Comments on: Are Good Looks an Advantage or a Disadvantage at Work?

By: George & Mary-Lynn

George & Mary-Lynn — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:10:54 +0000

Melanie, we’ve heard that there can be discrimination against the “pretty people.” It would truly be a shame if your talents and skills are being overlooked at your workplace. Are you doing a good job of keeping track of your accomplishments & touting them when it comes time to ask for a raise? You may find this post helpful: http://biggsuccess.com/2008/02/19/women-can%E2%80%99t-win/. Thanks so much for commenting on this post, it was great to get your perspective.

By: Melanie

Melanie — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 16:07:46 +0000

I believe I was hired over my competition because I am attractive, which they called “personality,” although I do believe I have a good personality too. That’s where it all stopped though. I feel that I am treated like I’m from the bottom of the barrel and get paid significantly less, although I am more qualified. Also, when raises come around, I get less of a raise than others. It’s not that my work performance is worse in relation to my income when compared to the others. Other people in our department assume that I am probably less intelligent or less experienced in our field. I’m often mistaken for temporary hired help. I have many academic and professional accolades. My entire life, I have been treated poorly by acquaintances, especially older women. I really believe they feel it’s their job to “balance it out” because I must have a great and easy life, I can only assume. When I was younger, sometimes I was called terrible things and always had rumors spread about me, when I was really probably the most boring person out of everyone. It’s only complete strangers who will go out of their way to help me. It is definitely a double edged sword.

By: George and Mary-Lynn

George and Mary-Lynn — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 02:18:58 +0000

@Matt – You may have uncovered a great strategy!

@Julie – Interesting point. There’s a reason marketers spend money for “packaging” their products. So it’s hard to believe that it doesn’t make a difference when we do the same for ourselves!

@Stephen – You handsome devil, you came up with the perfect example to illustrate the point! You said SEnator Obama is “good looking, hip and articulate”…would he be as attractive if he wasn’t articulate?

By: Stephen Hopson

Stephen Hopson — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 22:36:09 +0000

This is an excellent question because I’ve often wondered about the answer to that question myself.

Look at Obama – he’s very good looking, hip and articulate. He made a huge leap in a few short years to the national political stage. If he was less attractive, would he have made the leap?

Hard to tell but it seems that men and women at the top, for the most part, are good looking.

Very interesting question! BTW, this is not to say that the workplace is full of good looking people. There are people who might not be considered in such light but then it’s all a matter of perception, isn’t it?

Thanks for letting me share.

By: Julie

Julie — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:55:02 +0000

I take issue with the results of Daniel Hamermesh and his research results that show “spending money on things to enhance your looks is a waste.” I’d hate to see how it would effect my income if I didn’t spend money to groom myself and purchase professional clothing! I’d say I get my money’s worth out of my efforts.