It’s been a hard road – you never really pictured your life turning out this way but a series of bad breaks left you flat. But now you’re ready to get back on track, ready to feel good, find work, and start looking toward the future.
Well that was the plan, but the jobs aren’t coming. With each interview you’re getting better and better about describing your skills and experience, but still no go. You talk it over with a friend and he offers a bit of tough love, “Dude, it’s your teeth.”
Yes, your potential at a company should be based on your skillset and personality but let’s face it, there are often now hundreds of people vying for every one job. Your hygiene does matter. What’s more, oral hygiene (or lack thereof) sends a not-so subconscious message about your self-care. You know and I know that it’s been because of hard times, but all the interviewer sees is an unkempt appearance. And if you and would-be employee Joe Schmoe are neck and neck on everything else but he has an awesome smile? You get the picture.
So take care of yourself, find a dentist and get the work done. Look for an affordable group, but still make sure their office is in clean and decent shape – and that their dental supplies are contemporary and in good repair. Just as others may end up judging you by your smile, you’ll have a good sense of a dentist’s professionalism by his or her surroundings. Good luck!