What exactly is professionalism and why does it matter? According to Merriam Webster, professionalism is defined as the conduct, aims or qualities that characterize a professional person.
We all know that first impressions are important, but do you know exactly how much time you have to make that first impression as a pilot? Within the first seven seconds of meeting, people will form a lasting impression of you. This means you will be judged on your looks and presentation long before you will be judged on your words or actions.
As pilots, being professional should always be of utmost importance. The general public needs to trust that pilots are capable, smart, detail-oriented, and safe. Being a professional means working and behaving in such a way that others think - "Yes! This person can _________."
We all wish there weren’t these expectations placed upon us, yet the reality is that they are.
One day I flew Kaley Cuoco (The Big Bang Theory actress) during her pink hair phase. I thought to myself, when I’m not a pilot anymore I'm going to have pink hair just like her. What I really meant was, when I no longer need to represent a person of high professional standards I’ll do what I want and have cool, hip, Hollywood Hair.
Today I'm sitting in the hair stylist’s chair waiting for my blonde (not pink) highlights to set and am contemplating professionalism, obviously. My hairstylist has long, blonde hair with 10 dreadlocks underneath her curly locks and I’m immediately thrown back to wanting Kaley’s pink hair.
Many airlines have very strict and descriptive dress codes for both male and female pilots. For example:
flat shoes or heels no more than 1.5 inches and no tassels
only one ring per hand
small earrings
one simple bracelet
tattoos cannot be displayed
facial jewelry is prohibited
makeup must compliment the individual's skin tone
hairstyles need to be business-like with no extreme colors
sideburns can't extend past the middle of the ear
mustaches can't go 1/4 inch past the corner of the mouth
Adhering to these guidelines are also important to follow during an aviation interview.
So if you’re thinking about that visible tattoo or nose ring, you might think twice. I’ve learned the hard way with a $70 wrist tattoo that has now cost me $500 to remove. And sadly, I’m probably not going to get those dreadlocks or pink hair anytime soon either.
What would you do if upholding a professional image wasn’t an issue for you?
