I heard that overweight people have a more difficult time finding jobs. Is that true? I know that it also depends on your knowledge and education, but I'm just curious. If two people had the same education, knowledge, personality, etc. ...would they choose the better looking one or the not so great looking one? And why?
Thanks!
2007-07-18 07:38:29 · 12 answers · asked by Virginia 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Other - Careers & Employment
Better looks always help. It shouldn't be that way, but in any position where someone has to look at you it is. Attractive people attract more customers/viewers/fans/etc...You will never be outright told that reason because it is illegal.
2007-07-18 07:45:47 · answer #1 · answered by thisguy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the job. What you heard is true... but that includes statistics from jobs where athleticism and physical ability is an important factor. An obese person trying to get a job where he will be required to run around a lot is going to have a harder time than an obese person trying to get an office job. Truth is that NO ONE has the exact same education, knowledge AND personality. There is always something rational and smart to go by, rather than looks. In the end, getting the best person for the job is almost always going to win out, because money is money. In the end, though, it is going to depend on the scruples of the hiring supervisor and the job itself. I doubt looks plays much of a role in the overall scheme of things.
2007-07-18 07:48:33 · answer #2 · answered by Mr. Taco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of people have done research on this kind of thing and not just in reference to finding employment, but other things such as loans, dating, etc. Visually attractive people tend to be seen as smarter, nicer, and more capable. Most of the time the people making these judgments didn't even realize they were doing so based on appearance. A study I read about for my psychology class had men talk to the same women on the phone, who behaved the same way with each man, same personality, questions, etc. The men who were shown a picture of an attractive woman said the girl was more likable than those who were shown a picture of an unattractive woman.
I don't think there is a real clear cut answer as to why this happens. It's probably a mix of environment (we all see pretty people in the media every day) and some sort of biological instinct that tells us physically fit and attractive people are more appealing.
2007-07-18 07:46:15 · answer #3 · answered by ashnperry 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends. Is it retail of any sort? A person who looks better will have the edge because they are more likely to sell if they look good.
but not all overweight people look bad! and some skinny people look awful!
my hubby is delightfully squishy and I think he's WAAAAAAAAAAAAY more attractive than my more emaciated friends!
Also it can be how you dress. People who don't feel good about they way they look (be it obesity, a scar, or just not seeing how beautiful they really are) tend to not care about what they wear for fit or color, just feel. A person who dresses professionally is more likely to get a job! Plus, if you don't feel good about yourself, you might not come off as confident! Confidence is important!
2007-07-18 07:50:15 · answer #4 · answered by Allie Dee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, looks count. If all things are equal other then looks, the better looking person will get the job. Is that right? No. just the truth. Same in court, good looking people get convicted less often.
2007-07-18 07:42:44 · answer #5 · answered by Ken O 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, appearance means a lot to a future employer. Although they are not allowed to discriminate, it will matter. I would choose the person better suited for the job, however, if their skills were close, I would choose the person who would not stand out as a spectacle, be it their weight, tattoos, facial piercings or whatever.
2007-07-18 07:45:28 · answer #6 · answered by mixemup 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not all the time. I know some jobs do that. But jobs that I hear or applied, everyone is equal and gets a fair shot on getting a job.
2007-07-18 07:41:42 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Especially if you will be out and about representing the company. If you look like a slob, they don't want you out representing them. Also, if the job requires physical activity, it will matter if you're overweight.
2007-07-18 07:46:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's not legal to hire someone based on their looks. But you don't go to Hooters to see fat women or women with no breasts. So I think people are hired on how they look along with other criteria.
2007-07-18 07:41:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
the better looking one because thats the one they can see more often
2007-07-18 07:40:53 · answer #10 · answered by Henry_Tee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋