I got this question in a recent panel that focused on Big Career Mistakes.  Ok, that question did not come from a woman (and therefore not the typical 85 Broads demographic), but now that I have your attention, I wanted to highlight a few points to ponder inspired by the above question that do relate to 85 Broads women (and men who rock):

When you have the opportunity to get feedback, ask big questions.  The panel was for senior executives and featured former recruiters and executive coaches from a variety of backgrounds.  This was a golden opportunity for participants to get candid insight into job search and career planning.  This participant was clearly torn about whether his moustache was sabotaging his career, but I would recommend focusing on the bigger picture items.

Over-emphasis on a small detail can derail your bigger career plans.  This participant had an interesting background when he finally divulged it.  But his first few statements were focused on the facial hair issue – what he heard from others, what his worries were, company policies he knew about….If he instead spent that time and energy on crafting a career strategy and pitch, he would have been further along in generating rapport, facial hair or not.  Many jobseekers make this mistake:  they fixate on something about them (a career gap, lack of a certain skill, a bad experience) and assume that it permeates the rest of the search, and in doing so, they ensure that it does permeate and derail the rest of their search!

Be willing to take a stand.  Facial hair is actually a no-no in certain circles, so this participant is partially right in recognizing it as an issue.  But, there are many times when a judgment call needs to be made.  In personal matters (e.g., how you look), you need to state your preference and live by it.  If you can make a reasonable case, the willingness to take a stand and stick to your opinion is attractive (to employers and those around you).  People who stand by their convictions appear confident.  We trust that they are able to make decisions.  We want them on our team.

Caroline Ceniza-Levine helps people find fulfilling jobs and careers, as the co-founder of SixFigureStart®, career coaching by former Fortune 500 recruiters.   Caroline has recruited for leading companies in financial services, consulting, media, pharmaceutical/ healthcare, and technology. She is the co-author (along with Donald Trump, Jack Canfield and others) of the best-selling “How the Fierce Handle Fear: Secrets to Succeeding in Challenging Times” 2010; Two Harbors Press.  Caroline is a 2010 grant recipient of the Jones New York Empowerment Fund.