If looks could kill your employment opportunities
by Sarah
A survey by an employment service provider (not us) has found that 88% of the 2,266 employers surveyed had at some stage given the job to the most attractive candidate! A similar percentage stated that appearance could affect their decision to offer the job. Whilst ensuring that those who are being interviewed for a office position have turned up dressed appropriately, this approach could land employers in hot water.
This attitude is quite suprising given the anti-discrimination legilsation in place. A person’s looks could be based on their race or gender which would of course be discriminatory. Giving a young female the job for her “sex appeal” over a male applicant could amount to sex discrimination and not choosing the older candidate could be discriminatory on the grounds of age.
When I was applying for training contracts a lot of the City firms asked for a passport photo with the application form. What is that about, if this is not selecting a prospective candidate on looks? Does this still go on?
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I agree, not every law student is born with stunning looks and a statuesque physique. I practically let myself go while studying just so I would not die of lack of sleep and the tremendous stress that goes with studying law, so it is quite unfair that the only law student to land the lion’s share of legal training contracts are those who look like they came out of a fashion magazine.
Legal Training Contracts said at June 27th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Thank you for your comment. Whilst it would be great to think that nothing like this goes on in law firms or other businesses we have all probably come across some kind of decision making based on appearance rather than aptitude and skill. How disappointing…
Emma said at October 16th, 2008 at 11:02 am