You're Too Hot for This Job

Depends on your interviewer??

"also, when you're not attractive, you tend to be bitter towards very attractive people" AND "prettier people tend to know less because they can skate by on their looks" Those two statements I find a little disconcerting to say the least. I get the feeling that an attractive person may very well intimidate his/her interviewer, especially if they are of the same sex and will work in close proximity to each other. If your interviewer's level of maturity or self confidence is substandard, attractive job hunter's will be considered a threat strictly on the "merit" of their good looks. In addition, I feel it is safe to say that attractive persons would and do expect to work equally as hard as any other person in regard to his/her education. Professors don't grade according to students' appearances, they grade on performance.

Jenna of MI @ Jul 27, 2008 11:22:22 AM

other side of the fence

I am a person who has a JD degree, a high intelligence level, and just happens to be attractive. I have not counted on my looks to do anything for me. I have been told point blank by managers that they didn't think I would be so smart or nice because of my looks. I often have to "win" people over because they immediately think negatively because of my looks. I am now considering surgery because I think I will not get a job in my chosen profession, or be taken seriously because of the size of my chest. Yeah... boo, hoo, poor me.

Penelope of IL @ Jul 22, 2008 22:28:22 PM

Depends on the interviewer

As a woman, I seem to get better responses from male interviewers than female. I'm not sure if I'm "intimidating them with my attractiveness" though it would be nice to think that!

Ronnie @ Jun 16, 2008 15:30:56 PM

I'd have to agree

But guess what? It is what it is so you have to out fox the interviewer. I've been dealing with this kind of thing my entire career. The ironic thing is I don't even care about my looks. It is of no consequence to me. I want people to respect me for my intelligence. Who cares what they think about my looks? You're not dating...but that's the trick. When you're interviewing it is a bit like dating. So that's how you have to approach the situation. What is it going to take for you to get a second date. I recently interviewed at a company for 3 hrs. The woman clearly did not like me and was hell bent on putting me in my place. I stuck it out and went home and licked my wounds. I got called for an interview for a different position and this time I wore a black suit, put my hair in a bun and wore glasses. It worked like magic. I tried the same thing recently and got a job offer. You don't need to go in looking like you just got back from Milan. You want to the person to think you're bright. More importantly you want the people to feel comfortable around you. Once you get the job you can do your own thing...within limits. Try this advice. I don't think people are intentionally mean... some are less secure than others. There are a million reasons a person can dislike you. So focus on winning them over with your personality. If you can make people laugh or laugh at yourself they'll view you as just a regular person ...which is exactly what you are. Looks are not that big a deal.

Sweet Pea of CA @ Jun 15, 2008 14:22:23 PM

Too sexy for my shirt

Yes, managers are people too. And when they are insecure women (or catty men) their jealous nature can get in the way of what is best for the company. I was recently promoted and am very well versed in what professional dress is in all environments (I was a temp through college and worked in various industries) and my manager told me my blouse was inappropriate! No cleavage was showing, no stomach...but the top of the sleeves have small slits in them and the environment is not a corporate one either! On top of that, her blouse could have easily been worn successfully in a nightclub. So now there is a running joke among the managers that I am just too sexy for my shirt. Sometimes we have to dress down and dumb down conversations for our managers to feel secure...sometimes that's just how it goes to keep the peace. Good Luck.

of MD @ Jun 14, 2008 23:59:20 PM

Obviously smart enough to trick news organizations into giving her free publicity

--

http://wtanaka.com/

wtanaka @ Jun 14, 2008 22:45:02 PM

it is true............

I have been turned down for several jobs because..I was told I was too attractive or too good for the position, I kid you not, one was as a horse groomer, the other was in fast food when I was a kid..........I am not remotely close to Miss America, but, apparently, too classy of an image to have these jobs, soooooo, I worked at a golf course in so. Cal. for awhile......and moved on to nursing, thank heaven nobody cares about my appearance, they are too damn sick to care..............................

tee of KS @ Jun 14, 2008 11:53:19 AM

Oh! Cry me a River!

... if you can't seem to figure out what it is hindering your employment prospects (whether it's you're indeed a hottie, lackluster resume, or perhaps atittude and presentation?) and focus on modifying it so you do get hired.... then may i suggest the local Hooters?

Ruben M. of FL @ Jun 14, 2008 06:47:21 AM