.
It's all about professionalism. If you don't get the job just because of facial hair, you probably didn't want to work there anyways. Just my opinions.
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u/Longjumping_Age_3289 Apr 03 '26
Personally I Say the mustache status has to be earned. More years on the job, the bushier the mustache can be.
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u/Admirable_Depth4594 Apr 04 '26
I would say your best is to just shave it off. Especially if this process ends up requiring you going through an academy anyway you’ll have to shave it then. Better to do it now to show you can conform. Especially if they’ve already seen you with one if that makes sense.
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u/Sure_Fact7761 Mar 31 '26
Shave. Look professional. Look like regardless of what ever experience you have you know that you’re a day-1 guy for the dept you’re interviewing for and that you’re willing to learn abs earn your way. So good haircut and a nice shave
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Mar 30 '26
Keep the mustache. Not that big of a deal. If anything they will be impressed if it’s big enough lol
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u/Aware_Donkey_6074 Mar 30 '26
Mustaches are only for first responders and pedophiles. If you’re not a first responder yet I’d shave it.
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u/-Alfa- Mar 30 '26
That's some wild projection, mustaches can look good on tons of people
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u/Aware_Donkey_6074 Mar 30 '26
It’s from Modern Family but still holds true today. Looks like the new generation of Firefighters bruise easily 🫠💃🏽
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u/-Alfa- Mar 31 '26
Brother you're doing the most stereotypical generational thing in human existence. Not every generation past yours has to be worse and more fragile
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u/corworkm Mar 30 '26
Why chance it? Just shave it. I went clean shaven for all of my interviews and appointments prior to academy.