How big of a part does appearance play

in getting a job?

I have had better feedback since I lost weight.
I always get better responses from men.

I have long hair that I like to make pretty for interviews, and I had a second interview with a woman (first was with a man) and she didn't hire me.

My mom told me I should wear my hair back when interviewing with women because they get jealous. (I know it sounds bad) Today I wore my hair back because my interview was with 2 women, and they seemed to really like me.

Do people even look at your resume?

I have a funny story about this-?Back in college I interviewed for a waitressing job and the entire time I was being interviewed the interviewer (a male) kept staring down at my lap. Since I had my hands folded in my lap, I thought 'do I have something on my hands, why is he staring at my hands?' Turns out, my zipper was wide (I mean really wide) open and my underwear was exposed! The dude was staring at my underwear!! I didn't notice until I got in my car, I was soooo embarrassed!
By the way, I got the job!!

I dont think people look at your resume anymore.

I always wear my hair back and my glasses instead of my contacts for interviews.

They look at how you are dressed from the moment you walk in and base that on how you will perform on the job

There have been a lot of scientific studies done on this.

'Attractive' men and women are hired more often than 'unattractive' men and women.

Tall men are hired more often than short men.

Slim people are hired more often than overweight people.

We all know about the race issues.

So unfortunately, appearance plays a big role. I think sometimes it's not even a conscious thing on the part of the person doing the hiring. They may be drawn more to a slim, attractive, tall man without really understanding why. They might feel he just 'gave a better impression.' Probaby from all the conditioning we get from movies and TV and society in general about what we're supposed to look like and what is acceptable.

I personally think it s*cks.

I also agree that being 'too attractive' can be detrimental, too. Especially if your boss is a woman. She might be too jealous or feel too threatened to hire a very attractive person. Also, sometimes people automatically think because you are pretty, you are a be-atch. Their loss!!

age and sex also plays a role. I went to HR about a former boss for this because I felt they were being really discriminative.

When I worked for a big financial company women were only looked at as being admin assistants and no more. An admin was leaving and the male managing director was looking for an admin and had specific needs of what he wanted. I had a guy that i used to work with at another firm who would have been completely ideal for the position, but the male managing director said no i dont want a male admin.

Then he started receiving resumes and was figuring out how old the people were by how many years of experience they had and didnt want to hire anyone over 35 years old. He didnt want anyone older then him. When another admin who is in her 20's said she has a friend who would be perfect the managing director jumped on it, brought her in and hired her.

I went complaining to HR and they did nothing

I am glad I am no longer with that company. But its true companies want people to fit a certain profile to fit in with the company.

I really dont think people look at resumes anymore, they look at will you fit in with their profile

I think a big part

I think your resume is still HUGE!! Its what gets you the interview!!!

age can work for you and against you...sometimes they don't want too young...and sometimes not too young...

I hate to say it but always.... it's just how people are. I got a job a few years back that I was completely underqualified for, but my friend who had a degree & experience was not hired. She is 5'3' & weighs lets say over 150. she has skin problems, so she wears heavy concealing make up & wears very thick glasses.

Always wear the hair back. People will say it looks more professional, but it is for the reason you said - jealousy.

For an interview you should always look polished and professional. BTW I have gotten the same reactions...when I am thin and my hair is cut in a nice short bob, I have better luck with jobs. When I am heavier and / or have long hair I have worse luck. Go figure!

ETS: working in HR, yes of course, your resume is the first thing that we look at. However, when the person comes in for an interview, the neat and polished person will get the job. Not necessarily the skinny one etc. but the one who has the experience and the 'chemistry' to fit in at the organization.