COUGAR ON THE PROWL

When job-hunting, is age a factor? Most people would say yes, that looking younger is an asset for candidates who may be 40ish or beyond.

Multiple factors influence every employer’s decision-making process, which is far from an exact science. And yes, a candidate’s age –or perceived age—may indeed be an element.

The common wisdom among job-seekers is that younger is better. True? Not always. From an executive recruitment standpoint, more relevant experience, and longer-term references, may easily trump youth in certain settings. Should you ever lie about your age on your resume or in an interview? Not advisable, but looking younger by any means necessary is just fine.

Los Angeles celeb hairstylist Mohammed Rahebi advises against letting it all hang out. Roots are a no-no, especially if they are white, gray, or silver—with all due respect to the rocker Patti Smith and her daring “salt-and-chocolate” grow- out.

“You want to look like you care, and like you’re willing to work at it, but not like you’re trying desperately hard,” says the 25-year beauty biz pro Rahebi, who  styles at  IDENTITY Salon in Encino, CA. “You must radiate confidence, simply because looking fantastic is second-nature to you. Effortless chic happens only when you really understand your own haircut and color, and your overall look. Don’t wear anything that makes you nervous or distracts you, or will distract the interviewer from what you’re saying. Keep color believable, and the style very smooth and classic—think Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn. And don’t fiddle with your hair, nails or jewelry during the interview.”

Job-interview (and overall style) tips from the maestro:

1-    No home-perms.

2-    No “little boy cuts”—unless you’re a little boy.

3-    Don’t try out a radically new style or a new color right before an interview. Being comfortable and at ease is the key to confidence, especially under pressure. “Save any wild science-experiments for your vacation, when you can hide out for a few days to undo the damage if you have to,” says Rahebi.

4-    Every several years—certainly every decade—see a color specialist to take your hair a few degrees blonder. “Not darker,” he warns. “Dark hair against an aging face adds years, and makes you look tired.”

5-    Be sure that your hair moves. “A stiff, helmet-head is matronly, even if you’re 25 years old,” says Rahebi. He cuts long “booster” layers into the under-sections of hair to lift the surface layer, and create a soft, lively swing to the style.

Hair stylist Mohammed Rahebi counsels job-seekers to go classic, but contemporary.