Beauty or brains

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Jul 30, 2014

Leona S.

Yes actually I have I applied at Hollister and they said I didn't have the look as in that surfer look lol even though I was taking school classes for retail so it doesn't make sense.

Jul 30, 2014

Leona S.

Like I had the required standards or whatever it's called but not the look?

Jul 30, 2014

Leona S.

My friend was hired because she has that beach look soooooo yeah..

Jul 30, 2014

Kaitlin M.

I just got hired to PacSun and I know the manager, she's a close family friend. She told me "you'd be a good worker because you're pretty and tall, so you can showcase our clothes and jewelry"
I know she didn't just hire me because of that, she knows I'm a good, reliable worker. But in retail, they want their workers to come off in a positive way. But they shouldn't turn someone down because they aren't attractive to the interviewer.
But I do agree with the "if a male interviewed a girl, it would be a better result than a girl interviewer"

Jul 30, 2014

Becky J.

To some extent I do believe that's the case. For example in my line of work (Healthcare) if you showed up to interview in joggers with huge false nails generally looking unprofessional you wouldn't get the job. And I do think that first impressions count, generally they're an appearance thing so I do think how you look does influence that.

However I wouldn't say that it's anything beyond that really if that makes sense? Like if you've got two candidates and one's "more attractive" than the other, I wouldn't say it has much affect and what you know is more important.

Jul 30, 2014

Kendra H.

I applied to an American Eagle last year and the girl who took my application told me that I wasn't exactly thin and that she didn't think I would fit into the clothes and therefore wouldn't be able to be hired because of brand representation... WHAT?! I know I'm not model skinny and I have some weight especially to my bottom and thighs but really? Yes, I don't fit into their skinny as hell jeans (they just really aren't made for booty lol) but I fit in their other stuff fine! I think it was unprofessional and I HATE being hired or not on looks. I work at a grocery store now and even they were not totally impartial. The boss was a little concerned about how I would be able to preform certain tasks because of how short and "frail" I look. And I can lift those 50lbs boxes for my job FINE even with my effed up arm! lol

I do think that you should be hired off experiance, knowledge and not something as superficial as your look. I also recently went to get a second job and tried for our local Charlotte Russe. They told me they were looking for girls with a more sophisticated and feminine look. I'm extremely feminine but I feel that they were looking at my pixie cut and judging because it is more of a guys cut than a girls. However, I find it offensive because they don't know WHY I cut my hair because it was for health reasons... it just... sucks!

I think it's ridiculous. No, you shouldn't be allowed to look like a total mes or bum but you don't have to be a perfect barbie doll with manicured nails, particular hair, and specific style to do a job well!

Jul 30, 2014

Kyraa D.

In my opinion, how you look affects almost every aspect of your life. it's sad, but people react to you differently based o how you look. they're more willing to approach you, talk to you, get to know you.. this isnt 100% always the case, but it is more often than not.
I'm pretty sure I've gotten job offers at certain places just because of my looks. I applied at a sports bar once & the manager hired me on as a shooter girl even tho he flat out stated that he really didnt need anyone.. it kinda made me laugh, ahah.

Jul 30, 2014

Kendra H.

It is literally the most RIDICULOUS thing ever! I cold NOT find a job at the time and I thought AE was like my last chance (luckily it was not) I considered dieting and things just to loose weight to get a job there. I'm very lucky to have a support system who wouldn't allow that. But there are girls who don't and these brands give extremely unattainable expectations for girls and women.

Jul 30, 2014

Becky J.

I think it's a bit different in retail and in the States (I'm from the UK).

When I did a Christmas in retail I was hired from an online application but that was more for a supermarket/ department store job. While other places I do think place more importance on image (especially in fashion) and you are a representation for the brand, so I guess to some extent if you don't fit the brand's "image" you don't get hired. Which isn't right but it happens, it's got no bearing on how you'll do in the job no but they want someone who fits their ideal to sell their clothes. The guy who runs Abercrombie and Fitch or Hollister (can't remember which) has been very outspoken about what he thinks his brands image is and that's what they're trying to do basically but other companies are a lot quieter about it really. It should be about experience really but it's a shame it's not.

But yeah it is different when your job is "professional" the amount of lectures at uni I had on dressing professionally and how you should take out any piercing (ear lobes and religious ones aside) and cover tattoos is ridiculous.

Jul 30, 2014

Emily B.

I agree with Kyraa. Whether you want it to or not, looks do affect a lot of your life. I hardly have any girl friends, and the ones I do have said I looked like a mean girl and didn't like me because I'm too pretty. That's before even talking to someone. It really opened my eyes and I try not to judge anyone on looks anymore, because I know I have.

The work thing...definitely. I hate stores like hollister because that's ridiculous to me. Even if I fit the type I wouldn't want to work there because it's so exclusive like that. I also agree with you Erin about the male interviewer.. I've had the same sort of experience as you and Kyraa. I think it's weird. I just wanna talk to women and be friends with women. Lol

I agree with Kendra's point about looking professional, but you shouldn't be overlooked because someone else was taller, blonder, skinnier, better hair, all that crap. Interesting thread Erin! 😊

Jul 30, 2014

Becky J.

Can't believe they asked you to dye your hair! That's ridiculous.

And 100% agree with Emily, this is such an interesting thread, I'm loving hearing what everyone has to say.

Jul 30, 2014

Emily B.

Story of my life! 👏 I'm super shy in new situations and kinda keep to myself, also got the bitchy resting face going on lol! I don't want people to think I think I'm better than everyone but apparently that's how it comes off. It sucks how much your look can affect other people's opinions of you!

I also can't believe they wanted you to dye your hair! Good for you for quitting. I couldn't stand that

Jul 30, 2014

Becky J.

Definitely understand the pain of the bitchy resting face! Always get told to cheer up :P.

Jul 30, 2014

Ciciii C.

Even though I don't have a job yet , I do understand what you are all talking about. But certain stores is going to do that , to keep their image. But I wouldnt work there because its not really enough money for me , but as far as looks?People are walkinf around with tattoos , different hair colors , looking at the way they speak , how they dress , and if they see something is wrong then they don't want it.Which I think is stupid. Everyone deserves a chance. But the You.s /Society is so judgemental its ridculous.

Aug 1, 2014

Shakira I.

I don't agree with this whatsoever but its actually been proven that the "pretty people" actually get the job over the "ugly people" it comes down to what is visually attractive obviously someone would want to work with someone who's pretty vs ugly and same with grades as well AGAIN I don't agree with it just wanted to show some science behind the whole beauty or brains