Attractive people have a big advantage in the job interview

Attractive people have an advantage in job hunting and career advancement. We talk about all kinds of biases, but largely ignore the fact that decisions are made based on how someone looks. While deep down we all know this is kind of true, a new study from the University at Buffalo confirms this inconvenient and uncomfortable fact.

Separately, a Harvard study previously confirmed, “Workers with above-average beauty earn about 10 to 15% more than workers with below-average beauty. The size of this beauty premium is economically significant and comparable to race and gender disparities in the U.S. labor market.” For example, you tend to see generally tall men as CEOs of large corporations and winning presidential candidates.

The results of the UB study show that “attractive people are more likely to be hired, get better grades and get paid more.” The results suggest that there is something called a “beauty premium” that exists across occupations.

Min-Hsuan Tu, assistant professor in the department of organization and human resources and lead author of the study, said: “People like good-looking or beautiful people – this is traditionally seen as a bias because good-looking or beautiful people can get more opportunities, we give them more resources so they are more likely to be successful.

Being “good-looking really pays off,” as “decades of research show that attractive people are more likely to advance in their careers.” There is also a related function; attractive people know that they have good looks and attract people’s attention. They believe they have more qualities, in addition to looks, that make them smarter and more capable. They have a certain aura about them. This feathering leads to “favorable career outcomes.”

Data from 300 video elevator interviews show that attractive people have “a greater sense of power than their less attractive counterparts” and exhibit a more effective nonverbal presence, which ultimately leads to higher manager ratings of their suitability.

You don’t have to worry if you’re unattractive. As someone who is about a 6.5 out of 10, I’ve learned that there are ways to compensate and actually do better than good looking people.

Here’s how you can boost your interview appeal to improve and advance your career:

Visual tips for success

In a video or in-person interview, you want to dress the part for the role. Understand the corporate culture and dress accordingly. Wear clothing that is slightly higher than the role you are interviewing for to give a subtle impression that you are the right fit.

Remember what your mom and dad said when you were a kid: sit up straight, head up high, pull your shoulders back, and look the person in the eye. Stay on the ground, don’t squirm, move or look at your phone. Avoid over analyzing or fixating on how you look in the video and pay attention to the interviewer.

Nod your head slightly while the interviewer is talking to show that you are engaged in the conversation. Use the person’s name as it grabs their attention. Smile and maintain direct eye contact. Don’t let your eyes wander or stare too long. If you’re uncomfortable making eye contact, focus on the bridge of your nose, or if you wear glasses, take them off and the other person will look blurry and you’ll feel more relaxed.

Your body language should appear confident, open, friendly and confident. Don’t stare at the interviewer as if you were a cop interviewing a witness. Avoid crossing your arms over your chest, tapping the table, sighing, or frowning, even if you disagree with what the person is saying.

The likability factor

Aside from looks, hiring decisions are also made based on likeability. A candidate may have all the required skills but come off as cocky or arrogant. The boss is human and most likely wants to work with someone who will make their life easier and could build a comfortable relationship with their direct report.

To demonstrate likability, you must genuinely care about other people. Really listen to what the interviewer is saying instead of just waiting for your turn to speak. Focus on the interviewer as if they were the only person there. Nod your head slightly when they speak, as this shows that you agree and are listening carefully. Repeat important phrases said in the interview to show you’re paying attention and make sure you’re on the same page. Don’t interrupt by cutting the person off mid-sentence, even if you have something brilliant to say.

Reflect the interviewer’s speech pattern. Give sincere compliments. If an uncomfortable topic comes up, such as why you were released during the pandemic, it’s easy to get embarrassed and frustrated when you have to relive that difficult time. However, you need to be extremely positive about the situation, “It was disappointing to be made redundant after 10 years with the company, but I understand that the company was in a difficult financial situation. In a way, I’m glad it happened. I got too complacent and would have stayed there for another 10 years. It is time to pursue a new and exciting role that I am passionate about, and I believe this job is a perfect fit for my background and experience.”

Speak confidently and be enthusiastic. Use your voice as if it were a musical instrument to keep the listener engaged. If you ramble on and speak in a monotone voice, you will quickly lose your audience.

Prepare your answers and talking points before the meeting. This will make you feel more in control and you will have an answer if you feel lost. Give relatively short, concise answers to the topic of direct questions. Don’t talk in circles avoiding an answer. If you don’t have an answer, it’s okay to say, “I’m not familiar with this question, but I’m very familiar with x.” Then move on to offering a few selling points as to why they should hire you.

By following these suggestions and supplementing them, you will come across as a positive, motivated, happy, enthusiastic person. The likability factor combined with relevant experience and skills will beat the hot guy who has looks but lacks substance.