Studies Do Show a Woman’s Appearance Influences Her Job Advancement But People Disagree

Last Updated on 2023-03-12 , 9:30 am

When it comes to the dating game, your looks matter.

I mean, even a Japanese lady was nice enough to tell a not-so-good-looking coworker that the way to a woman’s heart isn’t the password, it’s “facial recognition”.

But other than the dating game, is there any other place where your looks come into play?

Apparently, yes, in the workplace.

Appearance Matters

A group of researchers in New York University (NYU) decided to carry out a study on appearance and the workplace.

And here’s what they found.

A woman’s increase in weight correlates with a decrease in income level and job prestige.

As if to add another nail to the coffin, a more recent study by Harvard researchers found that women who put on makeup were more trusted and judged to be more competent than those who did not, or put on just a little.

As you can see from both studies, appearance matters. So if you’re the girl who doesn’t really look after your appearance, it might be time to do so.

People Are Denying It Though

And I get it. After all, if you’re saying that you decide this woman’s the person to promote because she’s pretty?

You’re going to get laughed out of the office. That or relieved of your duties immediately.

After all, how can looks account for a person’s capability?

Marc L. Resnick, PhD, professor of human factors at Bentley University College of Business said he agrees with the findings.

He has found that when making decisions, people are influenced by a wide range of factors, including “explicitly conscious, tacitly conscious, and unconscious” ones.

This means that we really cannot help it.

“Even for a hiring manager that knows of this tendency and forces him/herself to suppress it, it is still an influence.”

It’s Not All Good To Be Too Pretty

But just as too much of anything is a bad thing, being too pretty might work against you too.

If you’re too pretty, people will assume that the position you’ve worked for isn’t obtained through your talents, but through other means.

You’ll also have to work doubly hard to show your coworkers that you’re good at what you do.

And when you finally convinced them that you’re smart and pretty? People are going to be threatened by you.

Let’s not mention that you’ll have a hard time making female friends as well. And female authority figures are going to want to suppress you instead of helping you out.

So at the end of the day? Practise moderation.

“Women who are attractive (as long as not too much) do get an edge in my experience,” said Patti Johnson, CEO of PeopleResults.

It’s not fair, but it’s something every lady has to work with when they’re in the workplace today.