The Reason Your Appearance Matters 100%

How many times has someone told you to “Look the part” or “Dress for the job you want?” Chances are your answer is countless times.  These common sayings reveal our cultural obsession with appearances.  Regardless of whether or not you agree with the importance given to appearances in U.S. culture, the working world judges you based on how you look.  These assessments also can have a financial impact. However, YOU control what tyour look says.

In a recent article titled “Ways Your Appearance Affects Your Paycheck”  Alyson Shontell, Editor at Business Insider, lists some common physical attributes that influence salary. The list includes facial features, height, weight, and much more.  Here are a few interesting statements from the piece:

·         Findings from a study conducted by Yale’s Daniel Hamermesh indicate that “attractive women earn four percent more than unattractive women.”

·         According to a study conducted by New York University sociologist Dalton Conley, women’s weight negatively affects their income. For a one percent increase in body mass there is a 0.6 percent decrease in family income.

·         Sixty-four percent of directors said that make-up gives women a more professional look.

Sobering isn’t it. Despite the obstacles that the article suggests, there are ways to assure that your looks are working for you instead of against you.  You can start by dressing appropriately for the top three events student job seekers attend: the networking event, interview, and workday. Dress styles for each event will be discussed in upcoming posts.

~ Racquel  Francis

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