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Many employers report that first impressions still count. Poor personal appearance and careless dress at an interview are major factors leading to
the rejection of applicants.
The old adage that "first impressions count" certainly seems to hold true for Job Interviews.
A recent Accountemps survey reveals that it takes only 16 minutes on average for today's executives to determine whether a Job candidate may be a good match for a position.
Appearance Matters
Many of us object to being judged for employment based on how we look. We prefer to be hired because of our skills and abilities, not because of our dress and grooming. But like it or not, appearance is important.
In fact, in one major survey:
- 95% of the employers interviewed said a jobseeker's personal appearance affected the employer's opinion of that applicant's suitability for the job.
- 91% said they believed dress and grooming reflected the applicant's attitude towards the company.
- 61% said dress and grooming had an effect on subsequent promotions as well.
Whether you're preparing for job interviews or concerned about advancement in your present job, it's worth a few minutes of your time to think about what your appearance tells an employer about you. Be sure you are appropriately dressed for your company, customers and industry.
Advice for Women Job Seekers: Appearance Matters
Another poll reports: A Woman's Appearance Affects Whether She is Taken Seriously on the Job, Considered for Raises & Promotions
A professional appearance will help you get and keep a job, and win responsibilities, raises and promotions. A new poll finds that nearly seven in ten Americans (69 percent) and more than eight in ten women say clothing, hair and makeup are very or extremely important for a woman on the job, and for her confidence.
Large majorities say that a woman's appearance affects whether she is taken seriously, asked to represent her company at outside meetings, and considered for raises and promotions. The poll was conducted by Yankelovich Partners, Inc., for Work Your Image!
Findings from the new Work Your Image! poll include:
- Three in four Americans (76 percent) say that a woman's appearance on the job is likely to affect
whether she is taken seriously. Eighty-four percent of women and 68 percent of men agree with that
statement.
- Sixty-four percent of respondents say that a woman's appearance on the job affects whether she will
be considered for a raise or promotion. Sixty-nine percent of women and 60 percent of men agree with
that statement.
- Eighty-four percent of Americans say that a woman's appearance on the job is likely to affect whether
she is asked to represent her company at outside meetings. Eighty-nine percent of women and 79
percent of men agree with that statement.
- Two thirds of Americans (67 percent) say that a woman's appearance on the job is likely to affect
whether she is given new challenges, responsibilities and opportunities. Seventy-two percent of women
and 62 percent of men agree with that statement.
- Seventy-eight percent of Americans say that clothes, hair and makeup affect a woman's confidence in
her ability to do her job well a great deal, very much or somewhat.
- Respondents with more education say they felt most confident that they had dressed appropriately for
their most recent first day on a job. Eighty-four percent of those who had a college degree felt
extremely or very certain that they had dressed appropriately, compared with 64 percent of
respondents who had not completed high school.
- Neat hairstyles, light makeup, short or average length fingernails, and knee length or longer skirts top
Americans' "do" list. Eighty-three percent of women say that a skirt around knee length or longer is a
"do" on a woman's first day on the job. Two thirds of men agree.
- Two thirds of respondents (65 percent) say it does not take a lot of money for a woman to have the
kind of clothes, hair and makeup to make a good impression at work, and 31 percent say it does take a
lot of money.
For further information, see Women Work
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