Business Etiquette...

Arthur_Jay · 21 Dec 2006 at 23:29

Hey guys,

Just looking for a few opinions...I started work 3 months ago now working within business to business sales. The job wasn't everything I possibly wanted, but the job is pretty perfect for me for the time being. Career options, fantastic wage, plus it suits me to the tee. But there is a problem, basically, Im still nice and young at 21...which means I still have hair, the way my hair is style means I have a fringe, the sides of my hair just about covers me hair. Its styled and smart, Im complimented on it daily and have been offered modelling contracts in the past becuase of my 'style' so to say. Its straight and brown nothing out of the ordinary really for the 21st century.

My manager however, disagrees....He is a traditionalist, ex army so completely regimental. He feels its not suitable, and the people in the businesses ill be dealing with wont 'get it'. Thing is, I can't cut it...A lot of my self confidence comes from my hair (sounds strange I know) But I would leave the job before cutting my hair, not that I want to leave...as I do need and want this job. Managers from other branches have mentioned how they have no problem with it and no custoners I have ever dealt with in past jobs have ever had a problem.

So well...what do you guys think?

Also...I wear a scarf with a suit...is this against the 'business' rules?

Thanks guys

Bes · 21 Dec 2006 at 23:33

TTIUWP

Personally scarf+ suit= no for me, but I think in sales appearance is very important and looking 'in fashion' (as long as the fashion isn't to dye your hair pink and wear a safety pin through your septum or something) is definatley a good thing IMO.

AJUK · 21 Dec 2006 at 23:33

Your self confidence has nothing to do with your hair, you got the job not a haircut. Cut your hair like a grown up or leave.

PardonTheWait · 21 Dec 2006 at 23:34

Your boss can think what he likes, he can't make you cut your hair, and if your sales are good he can hardly deny you promotion/treat you worse than anyone else because of it either.

M0KUJ1N · 21 Dec 2006 at 23:40

Arthur Jay said:
which means I still have hair, the way my hair is style means I have a fringe, the sides of my hair just about covers me hair.

Che? Sounds like an "emo"/ indie haircut to me. TBH, doesn't your manager have anything more important to worry about than your haircut? Although I can understand that appearances/impressions are very important in sales. Does your contract mention anything about dress codes and the like in it? Might be worth revising this before making any rash decisions

Volcs · 21 Dec 2006 at 23:41

What a strange first post.

I wear a scarf and suit too, but I'm a wildchild.

Alty · 21 Dec 2006 at 23:43

I never knew the whole scarf and suit thing :eek:

I was in an interview with KPMG yesterday wearin one

**Ninja Edit** Of course I took it off while the interview took place!

Tru · 21 Dec 2006 at 23:47

Can I ask what drew you to OcUK for fashion advice? Genuine query, I'd have thought you'd be better asking people who go to work in something other than a Red Dwarf t-shirt and grubby combats.

Kol · 21 Dec 2006 at 23:50

Tru said:
Can I ask what drew you to OcUK for fashion advice? Genuine query, I'd have thought you'd be better asking people who go to work in something other than a Red Dwarf t-shirt and grubby combats.

ROFL

Zefan · 21 Dec 2006 at 23:51

Tru said:
people who go to work in something other than a Red Dwarf t-shirt and grubby combats.

You stalking me :eek:

?

Tru · 21 Dec 2006 at 23:52

Zefan said:
You stalking me ?

I work on the 2nd floor. :cool:

Zefan · 21 Dec 2006 at 23:53

Tru said:
I work on the 2nd floor.

Tell whoever it is that spitting out of the windows is not funny :mad:

PardonTheWait · 21 Dec 2006 at 23:53

Tru said:
Can I ask what drew you to OcUK for fashion advice? Genuine query, I'd have thought you'd be better asking people who go to work in something other than a Red Dwarf t-shirt and grubby combats.

Eerily accurate, only it was Duck Hunt :/

Christ, how fat have I got lately :/

Edit: Hah check it out, I can even look gormless when you can't see my face. What a talent.

robmiller · 21 Dec 2006 at 23:54

Mohinder said:
Your boss can think what he likes, he can't make you cut your hair, and if your sales are good he can hardly deny you promotion/treat you worse than anyone else because of it either.

Is there actually some kind of rule or regulation that prevents employers from telling their employees to cut their hair/otherwise maintain their appearance?

I'm shocked if there is—especially when it comes to something like sales, where your company's success depends rather a lot on the impression you project.

PardonTheWait · 21 Dec 2006 at 23:55

robmiller said:
Is there actually some kind of rule or regulation that prevents employers from telling their employees to cut their hair/otherwise maintain their appearance?

I'm shocked if there is—especially when it comes to something like sales, where your company's success depends rather a lot on the impression you project.

He's in sales, you're meant to be a fat-tied, silly-haired tart.

Also if you read his post, it appears his hair is smart and styled, not just a scruffy mess.

You can't make an employee cut his hair just because you don't like it.

We need a picture to judge its suitability tbh...

Tru · 21 Dec 2006 at 23:57

Mohinder said:
Eerily accurate, only it was Duck Hunt :/

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b78/mohinder1/duck.jpg[IMG]

Christ, how fat have I got lately :/

Edit: Hah check it out, I can even look gormless when you can't see my face. What a talent.[/QUOTE]
Damn that's even worse. :D

I love my Sensi t-shirt but it clings to my fat belly. :(

Lopéz · 21 Dec 2006 at 23:58

One of my friends works for the police and recently saw a Super give 2 new coppers a talking to over their "trendy" bleached spiked choppy floppy haircuts.

"What are you, a pair of bloody woofters?" were his exact words.

Zefan · 21 Dec 2006 at 23:58

robmiller said:
I'm shocked if there is—especially when it comes to something like sales, where your company's success depends rather a lot on the impression you project.

In my old contract there was a bit saying that general hygiene and appearance must be kept up.

daz · 21 Dec 2006 at 23:59

Basically in the first 6 months of employment you can be sacked for pretty much anything apart from race, sex or religion. No need for gross misconduct or formal warnings...

I'd get your har cut to be honest, it will grow back.

Arthur_Jay · 22 Dec 2006 at 00:01

Well I was a member here like a year ago, can't get my password for it though, as it was set on an old email address that I can access now...As for fashion advice...Its not really what im asking for, just opinions.

I've seen some of these 'emo/indie' haircuts...believe me its nothing like that, I doubt I would have got the job in the first place. I did however get the job with my hair like this.

There is nothing in my contract about appearance, and Id like to think he had better things to do..apparently not!

There isn't a way I can lose the job either because of it is there?