I would say initially ‘yes’ e.g. if in a job interview candidates bring the same qualities to the table and the only difference is that one candidate is good-looking while the other one looks less presentable. But in the long term I would say they also need to proof that they are bright, besides being hardworking, ambitious, having good interpersonal skills etc.
I was repairing a computer at a business and a kid my age walked in looking to apply and they kindly reclined. I asked them why? They didn’t have time to hire and also based on his demeanor. I asked what was wrong with his demeanor and they said it was how he presented himself (dressed).
He had been wearing clothing, clean, brand name clothing for summer weather. I hadn’t clued in it was the fact that he wasn’t dressed formally.
I STRAIGHT AWAY NEGATE THE STATEMENT THAT GOOD LOOKING PEOPLE HAVE BETTER CAREER CHANCES…....IT IS TOTALLY INSANE AN IDEA THAT IF YOU HAVE A BETTER FACE, YOU GET A BETTER PLACE….NOW SUPPOSE ,WHAT WOULD AN EMPLOYER DO IF ONE IS A DUMB ONE BUT HAS A PREETY CONTENANCE AS OPPOSED TO A COMPLETE PROFESSIONAL WHO IS ALSO COMPETEING FOR THE SAME POST…. I SERIOUSLY FEEL THAT IT WOULD BE IN EMPLOYER’S AND HIS/HER COMPANY’S INTEREST TO OPT FOR THE ONE WHO SEEMS FITTING THE BILL RATHER THAN THE MAKING A WRONG CHOICE BECAUSE THE EMPLOYER WANTS A SHINING FACE TO LOOK AT….......IF ALL THIS HAPPENS, I HOPE NOT, BUT ALL THE COMPANIES WHO EMPLOY PEOPLE WITHIN THIS CRITERIA WILL SHUT DOWN….....
As nearly always: It depends …
It depends on the meaning of “good-looking”. Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, as you know. You can’t actually reduce “good-looking” just to physical appearance, the overall impression always integrates the physical appearance with social skills, with “how good you get along with one another” etc.
We know from research that the first 30 seconds of a first meeting count the most – the word of the “first impression” is more than right here!
So, if we generalize “good-looking” to “making a good first impression” (with “the look” being a great part of that!) – then yes, good-looking people get a better start!
You may ponder the question if what is true in relationships between guys and girls perhaps doesn’t count in business-relationships. Aren’t we supposed to listen to reason when it comes to business-relationships?
I don’t really think so. In the end we are all human, so if there are no preeminent reasons against the better looking person he/she will get the job.
That said, nobody who got (and kept!) a decent job should be blamed for “getting that job only because of his/her physical assets” – in the long run other personal, social and professional qualities outweigh the looks!
Going through all that has been mentioned above I would say just one thing that it is not just the looks that matter in any kind of profession but the over all personality. Only a good face cant make you pass the interview until u have the wits and the ability to judge what the job and the person in authority demands. It depends only on the over all package. much desired qualities in a candidate are confidence, communication skills, and convincing power and efficiency and other much wanted things are tested in the long run. What actually matters is the way you present yourself and the way you convince the person on the other side of the table and not just the pretty face.
I agree good looking people have much better chances in doing well in life. However the point I wanna convey is that if you feel you are beautiful and smart from within then you have the ability to bring in a very positive approach in your expressions and that makes you beautiful. I also agree some people are naturally gifted by good looks however its all in the expression of an individual and his communication style which attracts success.
Well, to certain extent good looking people do have better chances of getting a job. Its because here, X-effect comes into play.. and lifts up one’s image like any thing, giving one a fair chance of exploiting the existing conditions!!!!
Usually if one has a better appearance – in terms of grooming and in dress, it shows that they take the time to look after themselves. They usually also exude more confidence and better communications skills because of this, perhaps. A smile and outgoing appearance makes them “good-looking” and may win the employer over, even if they don’t necessarily have the same qualifications as another candidate. I agree with shriti in saying it’s all about how you present yourself and your attitude. Looks can only get you so far – when it comes down to it you have to be able to get the job done.
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Poshmonkey said – Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:54:31 -0000 ( Flag Edit Link )
Thanks for sharing your experience with us, Andrew. Not dressing properly (or appropriately for this particular kind of situation) is one of the faux pas that candidates do in a job interview and it is surprising that often they don’t realise it by themselves. But maybe he thought as long as he is wearing brand names, clean ones … he can’t go wrong. Well, it reminds me of an experience I had in Italy as a recruiter seven years ago. There was a guy who walked in our recruitment agency applying for a job. Well, he was wearing a tracking suit. He thought that the interview with us – the recruitment agency – would be less important. He perceived us as job brokers, didn’t take us that serious and he thought that the interview that really counts is in the end the one at the company (the prospective employer). Unfortunately we didn’t take his application further because we knew that if he doesn’t understand to be dressed professionally all the time he might do the same with a company’s clients later on and that is something we didn’t wanted to risk.