Are good looks necessary for your ‘dream’ job?

A popular cliché says ‘Looking good is good business’. Yes, it is necessary that we all look good and well-dressed but how necessary is it when it comes to getting that ‘dream’ job you’ve always desired? Lifextra takes a look. Two ladies walked into an office. One was well-dressed with a neat hair-do, simple but […]

A popular cliché says ‘Looking good is good business’. Yes, it is necessary that we all look good and well-dressed but how necessary is it when it comes to getting that ‘dream’ job you’ve always desired? Lifextra takes a look.

Two ladies walked into an office. One was well-dressed with a neat hair-do, simple but well-applied make-up. The other was nonchalant about her dressing, as she did not bother about her hair, outfit or even shoes. They had applied for the same post but only one person was needed. Who would be picked? Both ladies were well-educated and had all the necessary qualifications.

The interview was conducted; and they sat in the reception, waiting for the outcome.  Who would you pick if you were given the responsibility of selecting one of them?

Lifextra, as usual, sought opinions from respondents and we got interesting reactions.

Ajunwa Chiamaka Blessing, a professional dancer, said, “Well, I’ll pick the first lady who is well-dressed because I know I can count on her to do my work well; so yes you need to look good if you are getting or going for your dream job. It depends on your definition of “looks”. But it doesn’t mean you should over do things. Just look good and beautiful and everything will fall into place.”

When Lifextra asked if areas such as size, height, and complexion were used as yardsticks before getting a job, Ajunwa replied “Well in terms of size, height, complexion, it doesn’t change anything really. God knows why he created us the way we are; I am not trying to be spiritual about it, but that is just the truth of the matter.”

Also, Muhammad Bello Sada, a civil servant, said “Looking good is an advantage in almost every situation. So it always pays to look good.”

“And what of looks in terms of size, height, complexion”? Lifextra asked. “One should try and be natural. No need to change your natural self in terms of complexion or weight or height. Be original; look good with what God gave you,” Sada responded.

Ahmed Mohammed, who works with a media outfit, added “Of course, definitely. Imagine someone wants to sell you a very expensive house, or you are going into court. In both cases, the guy you’re supposed to trust looks smelly and unkempt. How will you willingly believe in that person’s ability? Looks and dress sense matter a lot.”

Ismail Aliyu, a student, said, “I will pick the well-dressed lady because her dressing tells me that she would do things in an organized manner.” He added, “The way you look can never change at all. Just be yourself, whether you are slim, fat, fair or dark, just maintain yourself and go for it, it’s left for the employer to either accept you the way you are or leave you.”

“Dress the way you want to be addressed” says a popular adage. People create impressions about us after meeting with us; and these impressions can be lasting. Looks and dressing are said to be among them.