BEAUTY MATTERS

We all know attractiveness matters. Everyone grows up with the notion that "looking your best" is very important.  What is shocking is how important attractiveness is in the job market.

In her recent book, The Beauty Bias, Stanford law professor  Deborah Rhode presents evidence that in a job interview, attractiveness may be more important than education, experience, and demonstrable competence. A survey of employers by the Employment Law Alliance found that 33% of employers are more likely to hire and promote workers who are physically attractive.

The effects continue once someone is hired. AvNewsweek survey of 202 hiring managers found that 68% admitted looks would influence performance reviews.  This "beauty effect" can even be measured in dollars and cents. The Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis has published research showing that employees with below average looks earn 9% less than those with average looks,  while those with above average appearance earn 5% more.  Such bias is not confined to the workplace, as a recent Cornell University study showed that unattractive defendants are more likely to be convicted and receive longer sentences.

Does all this  mean everyone interested in getting a job or in making more money should have plastic surgery?  Absolutely not.  Patients should consider surgery only if the intended change matters to them.  Plastic surgery involves risks and changes that may be hard to justify just to get a better job.  By the same token, if someone is dissatisfied with their appearance and frustrated by how their appearance limits their career opportunities, they may want to explore plastic surgery.