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I am currently a university student in the United States and enjoy participating in No-Shave November each year to help raise cancer awareness.

I am currently applying for post graduation jobs and have a couple of interviews lined up for this month. When interviewing with a company where beards are allowed, how important is it that your beard be kempt?

With my age it doesn't grow in the fullest, and looks scrappy at times. I am willing to shave if I have to, but would prefer not to if keeping it has no impact on my candidacy.

If you are interviewing someone who is competent and qualified, does unkempt facial hair still have an effect on your rating of their qualification for the position? (Not a position where I directly interact with customers or clients)

Edit

@DavidK linked Chad's answer from the duplicate question. There he discusses the difference between a groomed and a not groomed beard. The point made in it is that it may appear unprofessional as to them it may seem that you don't care to take the time to maintain it.

@Meelah notes that while it is for a good cause, I am implying to the interviewer that I prioritize it over my chances with the company.

I understand that this question is a duplicate as I did not read far enough down on the linked question. Thank you to all who commented, you were very helpful and answered my question.

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    I closed this as a duplicate as it seems to be the exact same question as currently written.
    – enderland
    Nov 2, 2015 at 15:52
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    Voting to re-open. This is different. As a beard wearer myself, there is a world of difference between the question of neat beard vs hipster, and having scrappy stubble for charity as a young guy looking for a job.
    – The Wandering Dev Manager
    Nov 2, 2015 at 16:10
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    I agree the question should be re-opened. But I would strongly advise against trying to do an interview looking ungroomed. Even if you explain it's for charity, it'll come across as a sign of immaturity, being stuck in college-age pranks and being unwilling to prioritise the job over fun, albeit fun in a good cause. IMO it could lose you the job, so shave!
    – Meelah
    Nov 2, 2015 at 16:13
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    Tempted to agree with the duplicate. General consensus seems to be that unkempt facial hair could have a non-negligible ‎detrimental effect on your candidacy. Whether that potential impact is a worthwhile trade-off is a personal choice (off-topic). Whether a particular company or interviewer will object is a crapshoot (off-topic). Frankly speaking, if a candidate would let something as silly as this get in the way of making a good impression then that tells me plenty about his professional priorities. (Noticed @Meelah's comment as I posted mine, I basically agree with his point on immaturity.)
    – Lilienthal ♦
    Nov 2, 2015 at 16:13
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    Also take a look at Chad's answer and congusbongus's answer in the linked question, which specifically address well-groomed vs. messy. This question is still a duplicate.
    – David K
    Nov 2, 2015 at 16:31

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