I'm applying to a multitude of jobs, and a recruiter contacted me regarding a possible interview. If they schedule the interview, I'd like to be ready for it, and give myself ample time to prepare.
I'm a bit self conscious of my looks, and have a really bad sense of fashion and how to dress. Usually it's not a big deal. Some jeans and a t-shirt work for where I currently work, and I interviewed in a suit before I started growing any facial hair.
Now disclaimer; I cannot grow a full beard. My beard looks full-ish, but never really fills out and looks patchy. Here's my dilemma, I look like I'm 11 years old if I go clean shaven, and for the positions I'm applying for, that would be a bad thing. I agree that interviewers shouldn't care about how young I look if I'm qualified, but the reality of the situation is that they will form their own opinions about my age that might affect the outcome of the hiring process.
I'm an analyst (mainly business) and my industry varies but I live and work in California, although I'm not averse to relocation should the position require it.
I was thinking I could do a sort of "5 o'clock shadow" look, which I can pull off relatively well, or even keep a close shaven look while still with hair, but that seems to be a bad idea, which leads me to my question.
What is the right amount of facial hair to sport during an interview when one can't grow a full beard/moustache and doing otherwise may prove harmful?