As a nation we have come to accept the idea that good looking people are more likely to get hired than less attractive people. However, there are some physical characteristics we are born with that can cause our hiring likelihood to drop in stock. With the fierce competition to beat out equally qualified candidates for a job, now another hiring trend may put some of us at a disadvantage.



In 2004, Yale psychologist, Dr. Marianne La France, conducted a study to compare hair (color, style and cut) to getting hired. Results of this study noted that hair color should be believable, flatter your skin tone, and have a professional appearance (www.casualpower.com). It was also noted within the same article from Casualpower.com that long, bleached blonde hair is the least hired look by employers. According to NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers), having an unusual hair color is one of the top three influencing factors in not hiring a candidate, weighing in at 73%. That's only 1% lower than the importance of a strong handshake.

Aside from hair color, there are other physical characteristics you have no control over that can prevent you climbing up the career ladder. According to a 2005 article from USAToday.com, most male CEOs tend to be three inches taller than the average man. Accordingly, weight plays a big role to some companies in terms of hiring and firing. A controversial case about the “Borgata Babes” (the cocktail waitresses at the Borgata) attracted attention with Borgata's policy that allows them to fire their babes if they gain 7% of their body weight during their employment at the casino (www.usatoday.com).

Harrah's Casino and Resort faced charges for a claim made by a former employee that said she was fired “for not wearing makeup.” Their newly revised makeup requirements used to require that women wear makeup, defined as powder or foundation, blush, lipstick and mascara (www.usatoday.com).

Even if America favors attractive people, where is the limit imposed? From required make-up to frowning upon hair color, have we overstepped the boundaries? If so, it might be time to set guidelines for employers and what they are allowed to discriminate against.