Do you have to be handsome to be successful? This is the question we have been addressing this week. If there are more and more anti-discrimination movements. Some psychologists, sociologists, and economists still claim that physical appearance plays a determining role in professional success.
The influence of physical appearance at work: a controversial subject but a real issue
Judging a person’s beauty is like venturing into risky terrain. The movements to accept one’s body and fight against discrimination are now numerous and well anchored in the digital landscape. We are generally found on blogs and social networking sites. and aim to encourage each person to be proud of their body. Regardless of whether or not it conforms to the beauty standards imposed on us.
However, the reality of the working world still seems far removed from an ideal where everyone would benefit from the same opportunities. Physical appearance plays a crucial role at many levels and in the personal and professional spheres. Thus, according to the studies of various researchers and academics, a recruiter would be more inclined to hire a “beautiful” person for a job in contact with customers than a person with a physique considered less attractive. Why? One theory suggests that recruiters would be more inclined to hire an attractive person, with the idea that the candidate could in turn more easily “seduce” customers.
Who is the most discriminated against?
The idea is not yet unanimous in the eyes of the beholder. According to a survey, it would be acceptable to refuse to hire a candidate because of his weight or even for lack of physical attractiveness for half of the people. Even more astonishing, for 6 in 10 people, poorly executed or too pronounced make-up can justify a refusal of employment and, for 4 in 10 people. Height is also an acceptable ground of discrimination, especially for men. Indeed, if women are, in general, more subject to professional discrimination for various reasons (dress style, heels, jewelry, varnish …); small men would also be less well respected (and paid) than women. Looking more closely at these figures, it is clear that people who meet the criteria of beauty are advantaged. And that this phenomenon seems (unfortunately) to have been accepted by most of us. So how can this discrimination be remedied?
To show yourself or not to show yourself? That is the question.
The CVs of job seekers, and particularly those with disabilities, have one thing in common that differentiates them from their neighbors. While more and more countries around the world have adopted the habit of writing applications without a photo to fight discrimination in hiring. With a greater emphasis on skills and professional successes, the photo remains in use even if it is not compulsory.
Although it has become a hurdle in the fight against discrimination, the photo on a CV nevertheless retains an advantage. It prevents certain recruiters, a little too curious, from looking for the profiles of candidates on social networks and coming across sometimes unflattering personal photos. Because, in fact, in a world where appearance takes precedence. Social networks are the real kings and allow everyone, beautiful or “less beautiful”, to stand out in the eyes of all, including recruiters.
In this case, removing the photo from his CV in an attempt to fight judgment. That based on physical appearance loses its meaning. Based on this observation, it is, therefore, essential to ensure and manage your digital identity correctly. If you choose to keep your photos private.
How to be beautiful to succeed?
If psychologists and sociologists agree on certain universal beauty criteria. Such as thinness, large size, or the symmetry of the face. We are gradually observing a questioning of the perception of usual beauty. If the statistics cited above may scare some people who would recognize themselves in the criteria cited as “less beautiful”. There is no need to worry.
Mentalities are changing, and everyone has a role to play in raising collective awareness. For this, we will not recommend that you go under the knife to increase your chances of getting a job. On the contrary, your real beauty lies in your difference! So do not hesitate to make your “faults” a real strength. That can push you to have confidence in yourself in your private and professional life. Self-confidence, a smile, and posture are all elements that make you beautiful. And that allows you (among other things) to succeed in your career with flying colors!
Promote your voice in a highly targeted, personalized way using Promoted Content.
Share your requirements at: hello@metroyak.com
Relevant:
