Sitting outside the interview room, Maya conversed with “the other girl” while awaiting her turn. ‘The girl’s slightly crooked nose, dark complexion and plain appearance won’t work in her favour, unless she has something really extraordinary,’ Maya thought to herself. She was right, with both girls having similar qualifications and this being an entry level job, the interviewer was biased towards the better looking Maya. This was the fourth job the other girl was rejected from; even though she had all the right qualifications on paper.
With Maya securing the job, “the other girl” walked away dejected. It was another rejection. She had always done well in her education, spoke fluent English, and was a competent woman. So why was she losing out at every job interview?
On the verge of tears, she thought back to her first. The interview had gone fine; she had spoken well, knew what the company was all about and had studied her job expectations in detail. Yet she had been rejected. Since it was her 1st she didn’t take it to heart, but now 3 months and 4 interviews later, she knew something was not quite right. Her qualifications matched the job requirement so it wasn’t that area that needed focus.
The above story is not a stray incident but happens very often. The pretty ones get hired more easily while the plain ones get left behind. Though its’ their capabilities that take them further, getting the foot in the door is much easier for the good-looking lot.
Are beautiful women more qualified than their not so good looking counterparts? The obvious answer is no. Beauty has nothing to do with talent. But what is true is that you are judged by your appearance. Women who dress well are also deemed more capable than those who don’t bother with makeup and grooming.
I read an interesting survey done for job applicants in Europe; each employer was given 2 CVs, one with a picture and one without. The picture was male or female, plain or attractive looking. In most cases, the attractive people were called for an interview first.
Studies also show that attractive people earn 10 to 15% more than less attractive ones and colleagues go out of their way to assist them.
However being too good looking can also be a disadvantage, especially if you are a woman in a predominantly man’s role. Many feel they have to work harder to prove themselves as contemporaries find it difficult to accept a good looking and efficient co-worker.
There is a definite bias towards attractive people, many times unconsciously and we all have been guilty of it. We as humans are naturally drawn to beautiful things.
Although “the other girl’ did finally manage to secure a job and has done well in her career because of dedication and talent; till date the boss is just a little more attentive to her beautiful co-worker than her.
By Jumana Rajkotwala
Image Source: www.jobhuntersbible.com