I receive a ton of press releases related to employment, HR, and the economy. I never share them because they are very boring. You can’t make compliance issues and payroll numbers very sexy.
Thankfully, I finally have an awesome excerpt to share from a press release titled Half of Workers Who Were Laid Off in the Last Three Months Have Found New Jobs, Reveals Latest CareerBuilder Survey.
The competition for a smaller number of jobs is driving some workers to alter their everyday appearances in hopes of making a stronger impression. More than a quarter (28 percent) of workers who were laid off in the last 12 months said they have changed their appearance to make themselves more attractive to potential employers. Fourteen percent said they have lost weight, 8 percent have changed their hair color or hairstyle and 5 percent are dressing to appear younger. Teeth whitening, enhanced makeup and cosmetic procedures were also cited.
Comparing genders, both men and women indicated making changes to their appearances in hopes of appealing to potential employers, at 26 percent and 30 percent, respectively.
Holy crap, dudes. I’m a big believer in doing the best you can with what you have, but don’t get botox just to get a job — unless the botox is free.
I want to know: have you changed your appearance to get a job?
{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
Only if by “changing your appearance” you mean wearing a suit and tie…
No offense Laurie, but dear god…please don’t get free botox. You know what…don’t get botox at all. If you feel you really must, then buy the most expensive sh*t you can find!
http://www.spike.com/video/botoxicated/3114815
Even in this economy, there’s stuff I would rather pay for than get for free!
Only in theatre, unless hiding the tattoos and piercings counts.
I would think that if I were applying to be a circus clown, I would change my appearance for the interview. I’d put on some scary clown make-up, some big shoes, and a red rubber nose. After the interview, I’d terrorize the Punk Rock HR community, exploiting their irrational fears of clowns.
http://punkrockhr.com/friday-10/#comments
Nothing too drastic – put on some snappy clothes (taking extra care to remove the cat hair), and I’d spring for a good haircut/color. I’m looking a little bit “chia pet-meets-scarecrow” these days.
I can see why people are willing to go this far to get a job. Especially the trying to look younger. I’ve heard older people who are worried their age is going to keep them out of work. Suck.
I take the Popeye tact: “I’m ams what I am, and that’s alls that I am”.
With a mug like mine, it’s all about personality.
Hmm, so I should cancel the implants surgery?
I haven’t changed my appearance yet, besides trying to drop a few pound, but I can certainly see why one would.
Isn’t it pretty well known that employers are more likely to hire an attractive person, all else equal? And if the thesis of a prior comment of mine holds true interviews are first dates, and you always want to have the lover want you, even if you don’t love her back so much!
Plus it’s a question of confidence, which I think we’ve mentioned here a few times is one of the most important parts of how you go into a job interview.
I don’t see any harm in making some change to boost confidence, especially if it really helps with attractiveness. I mean. Some of the teeth I’ve seen could use a brush&bleach…
As always all IMHO,
Sid.
Honestly, I’m surprised by my initial reaction of “of course I would”! Actually, I have done it to some degree (lost weight, changed hair style, updated wardrobe). While I’m sure I did that to some extent to appeal to my job suiters, I know that I really did it for me to gain confiedence in myself.
I liken it to a long term relationship. After a time, you get more casual in your appearance and start taking things for granted (I personnally am wooed by free coffee!). So when I find myself in the job market, I will put myself together a little more as I know that I’ve “let myself go”. I also know if I feel better about myself (or just feel better in general with more energy and spunk) than I will radiate confidence and self acceptance which are keys to landing the gig.
My greatest question right now is should I color my gray hair? I have been prematurly gray since I was 16. I recently decided to stop coloring it and be my natural self. But I do wonder if I were looking for a job would I color it so I don’t appear “old”? It would really go against my grain to do that but if I find that it is a hinderance, I think I would.
When I quit my corporate gig. I died my hair blue my last two weeks of work (against company policy of course). I guess I was trying to be a bad ass. I died it back to black right before a meeting I had to land my first consulting gig.
http://www.talentrevolution.net/photo/2053217:Photo:9610
As I type this–no lie–my toenail polish is drying and my upper lip is covered with nasty smelling white stuff that promises to rid me of my ’stache…(my husband calls it my “Mario”)….I am hand delivering my resume/cover letter to a potential employer today and so I want to look as put together as I possibly can.
I’m a freelance copy writer and I am contemplating a transition from contract work to full-time positions (in Denver, CO). But since I’ve mostly worked from home these last three years, it’s almost like I’ve forgotten how to look in the corporate world! (No flannel allowed, you say?!)
So yep, I’m losing weight, working out like a wannabe prom queen, and scrutinizing everything about myself, paranoid that visible knee cellulite or an old-fashioned hair style will get me labeled ‘Bush League’ before anyone even bothers to see my work samples.
New outfit, new shoes, new makeup, new business card…fingers crossed.
I admit to coloring my hair (darkening and coloring out the gray) and getting my nails done. Nothing too drastic, but I did it to give MYSELF a lift, not because I thougt it would impress anyone. (I got the job, by the way…)
I dyed my hair for a while a few years ago. It was a pain in the ass and I stopped.
Speaking of changing your appearance and blue hair, i just posted on that recently!
http://humanracehorses.blogspot.com/2009/07/is-your-job-search-about-to-dye.html
I say if it gets you the job…why not hook up your look with some minor adjustments like a new crisp suit, get a pedi/mani and buy some modern makeup with the help from the folks at Ulta or Sephora….its the little things that can make a difference in whether you get hired and for very little money and some effort…it can land you a job….I’m all for it….but I’m a bit vain and I enjoy sprucing myself up on a regular basis so its not a big effort for me…however, I know its a big leap for others who believe that their work should stands for itself…..whatever….when I interview folks, I like them to put their best self forward and would be distracted if they came in with a wrinkled shirt…like did you have a fight with your iron….hey, I am who I am too…
I wear makeup every darn day even though that’s an extra 15 minutes I could be sleeping, and fix my hair into something resembling a style because I have heard and follow the studies that say people with good presentation & a reasonable amount of attractiveness are perceived as better people in the business world. I am not responsible for the shallowness of others, I am subject to it though because I can’t change it – so I take the time because I don’t want to be a victim of innate lookism either.
I am not and will not inject my face with botulism though (or shrew spit, the new miracle antidote to wrinkles & lines) drawing the line there…
Oh, I also color my hair to hide my Morticia Adams silver streaks because why have people assume I’m a decade older than I am…and they will.
@Nevin It might be easier to get botox than to get a good suit. Nothing worse than a candidate wearing an ill-fitting suit. Get ‘em tailored or don’t wear them.
@Joe Good lord, poor Debbie. What a video. I’m pro-botox, though, for anal fissures. http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tc/anal-fissure-treatment-overview
@Mouse It counts. That’s what I do.
@HRPuter You are evil. So evil.
@AiryMary I’m growing out my pixie cut hair, and I now look like an 80s secretary. If you need some coffee made, I’m your girl. Hire me.
@Minion I can see it, too. Lots of untapped potential for any HR blogger who wants to write about ageism. The audience is there.
@Puf I never knew the terms “butterface” and “butterbody” until a few years ago. I was a butterbody.
@Gregg Might I also recommend leg-extensions because taller people make more money? http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/long-legs-to-remain-fantasy-for-petite-chinese-423134.html
@Sid I’m with you on teeth. Crest makes some great whitening toothpaste. You don’t have to look like a model — just get rid of those coffee stains.
@HRJEFE I haven’t seen my natural hair color since 1989. I was born with a streak of unpigmented color in my hair. Looked almost white. Now? Looks gray so I just bleach the hell out of it.
@Amanda CUTE!
@Alex Fuck them. Seriously, I love it when women look great & take care of themselves, but don’t waste that effort on a potential employer.
@Kristine CONFIDENCE: U HAZ IT.
@Michael No way, you died your hair? I’m glad you don’t, anymore, because gray looks good on you!
@LatinaHR I don’t even know how to use an iron. I see what you’re saying — put your best foot forward. I agree, but let’s not set expectations too high. None of us are models. (Or are we? I’m not.)
@Totem I’m okay with botox, peels, microdermabrasion & whatnot. I’m pro-science, but I’m not comfortable with implants and facelifts. I guess we all have personal boundaries. I would never, ever, ever implant anything under my skin or have my skin pulled tighter. Seems freakishly weird to me!
I think people “let themselves go” in a comfy job, just like in a relationship— and when that’s over with, I think it’s natural to strive for self improvement.
((btw– I would drive a sixteen penny nail through my foot before I had the possiblity of living on the streets or asking my parents for money!!))
“Hmmm… will I be Jet Black or Moxy Brown for this interview??”
I have a tendency to shave my head. It feel s much better to have the wind running over your scalp than through your hair. Of course, when I do this I look like a thug (I am about as far from a thug as I am from being a 13 year old girl). So I make sure to grow my hair when I am looking for a job.
Come to think of it, I cut my shoulder length hair when I was in undergrad to get a crappy job. I miss my hair (sometimes), but I prefer having an income.
Long hair- I can’t has.
I did it all!!!! I used to look 62 (and was). Now I look 22. Hell, those new face transplants really do work.
I changed my undies, no more boxers, only briefs… oh sorry you said looks (i’m not a good listener)….seroiusly -Appropriate clothes/accessories, and a good hair cut (make up for the ladies too) will go a long way!
Oh also I suggest you give up the bagels with cream cheese in the morning and the starbucks fraps…a few less pounds won’t hurt…but knives and needles are off limits for this NY metro sexual…rather be “me” looking my best even if its grey hair and a round torso,then pretending to be someone else…
In the end your next employer needs to “see the real me, can ya, can ya” – (The Who – Quadraphenia- love that album)…
M
M
@MattyMat I agree. I totally let myself go and my husband let’s me know it. He won’t be seen with me when I’m wearing yoga pants — so we never go anywhere together.
@George When I think of you, I think of thug life.
@Apollo You lie. You don’t look a day over 19.
@markF I see London, I see France, I don’t want to see your underpants!
I gotta just say Lauri, you have the greatest bloggers on this site. I come here when I need a good laugh. Truly, very witty and hilarious cast of characters you get here.
In nursing, it doesn’t matter what you look like. As long as you aren’t a total slob, it’s not about the looks, its about the personality and skill. Besides, you get to wear scrubs…sorta like wearing pajamas to work and a lot cheaper- not very flattering, but no one cares, as long as you show up. I swear that some of my co-workers roll out of bed and come to work, but again, just grateful they are there.
So-I find it very interesting what other people have to put up with to get a job.
An article I read from July 2 inspired me to address the very same situation. Desperate times call for desperate measures and necessity is the mother of all invention. http://snurl.com/ni8ps
I think @Daisycutter works in the utopia of equality and performance managed environments. Plus, I could totally live in scrubs
Just some F%$ck it friday botox and plastic surgery disaster links
Priscilla Presley http://www.celebritysmackblog.com/2008/03/25/priscilla-presleys-botched-botox-disaster/
Sue your Botox http://www.nothingbut-the-truth.com/botox-injuries-disasters-and-death/
The Botox Hall of Shit https://www.forumwarz.com/incit/view/65860
Scary pictures http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.plasticsurgeryhumour.com/img/plastic_surgery_disaster.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.plasticsurgeryhumour.com/plastic_surgery_disaster/&usg=__MZk0q8c4kz3Kt97Plb4Vu09nyik=&h=237&w=203&sz=35&hl=en&start=13&sig2=iQkMymViwmg67NiMsZgb6Q&um=1&tbnid=vfdY0bjzdYcpUM:&tbnh=109&tbnw=93&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbotox%2Bdisasters%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1&ei=uRR8SvnDLMKetwfkifSJAg
Absolutely yes! I wasn’t unemployed but rather under-employed and wanted to change jobs. I was interviewing as a blond and had lots of interviews, call backs, offered trips to get to know the perspective relo city lots of interest and investment, but no solid offers. When looking for a common theme, I noticed that I was interviewing with the execs of these companies, many of whom were blond women. I went to my stylist and told her I wanted to go back to my natural hair color, which she initially refused to do. We compromised and I went back to being a brunette, just not as dark as my natural hair color, which by the way, means somewhere in the middle you’re a red-head (painful process — for me anyway). Once I interviewed as a brunette two very good job offers back to back. I’m back to being a blond, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat if I thought it would get me the opportunity I wanted and deserved.
Classic placebo effect. Unless those people were egregiously ugly, they are just feeling more confident because of their new look. The confidence propelled them through their interviews.
physical appearance really does matter everywhere- of course even in the employment arena. it is okay to enhance one’s physical features- but not to the point of undergoing surgery just to get a job.