You’re Hired! Well only if you’re attractive.
Peninsula, the employment law firm’s latest research shows almost 9 in 10 employers have admitted to having offered jobs to the most attractive candidate. The research which scanned 2266 employers across the UK found that many employers have at some stage given preference to someone because of their attractive looks rather because of skills and experience.
- 88% of respondents who interview admit that they have at some stage chosen candidates because they were attractive rather than based on skills and experience
- 92% of respondents say that appearance at the job interview can influence their decision on who gets the job
David Price, Head of Diversity for Peninsula said today: “Are you discriminating against potential employees because of how they look? If so then you’re not alone. It seems that many interviewers are guilty when it comes to looks influencing their decision. I was surprised at the number of people who have based an employment decision on looks and it’s turning into a new form of modern discrimination.”
Unfortunately society will never be free of discrimination and it’s a shame because the person not being given the job may have been the best candidate. Employers who discriminate are likely to find themselves at employment tribunal because of indirectly discriminating. There is a real danger that you may discriminate indirectly on the basis of age and sex without intending to do so and could potentially open the door to costly litigation.
Price continues, “The overweight, tattooed and unattractive are not currently specifically protected by discrimination laws but employers should beware of breaking disability discrimination if appearance of being overweight is due to illness. Some employers see being overweight as an example of lack of discipline and current legislation does not protect perfectly capable people. Employers could be missing out on the best candidate because of their prejudicial attitudes.”
Price concludes; “Employees at interview should be themselves, use the interview to sell yourself on your achievements and qualifications, look smart and presentable and most of all be positive.”
