Does the appearance really play an important part in finding a job nowadays?

China
May 15, 2008 10:13am CST
Many people say that the first impression to the employers plays a rather important role in finding the job. And the god appearance can catch employers atention. I want to know that ability and appearance, which is more important?
1 person likes this
7 responses
• Malaysia
16 Jun 08
To me the ability is more important that the appearance but if you working at the multination company the ability and appearance is important. the first impression when our senior,boss or customer lok at us is our appearance. They canot see our ability untill we work and shown them the real result
@Elixiress (3878)
15 Jun 08
I believe that ability is more important than appearance, because I look presentable for job interviews yet I have not got the job and that is because I have no previous experience. I think that if it is between two people with equal abilities the one that is better presented will get the job, I think you have to look hygienic and clean and reasonable smart or suited to the position.
@laglen (19759)
• United States
15 Jun 08
I think they are both important. But your appearance is your first impression. This sets the stage for how people feel about you. if you walk in wearing loud colors, they will get a chaotic feel from you. You want to look professional and calm. The more neutral the better.
• United States
17 May 08
Ability is very important. Probably the more important of the two. Appearance plays a large role as well. I mean, would you want to hire someone who obviously takes care of himself because then you know that that person cares.
• Philippines
15 May 08
First impressions last! The moment you walk into an interview, the first thing that is noticed is your appearance. Now if an interviewer doesn't like your appearance in the first place, well he may not be as interested to know what your abilities are. In finding a job always remember that you are not merely applying for a job but you are actually selling yourself.
@aplaza (630)
• Netherlands
15 Jun 08
It can play a role but does not neccesarily need to be of great importance. If for example you are a gardner by trade and are interviewing at a garden center as a landscaper it is not likely that the employer will hold it against you that you are wearing a work shirt and a pair of jeans. Just make sure they are neat and clean. Yet if you applied for the exact same position and went in a dark suit, white shirt and tie it's very possible that they wouldn't even consider you to be a candidate because of your appearance! However one should remember that employers interview many people but only have a certain number of positions available. When pressed to make the choice between candidates who posess the same qualities and or skills necessary for performing the job in question I can imagine that the person who was dressed more appropriately would be offered the job. And I think that I just hit on the key word here. Dress appropriately. If that means wearing a skirt for the ladies or a tie for the gentlemen then, by all means, please do so if you want to make a good impression. After all that's what it's all about. The impression you leave them with. Just because you a good at what you do doesn't mean that you can neglect the way you appear to others at the workplace. Keep in mind though that even if you have a $1000 suit of clothes but little or no skills for the job you are applying for that the suit won't get you the job either! It has always to be a combination of things.
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
15 May 08
I used to be in a position where I hired people and I can tell you that a first impression is just that...it's your first opinion of an applicant. If someone presented himself to me with confidence I would consider him to be confident, if someone was initially shy, that impression would stay with me. Being appropriately dressed is also very important even if the position you're applying for is a more casual one. Business dress shows that you appreciate the importance of the interview process and the importance of the person whose time you're taking. Friendliness is an asset and so is eagerness and honesty. I've always been the most impressed by applicants who had a freindly, open feel to them and who didn't try to exaggerate every thing they ever did.