Can looks help you climb ladder?

Tue, Apr 29, 2014

by Carolyn Khew

It has always been whispered around offices, but a local study now claims there is evidence to show that good looks can help you snag that job or that promotion.

One caveat: The survey was conducted by the Society of Aesthetic Medicine (Singapore) and sponsored by Allergan, the maker of Botox, who can hardly claim to be uninterested parties.

It found that roughly eight out of 10 respondents felt that physically attractive people are more likely to be hired and promoted. Almost seven out of 10 know of someone who was hired or promoted because of their good looks.

An overwhelming nine out of 10 also felt that good-looking people are more likely to be called for job interviews based on photographs in resumes.

The online survey conducted last month polled 500 employees between 30 and 60 years old. Most of those surveyed were women (eight out of 10) and all participants earned over $3,000 a month.

Interestingly, despite the identity of the parties behind the survey, psychologists and recruitment firms did not dismiss the findings, even though they pointed out that being physically attractive and looking presentable were two different things.

David Leong, managing director of recruitment firm PeopleWorldwide, said that the "face factor" plays a part in selection for client-facing roles, such as in guest relations and sales and marketing.

"The face factor for client-facing roles has a higher weightage... since the candidate must make an agreeable first impression," added Mr Leong.

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Can looks help you climb ladder?