Key facts
- Appearance and presentation are considered important factors in job interviews.
- A 2020 UK study found 51% of employers rejected candidates due to their appearance.
- Attractiveness is often associated with positive traits such as trustworthiness and intelligence.
- Professional attire and grooming can signal to interviewers that a candidate is taking the opportunity seriously.
- Confidence can be boosted by feeling good about one's appearance, which may improve performance.
Individuals seeking employment can enhance their job prospects by paying close attention to their appearance and presentation during interviews, according to experts and recent job seekers. Taya Reed, a 23-year-old science graduate, successfully landed a marketing role at the womenswear brand Tala by carefully selecting her interview attire to reflect the company's culture. She opted for an all-white ensemble, including a maxi skirt and ballet flats, which she felt was "girly and summery" and served as a conversation starter.
Research supports the notion that appearance plays a significant role in hiring decisions. A 2020 UK study revealed that 51% of employers admitted to rejecting candidates based on their appearance, citing issues like scruffy clothing or poorly maintained hair. Min-Hsuan Tu, a professor of human resources at the University of Buffalo and lead author of a 2021 paper on the subject, explains that individuals perceived as attractive are often hired more frequently due to associations with positive traits such as trustworthiness and intelligence. Tu notes that this perception can stem from preferential treatment received since childhood, leading to better non-verbal communication skills and increased confidence. She emphasizes that physical attractiveness extends beyond facial features and body shape to include clothing and makeup, making overall presentation crucial.
Matt Cohen, a 31-year-old American marketing graduate, also focused on presenting a professional image to secure his first job after nearly a year of searching. Despite the casual dress code at the media company where he eventually found an entry-level executive role, Cohen wore a long-sleeved button-down shirt to appear prepared for potential client meetings. He also paid attention to grooming his beard and ensuring his hair was neatly cut. Beyond appearance, Cohen utilized non-verbal cues like eye contact and nodding to demonstrate engagement, and employed a mental technique of pretending interviewers were already friends to reduce stress and appear in control.
Career coach Caroline Hickey corroborates the importance of appearance, particularly in a competitive job market. She states that a well-presented and professional appearance unconsciously signals to interviewers that the candidate is taking the opportunity seriously and makes it easier for them to envision the candidate in the workplace. Hickey also points out that feeling good about one's appearance can significantly boost confidence and performance.
Madeline Drucker, a 21-year-old who secured two internships via video interviews, echoed these sentiments. She prepared for virtual interviews as she would for in-person ones, focusing on hair, makeup, and professional attire, while ensuring a clear and blurred video background. Drucker found that looking good enhanced her confidence and performance, especially in video calls where connecting can be more challenging. She also used accessories, like a bracelet, to help manage fidgeting and self-soothe during interviews.
Reed's successful job search also involved pre-interview relaxation techniques, including deep breathing exercises in a park before her in-person interview, to manage stress and appear calm.