By the time we graduate college, it’s a known fact that good looks could get you dates, popularity, and other perks. But who knew that having a pretty face could help benefit your career as well as your wallet?
Studies have shown that attractive people are usually hired sooner, get promoted quicker and are paid more than their less-attractive counterparts.
Daniel S. Hamermesh, author of Beauty Pays, Why Attractive People are More Successful, demonstrates how salary and earning power can be determined, in part, by beauty (or lack thereof). The ugly truth, according to Hamermesh, is that attractive people will earn up to 4% more than the average looker.
Researchers at Rice University and the University of Houston also conducted a study on beauty’s effect in the workplace. The study focused on facial appearances and their impact on interviewing success. The study proved how facial disfigurements and blemishes could negatively affect the interviewers’ perception of the candidate.
According to another survey by Elle and MSNBC.com, 58% of attractive female bosses got high ratings for being successful at their jobs, while only 23% of unattractive females got the same rating. Sixty-one percent of attractive male bosses got high ratings for being efficient at their jobs, 41% for average-looking males and then 25% for those classified as unattractive.
While our parents warned us against judging books by their covers, generally, people who consider themselves attractive exude self-confidence, which is a must-have in the workplace. And a polished look and speak volumes before you even utter a word. Regardless of whether you walk around the office singing “I’m sexy and I know it†or not, displaying a healthy self-esteem and accentuating your intelligence and skill sets are all key components to upward mobility. People cannot believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself.
Do you think “beautiful†people have a career advantage? Do you believe that looks make a difference at your job? #SoundOff and follow me on Twitter @JayNHarrison.