The Job Search: Appearance DOES Count

By Judy Bottkol

In my years working in human resources, I have met with many job applicants who have the mistaken impression that physical appearance and personal presentation takes a back seat to qualifications, knowledge and experience in the job search process. I have witnessed this belief to be a real barrier for many job seekers. In fact, appearance does count a great deal more than most would realize.

I once worked at a large company where the head of human resources would query his recruiting staff about a candidate’s “facial validity”. We knew this to mean that we were being questioned about the candidate’s physical attractiveness and professional presentation style. Now the head of human resources did not use “facial validity” for age, sex or racial discrimination purposes. The HR head wanted to insure that all company hires would present the polished and professional image that he believed would best represent the global organization.

In another former job for a very conservative organization, I was recruiting for a managerial position and had scheduled an interview with a very qualified candidate who was working at a prestigious company. I was very surprised when the candidate showed up for the interview with a low-cut blouse, no stockings, open-toed shoes and a big tattoo circling her ankle. Despite her experience and qualifications, the hiring manager said that he would be uncomfortable having her meet with clients because of her style of dress. He felt that she would not be a good representative for the company.

Having worked at other organizations before and since, I can attest to the fact that this screening of personal appearance is routinely practiced by hiring managers and human resource professionals. It is important that job seekers realize that this review is taking place. Candidates should prepare for an interview by assessing their personal appearance as carefully as they have researched the company and the position for which they are interviewing.

Unfortunately, this scrutiny is even more important for job seekers who are over 40. A fresh unlined face of a young applicant can go a long way in compensating for, say, scuffed shoes or a too short skirt. However, it is sad but true that the lapses in dress and appearance of older job seekers are judged much more harshly by many human resource professionals and hiring managers.

One common mistake made by older job seekers is not updating their personal style as they get older. A hairstyle that was attractive and charming when you were in college is not necessarily flattering when you are 50 years old. Also, some individuals take pride in the fact that they can wear the same clothes that they wore 20 years ago. However, styles have changed and 20-year old garments, even in good repair, can make the job seeker look dowdy. Another dress faux pas is wearing clothes that are too tight.

Job seekers should invest in one or two “interview” outfits and spend as much money as their budgets allow on these clothes. The outfits should be classic in style and conservative; they can be accompanied with offbeat accessories for a more stylish look.

Job seekers should consult with a fashionable friend about their personal appearance to determine whether they need to update their look with, for example, a new hairstyle or new glasses. An updated appearance may not only improve your personal presentation but my also give you more self-confidence in the arduous process of finding employment.

So the next time you have an interview scheduled, visit the library to do your research and visit your closet for the appropriate outfit.

Judy Bottkol is an Employment Specialist with Jewish Vocational Service's Career Moves program where she designs and delivers workshops and seminars for professional job seekers and provides individual job search coaching. Judy has more than 25 years of experience in Human Resources in the hospitality, financial services, and consumer products industries.

Jewish Vocational Service, a non-sectarian agency has over 65 years' experience helping job seekers in greater Boston to find jobs and build careers. Career Moves staff work with hundreds of professional job seekers each year and offers top quality job search and career counseling services at an affordable price. To learn more about Career Moves at JVS visit us at www.jvsjobs.org or call 617-451-8147.