The job market today might be bleak, but job seekers everywhere still adhere to "professionalism standards" when interviewing for new roles.
A career community survey of over 500 hiring professionals determined that a woman's level of professionalism is often judged based on her physical appearance, including weight, body shape, hairstyle, and clothing choices.
This issue was recently raised by Melissa Weaver, a NYC job-seeker, who posted about her experience of purportedly being denied a position because she didn't wear makeup in her interview.
"So, I thought it went great, but then I get an email from the recruiter saying that I'm not going to be moving on to the next round. I was really bummed because I wanted the job. I was also very confused, so I did something I never do, and I emailed her back and asked for feedback."
"She said that while my background was exactly what they were looking for, my experience lined up with what they needed for the position, and my own personal goals and values aligned with the company's; she was concerned that for my interview, I hadn't put in enough effort in my appearance, given the level of role I was interviewing for."
"I was interviewing for a vice president position. I had done a blowout for my hair, had on a nice top, a blazer, earrings, but I only had on ChapStick; I didn't have on any makeup because I don't really wear a lot of makeup," Melissa explained.
Thousands of women flooded the comments, sharing similar experiences: "My colleague got similar feedback. She got the job but was told after her initial interview to adjust her 'facial appearance' for the next round," one user wrote.
"I got a high-stress job and started wearing less makeup," this user commented. "It was mentioned I looked stressed. I started wearing more makeup again, suddenly, I was a high performer again. I was doing the same level of work."
"I have been told, 'Oh, you look nice, you put on makeup.' People see it as not trying if you don't wear makeup."
"I work at Disneyland, and on days, I don't wear makeup, but I'm on my game of being super accommodating; I won't get as many guest compliments as when I'm wearing it and not feeling great," this user shared.
"You can't win when you're a woman. I've heard of women being denied promotions because they wore 'too much' makeup. It never ends."
One user claimed she was denied a role for her curly hairstyle and was deemed "not polished enough."
Another user explained her experience, saying she was passed over for a promotion because another female employee was seen as more "put together."
"Pretty privilege and 'corporate image' is a real thing," this user confirmed.
Another user pointed out the double standard between men and women in the workplace. "If a man doesn't have to wear makeup to get a job, a woman shouldn't either."
Melissa was asked in the comments if she'd wear makeup in future interviews after this experience, to which she replied she wasn't entirely sure. "I should probably capitalize on everything that could be an advantage," she wrote.
