Physical Appearance

**MrJoe** · #1 (**permalink**) 12-11-2006, 03:05 AM

As the famous quote says: "Don't judge a book by its cover". But is this true? How do you judge employees that are applying in your company. I think how the applicant presents himself still counts and is a big factor. What can you say about this?

**ankur** · #2 (**permalink**) 12-21-2006, 03:33 PM

some importance has to be given to looks,
though it is at times not important, but for a sales person who is gonna communicate with for business regularly needs to have good looks and personality to attract a deal fast.

so it depends on the positions in an organisation for importance of physical appearance in an individual

**gems** · #3 (**permalink**) 12-23-2006, 12:54 AM

first impression is usually the last impression.

the usual myth among candidates is that when they go for an interview they are supposed to look wow and very appealing and attractive.

in my opinion you have to dress formal and behave normal.

companies pay more attention to your skills and abilities - they are not looking for candidates with drop dead looks unless they are selling something which needs that kind of a profile.

trust tour abilities and leave the rest to destiny.

**Hamish Jones** · #4 (**permalink**) 12-29-2006, 04:47 AM

I think physical appearance and exercise is also important for your own self esteem. If you do some exercise and make yourself feel and look better, it will translate into better business.

**paras** · #5 (**permalink**) 01-11-2007, 11:37 PM

it does matter a lot, physically fit and medically well examined candidates are a part of good companies, no organisation would want their candidates to be unhealthy and unsound mind, they would take complete care of you as long as you give them good productivity.

**NareshK** · #6 (**permalink**) 01-12-2007, 12:35 AM

According to me Physical Appearance also matters alot...

I have taken loads of interviews over the phone, personally, online etc etc...

Let me share my experience or my views for different industries i hve seen it happening.

1) Call Centers

2 types of interviews

A) Telephonic - Where a person cannot be judged for physical appearance, however there are so many co. who just select people and ask them to collect their offer letter

So for telecom interview Physical looks dont matter, however communication skills matter.

B) Personal - I have taken so many interviews, where people from Lower class / Middle class / Higher class come.

i) Lower class - People do not dress up that well but few of them are very good in communication and specified skills required for the post/job.

ii) Middle class - People normally dress up quite good, but some of them are good in skills required for the post.

iii) High class - Poeple just want to show how good they are with their appearnce, would ask for high salary which can only be given or awarded once you have that kind of experience in the specified field.

Conclusion - Poeple in this field are communicating over the phone/email most of the time and do not have personal interaction with the clients offshore. Physical appearnce doesnt matter that much in a call center field, but yes they have to follow the basic rules or dressing in formals as and when.

2) Hotel Industry

There are various dept's as you all know. Starts from Front office/ House keeping/ Bell Boy's/ Floor Sup's / Kitchen staff etc..etc..

A) Front office - Yes here physical appearence and communications skills are the key role for this job profile

B) House keeping - Physical appearence is not that important but you have to be always clean and maintain the same thing around you. Thats why its House keeping.

C) Bell boy's - Yes Looks matter coz they sometimes have direct interaction with the guests to earn more tips

D) Floor Sup's - Yes Looks matter coz they have direct interaction with the guests, to maintain the quality of the Hotel.

E) Kitchen staff - Includes Chef / Sou Chef etc etc....They are the masters of food and are always in the back stage known as kitchen, however they have to maintain their physique, coz if they start eating what will the guest it..

Conclusion - Yes physical appearence matters in all fields depending on the job profile you are choosing for yourself.

However, every male or female these days would like to maintain their figure, may be they can be choosen in a film / t.v serial, coz have seen people just walking on the road one day and other day on the screen.

Well that's all for now.

Regards,
Naresh K.

**anthony1** · #7 (**permalink**) 06-06-2007, 03:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ankur

some importance has to be given to looks,
though it is at times not important, but for a sales person who is gonna communicate with for business regularly needs to have good looks and personality to attract a deal fast.

so it depends on the positions in an organisation for importance of physical appearance in an individual

Looks are secondary when compared to the way the employee presents his skills and displays his body language when he is interacting with the opposit person.I am not saying that an ugly person will be welcomed.He or she, certainly has to look presentable.Above all the person should know his job and fit the bill based on the companies profile.

**wisealma** · #8 (**permalink**) 06-12-2007, 03:16 PM

It depends on the position - if you are applying for a model job, looks matter. If you are applying for a PR job, looks, and your ability to carry yourself in the way you communicate matter.

If you are a database administrator - it shouldn't matter.

**WAPages** · #9 (**permalink**) 06-20-2007, 04:46 AM

Looks do matter! I'm a staff member in a call center... we get so many [excuse me] trashy people come in to do an interview! Its unbelievable... Many of them get an interview and those that are hired... perform poorly and end up quiting or getting fired.