What Do Your Teeth Say About You to a Potential Employer?

Job interviews are frightening because you know you're going into a situation where you're going to be judged. You already know that a potential employer is scrutinizing your resume, your work history, and your outfit for flaws. But the scariest thing about a job interview is not knowing what sort of other biases a hiring manager is hiding. And your teeth might be saying things about you without you even realizing it.

1. What do your teeth say about you when you have caffeine or nicotine stains?

We all have our vices, but some like coffee and cigarettes leave visible marks on our teeth. Having obvious caffeine or nicotine stains might tell a potential employer that you don't prioritize taking care of your body or your health. You may come across as a weak-willed person for letting your bad habits make an impact on your appearance. Should a hiring manager care if you smoke or drink coffee? Probably not, but some people have deeply-seated prejudices, particularly against smokers.

This is an easy one to fix, though. If you can, lay off the coffee and cigarettes for a few days before the interview and use whitening toothpaste. If that's not a possibility, at least buy yourself an over-the-counter teeth whitening kit, and time it so you'll be finishing the treatment the night before the big interview. Don't smoke or drink coffee before you meet your potential employer so your breath will smell nice and you won't have any fresh coffee residue on your teeth.

2. What do your teeth say about you when you have lipstick on them?

Ladies! I'm going to cut right to the chase and let you know that if you go into a job interview with lipstick on your teeth, there is a very good chance you will no longer be considered for that position. When you have lipstick on your teeth, you are telling your potential employer that you don't pay attention to details. Even worse, it makes you look like you were running late and had to put on your makeup in the car or as you were running for the bus. And it forces your interviewer into a really awkward social situation. Will a hiring manager tell you that you have lipstick on your teeth? No, but she will surely want to.

First, if you're breaking out the bright red lipstick for a job interview, stop that right now. Use a clear lip gloss or a muted lipstick color so that if lipstick migrates toward your teeth regularly, it won't be noticeable. Or go without. Second, if you have to reapply, check your face before you go in. It only takes a second, and you can do it discreetly in a pocket mirror outside the building.

3. What do your teeth say about you if they are crooked?

Having crooked but otherwise healthy teeth is certainly no tragedy. But if you are a jockeying for a big-money, high-level position, crooked teeth might work against you. Essentially, crooked teeth say to a hiring manager that you grew up in a household where orthodontic care was unaffordable. Again, no biggie to most people, but some executives have a subliminal preference for people who look like they have always been well-off.

This problem is a little more labor-intensive to fix. If you really feel like crooked teeth are sending the wrong message to people, you can now get braces (even as an adult) that are almost invisible.

4. What do your teeth say about you if you smile naturally and with confidence?

When you smile and speak confidently regardless of any flaws your teeth might have, you project an image of self-assurance and likability. In fact, you can overcome many people's initial subliminal reactions to things like crooked teeth by being confident in general.

While you are being interviewed, don't let your teeth do the talking for you. Don't put your hand in front of your face before you smile. Don't be afraid to laugh at a joke the interviewer tells, and don't be afraid to make one of your own if it's appropriate. When you smile with your whole face, your teeth won't say much at all, but your personality will.