Money is attractive

Have you ever heard someone refer to their face as their “Money Maker”? As funny as it might sound, that famous line might hold some truth. In fact, being attractive might be the difference between landing a job or being turned away. This could better be explained as the Halo Effect. This affect generates from a bias opinion of a person, made from a trait/characteristic that person holds. For example, what is beautiful - is also good. Therefore, if being attractive has its advantages in the job field, then investing in your appearance might actually pay off!

Beauty is in the eye on the beholder. At least, that’s what they same. Attractive traits are determined by one’s personal preference; Meaning any trait could be considered attractive. While personal preference might vary, there are only a few physical traits that are universally attractive. Those traits include: Clear skin, good hair (long hair for women), nice smile, high energy level, good hygiene, Facial Symmetry, good posture, strong body (men), and a ‘classic’ body shape for women (Hip-to-waist ratio).

These traits indicate that a person is in good health. Psychologist’s believe that the attraction for these traits are done unconsciously. Rather, people link such traits to a person’s health and capability. Research indicates that attractive people are seemingly perceived as intelligent, friendly and more competent than less attractive people. In 2014, a report was published on the findings from a team of researchers from Edinburgh University. The researchers found a link between a person’s height and IQ. Apparently, taller people were found to be slightly more intelligent than those that were shorter in height.

A study was done in 2013, to show how attractiveness effected the chances for a call-back after a job interview. While the average call-back rate was only 30% (out of 100 subjects), there was a difference between who received a call-back and who didn’t. While 54% of attractive women received a call-back, only 7% of unattractive women reported a call-back after their interview. For men, a reported 47% of attractive men and 26% of unattractive men, received a call-back. It would seem that getting a job is harder for unattractive women that it is for unattractive men. When it comes to landing a job, an attractive face has a 36% higher callback rate… even with no variation in job qualifications. The advantages of being attractive don’t end after hiring. In fact, a typical good-looking person is more likely to get promotions and receive raises faster.

Having an attractive face isn’t the only thing that can influences earnings. Studies show that blonde females make 7% more than female coworkers, who are not blonde. Plus, a person’s weight could have an impact on wages, too. On average, heavier women make $8,666 less annually and heavier men make $4,772 less than their thinner coworkers. Women stand to make over 30% more in pay, by simply wearing makeup! Maybe you don’t need a college degree after all!? According to the Wall Street Journal, attractive faces earn 3% - 4% more than someone with below average looks. That means, being attractive could earn you an estimated $230,000 more over a lifetime! If this is true, then spending money on make-up, a gym membership and plastic surgery might not have been a sunk cost!

Simply put... it’s possible that being attractive could have a positive impact on employment opportunities. There have been numerous studies, surveys and even science-based research done to back up these claims. Therefore, investing in your appearance today, could pay off in the future in the form of a job, promotion, or raise. Human beings are visual creatures… take advantage of its benefits.