The Beauty Issue Continued

I wrote an article over the summer about something called the "beauty bias" and how it affects the job search process for women. Things like a good resume, good qualifications, and intelligence will never be outdated, but it seems that a little bit more is required of female applicants.

The "beauty bias" states that more attractive people (especially more attractive women) are more likely to be hired even if a less attractve but more qualified person also applies for the job. This has been tested numerous times in psychological experiments. (For more information on results and how to find this information look at: "Women Rule...in Retail" and "Beauty Matters, Trust Me" on this blog).

Further research also states (take a look at The Work Buzz) that this "beauty bias" only exists when women apply for jobs typically viewed as feminine--such as secretarial positons. However, when women want to apply for stereotypically masculine jobs (tow-truck driver or mechanical engineer, for example) attractiveness is detrimental to them getting the job.

It's interesting that this research is out there and is solely focused on women and employer's perception of them. Yet, one can't easily toss it aside. Especially since employers tend to rank attractiveness as the 3rd most important trait when considering candidates. No wonder there are stories in the news where women sue former employers claiming they were fired because they are too sexy (Debrahlee Lorenzana).

Ironically, it seems, that women feel they are more productive at work when they wear more provocative clothing. Although emplyers tend to prefer a more conservative look. The what-to-wear issue is even more serious when making first impressions, and perhaps, more so when attemptiong to climb the proverbial corporate ladder.

While it's always good to take information like this with "a grain of salt" it's equally important to know that these ideas are out there. I strongly believe that common sense will always prevail. Since these matters are out of our hands anyway, just go out there and put your best foot (face?) forward.

For job search related tips and information visit: retailgigs

By: Samantha Taylor

Samantha is a Boston, Massachusetts native. Her studies have taken her from Ohio to England, where she lived for two years. Currently, Samantha lives in Andalucía, Spain, with her husband, and works as an English teacher and personal trainer in her spare time.