Anecdotal evidence, I specifically grew a beard in 1994 in preparation for a contract interview. I was 24. I got the contract. A friend (25 years old) tried to

Anecdotal evidence, I specifically grew a beard in 1994 in preparation for a contract interview. I was 24. I got the contract. A friend (25 years old) tried to get a contract clean shaven, eventually gave in after multiple failed interviews, grew a beard and got a contract. He had a real baby face. 'Young' Age perception is a real problem when contracting. Less so after the first contract. Of note I still have my beard. I rather like it.