Do hiring managers hire based on looks

Comms69

Malthusian wrote: »

People wear a suit/tie to signal they're prepared to follow rules, which is different from physical attractiveness.
- Sorry but no, it's part of the whole thing. Many jobs wont require a suit and tie, but it's still expected at interview - first impressions matter


It does work both ways, though. Older candidates may be hired because the hirer assumes they aren't going to go off and have babies. And the OP isn't the first candidate to be hired to avoid tempting the manager's spouse or for that matter to avoid a row with 'er or 'im indoors.

In the grand scheme it's just part of the numbers game. If you don't get a job because the manager was shallow it is no different from not getting a job because the manager got out of bed on the wrong side that day. You just keep trying until you find one that isn't.

The key thing is to treat the interview as a two way street, too many candidates go in trying to be good enough for the job, but actually the company must be the right fit for the person

[Deleted User]

Round & *dumpy* lady here who only lost all of 4lb in January! (A customer genuinely once give this description of me, but we've all said something out of turn so I let them off) got two offers in the last day. Soon it will be you too.

My luck this time came from barn and farm offices, settling on a job that historically was held by a younger person/junior who would mess about personally texting during work hours so employer decides they prefer someone older; maternity leave also being in the mix helped. Accepting a lower salary may also help for the right opportunity - you just never know a change of scenery could be the winner too (applying to different places to where you would normally) I used to be quite the office building snob but not any more.

If you can pick up March 2020 magazine issue of Cosmopolitan, it has a lovely pink front cover with a real woman of our time and even has interview advice in it.

You'll get there x

TheEffects

Hi

Please don't let the feeling get you down.

I have been attending job interviews for a while now, with top firms.

I have encountered many forms of discrimination.

I remember a large worldwide machinery sales job role. I was asked a questions in quick succession, couldn't get the first answer out

Who am I?
Why did you turn u today?

Needless to say I answered diplomatically. Did I get the job, no.

I once travelled 2.5 hours on the motorway to a job interview, was not even offered a light refreshment like a glass of water.

I even had a interviewer that strung me along for 3 months, application on hold, after interview was positive, due to recruitment freeze. All of a sudden they hired someone else, they contacts me after 4 months to tell me this?

The vibe of the interviewer, demonstrates to me would, I really want any think to do with these people?

Many job interviews don't understand, that they were once in the position you are in, but seem evident to discriminate for there joy.

Keep up the good effort, on the applications, somewhere it will be rewarded.

oldernonethewiser

People wear a suit/tie to signal they're prepared to follow rules, which is different from physical attractiveness.
- Sorry but no, it's part of the whole thing. Many jobs wont require a suit and tie, but it's still expected at interview - first impressions matter


Depends very much on the type of business. When I interviewed I never expected people to wear a suit or tie type outfit, but then I wasn't recruiting for office jobs.

TELLIT01

I managed to get plenty of jobs and I certainly don't consider myself to be God's gift to beauty. For some jobs appearance is a higher priority than others.

steampowered

Finding a new job can be tough. It can be disheartening to be making lots of applications but not get anywhere.

It doesn't necessarily mean there is anything wrong with you or your application. Many employers might have 10 or 100 qualified candidates for certain roles.

Do think about how you could improve your applications and interview technique but don't get too disheartened - keep trying.

Recruitment managers will certainly take into account whether you are appropriately addressed and generally presentable. For example some jobs might require you to be clean shaven. Particularly for client/customer facing roles.

I would hope recruitment managers wouldn't taken into account general attractiveness to any significant degree! Some might but I don't think that's the norm.

elsien

soraya55 wrote: »

No they definitely meant least attractive based on looks as I was working with the female bosses husband. I have never got a job where a man was hiring and have been told by strangers in the street that I am ugly so I am under no illusions. I just think that I am now basically unemployable especially as I am now over 40.

No you're not. There's lots of us well over 40 who get decent jobs.
I'd far rather have a capable candidate than a good looking one if I had to choose one or the other.

I think you need to be careful that you're not so busy obsessing over your looks that you're overlooking the factors in your interview technique that might be letting you and which you can do something about.

elsien

soraya55 wrote: »

No they definitely meant least attractive based on looks as I was working with the female bosses husband. I have never got a job where a man was hiring and have been told by strangers in the street that I am ugly so I am under no illusions. I just think that I am now basically unemployable especially as I am now over 40.

No you're not. There's lots of us well over 40 who get decent jobs.
I'd far rather have a capable candidate than a good looking one.

I think you need to be careful that you're not so busy obsessing over your looks that you're overlooking the factors in your interview technique that might be letting you and which you can do something about.
Although there are probably better sources of interview advice than cosmopolitan.

Sharon87

Depends on your industry I guess. I can imagine the fashion industry takes looks a lot more into consideration than say working in retail, warehouses, office work.etc I work in TV and I've heard of certain companies/people hiring on looks - but it's rare, even in TV.

I think instead of focusing on your looks, focus on your your skills and interview technique.

Jobhunt

It depends. I think it’s good to be smart.
Attractive people are seen as more capable it’s called halo effect .

In reality I think it’s more to do with fitting in. I’ve had about 6 interviews no luck but had great feedback from a temp assignment , I felt like I fitted in . Was a casual atmosphere it suited me ( but the people were well qualified in their field ).
I’m not good at being very corporate .

It’s about finding your place . I don’t think your looks will hold you back , try not to worry.