Life Inc. ran an article titled "It Pays To Be Pretty." To view the entire article, the link is provided at the bottom of this blog. The article contained a brief survey asking, "Do you think attractive people make more money than less attractive ones?" A multiple choice question, it provided three possible answers:
1. Yes, I see it in my profession all the time
2. No, that's just a stereotype
3. I'm not really sure
I guess this topic is of great interest because 8,820 people chimed in with their answers. The results are that an overwhelming 84.6% of the responders said "yes."
1. 84.6% (7,461 votes)
2. 5.9% (517 votes)
3. 9.5% (842 votes)
Daniel S. Hamermesh, an economist at UT-Austin, published a book titled "Beauty Pays: Why Attractive People Are More Successful." Hamermesh found that people with above-average looks earn at least 5% more than average looking people. Further, in his book he demonstrates how society favors the beautiful and that attractive people are more likely to be employed and receive more substantial pay.
In an earlier report, The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis researchers indicated that once variables like education and experience were factored out, the "beauty premium" exists across all occupations. The FED also discovered what is referred to as the "plainness penalty" in which less attractive people "suffered a salary penalty of up to 9%."
People, before we go much further let me be perfectly clear. Looks have little or no bearing on job performance. But, I guess some organizations feel differently and all I can say is "Wow."
Take a look at the hiring practices of organizations such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Hooters, even Red Bull. Abercrombie & Fitch have lost or settled several lawsuits over their "look policy." They also have patrolling "Visual Teams" for stores. If you aren't reflecting the A&F style, you're sent to the back room! Hooters? Well, I don't think we really need to discuss the physical attributes that Hooters looks for during their recruiting process.
Red Bull is currently advertising for a Wiings Team Member for East Houston. If you read the advertisement it states, "Premium First Impression: Hiring Manager(s) may issue more specific guidelines. Physical Appearance: Attractive, natural appearance. Maintain physically fit physique."
Aren't the actions above just plain ole discrimination? Personally, I have never, ever, nor ever will, hire someone based on their looks. That's just bad recruiting.
Deborah Rhode, a Stanford law professor, thinks Americans are at the mercy of beauty discrimination. She wants the law to step in. As the author of the book "Beauty Bias," she proposes that the courts handle looks-based discrimination the same way that gender or race discrimination is treated. *I'm not quite yet ready to chime in on that one.*
Does looking good give us more confidence? Should the workplace become a beauty contest? A few recommendations from this HR corner:
1. Don't dress for the job you have, dress for the job you want. *I have been throwing this one piece of advise around to friends, family and business acquaintances for years!* While clothes don't help you perform, there is a belief that it will help how your performance is perceived.
2. Be confident in who you are! Stand tall. Smile. Maintain eye contact.
3. Focus on your communication skills and your ability to sell yourself!
In closing, isn't beauty in the eye of the beholder?
Link:
http://lifeinc.today.com/_news/2011/08/31/7514303-it-pays-to-be-pretty?GT1=43001
1. Yes, I see it in my profession all the time
2. No, that's just a stereotype
3. I'm not really sure
I guess this topic is of great interest because 8,820 people chimed in with their answers. The results are that an overwhelming 84.6% of the responders said "yes."
1. 84.6% (7,461 votes)
2. 5.9% (517 votes)
3. 9.5% (842 votes)
Daniel S. Hamermesh, an economist at UT-Austin, published a book titled "Beauty Pays: Why Attractive People Are More Successful." Hamermesh found that people with above-average looks earn at least 5% more than average looking people. Further, in his book he demonstrates how society favors the beautiful and that attractive people are more likely to be employed and receive more substantial pay.
In an earlier report, The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis researchers indicated that once variables like education and experience were factored out, the "beauty premium" exists across all occupations. The FED also discovered what is referred to as the "plainness penalty" in which less attractive people "suffered a salary penalty of up to 9%."
People, before we go much further let me be perfectly clear. Looks have little or no bearing on job performance. But, I guess some organizations feel differently and all I can say is "Wow."
Take a look at the hiring practices of organizations such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Hooters, even Red Bull. Abercrombie & Fitch have lost or settled several lawsuits over their "look policy." They also have patrolling "Visual Teams" for stores. If you aren't reflecting the A&F style, you're sent to the back room! Hooters? Well, I don't think we really need to discuss the physical attributes that Hooters looks for during their recruiting process.
Red Bull is currently advertising for a Wiings Team Member for East Houston. If you read the advertisement it states, "Premium First Impression: Hiring Manager(s) may issue more specific guidelines. Physical Appearance: Attractive, natural appearance. Maintain physically fit physique."
Aren't the actions above just plain ole discrimination? Personally, I have never, ever, nor ever will, hire someone based on their looks. That's just bad recruiting.
Deborah Rhode, a Stanford law professor, thinks Americans are at the mercy of beauty discrimination. She wants the law to step in. As the author of the book "Beauty Bias," she proposes that the courts handle looks-based discrimination the same way that gender or race discrimination is treated. *I'm not quite yet ready to chime in on that one.*
Does looking good give us more confidence? Should the workplace become a beauty contest? A few recommendations from this HR corner:
1. Don't dress for the job you have, dress for the job you want. *I have been throwing this one piece of advise around to friends, family and business acquaintances for years!* While clothes don't help you perform, there is a belief that it will help how your performance is perceived.
2. Be confident in who you are! Stand tall. Smile. Maintain eye contact.
3. Focus on your communication skills and your ability to sell yourself!
In closing, isn't beauty in the eye of the beholder?
Link:
http://lifeinc.today.com/_news/2011/08/31/7514303-it-pays-to-be-pretty?GT1=43001
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