What’s Beauty Have to Do With It?

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I think it’s fair to say that most of us care about our personal appearances. We spend time and money everyday prepping to look our best. One place we like to dress to impress is at work, but do some of us have ulterior motives? According to one magazine article, there may be an advantage to being physically attractive in today’s workplace, but why?

In the article, there is reference to a survey conducted by the magazine, which offers some idea of how hiring managers view personal appearance. Here are a couple of results:

  • 57% of hiring managers surveyed said that unattractive candidates are likely to have a harder time finding jobs
  • 59% of hiring managers surveyed said they would advise job candidates to spend as much money on looks as on their resumes

These results are alarming, right? Imagine being an entry level job candidate competing for a position and in the back of your mind wondering whether you will be treated as a serious candidate or a piece of eye candy. I believe most candidates understand the importance of appearance as part of the package employers are looking for. However, candidates should make sure that their appearances reflect professional images that won’t distract employers from the substance they have to offer.

It’s no secret that people are attracted to people who are well-groomed, but remember looks aren’t everything. At the end of the day, most employers want to hire the most qualified candidates for entry level jobs and other positions.

Information provided by Jessica Bennett.

Source
Newsweek Magazine – July 26, 2010

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2 thoughts on “What’s Beauty Have to Do With It?”

  1. This is an interesting topic. We’re always looking for valuable resources to show clients and my colleagues, and your post is certainly worth sharing!

  2. It is true. There are a few reasons why:

    1. The recent college graduate reads this article (especially woman) and goes into an interview thinking they have a disadvantage because they feel as if they are not as good looking. This hurts their performance.

    2. Some hiring managers are not too smart.

    3. If you are overweight, it does show that you do not take of yourself which does not bode well.

    Personally, I think tall is better. Clients of mine love tall candidates.