Looking at Lookism

Four superstars do blind auditions and select a team of singers to compete on their teams. The interesting part to me is that because the superstars have their backs to the singers as they audition, when they make their decisions on who’s in and who’s out, they put vocal ability first. As they say, “On this show, only the voice matters.”

This made me think about interviewing. What if during interviews the hiring manager had his back to the applicant and, during the decision making process of who’s hired and who’s not, only ability mattered? 

I wonder if hiring decisions would be vastly different if we conducted interviews with blindfolds on. Would there be a dramatic decrease in workplace discrimination claims based on race, disability, religion, national origin, weight, and overall attractiveness? Would businesses become more innovative and more profitable because of different selection decisions? 

I remember the 20/20 experiment shared by John Stossel in which 20/20 hired two men and two women to apply for jobs. The clearest difference between them was appearance; they shared almost identical resumes and a consultant had trained them so they behaved similarly. 

Hidden cameras captured interviewers being warmer and friendlier to the better looking applicants and being less friendly to the other applicants. The better looking applicants got the job offers. 

Until my idea of blindfolding interviewers becomes common practice, I think we have to understand that lookism – discrimination against or prejudice towards others based on their appearance – is a fact of life. It’s not fair or right, but it exists. If you’re on the job hunt you will have to wrestle with this. 

So what's your response as a job seeker in a world where lookism is likely?

Fight back. During interviews be prepared to outsell your competition on your accomplishments and leadership abilities. Hire a coach to help you prepare and communicate with excellence and persuasiveness. Continuously develop your skills and abilities so you outshine others. 

Push your personality. Share your best qualities with interviewers. If you have a great sense of humor, for example, let it be known. 

Combat ageism. There are a lot of things you can do to appear younger. Your hair cut and color, clothing and accessories (especially your glasses) make a difference in people’s first impression. Get objective, professional advice. Also, try to affirmatively mention your interest in technology and experience in leading change to counteract incorrect stereotypes. 

Beat bias against obesity. See your doctor and get on a program to lose the extra weight. If you don’t, it will probably negatively impact your job search results – not to mention your health and your confidence.

Arm yourself with your rights. On May 24, 2011, final regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) become effective. The new regulations will make it easier for people to claim protection under the law because the definition of a disability is broadened and easier to meet. This will result in the need for employers to provide more accommodations during interviews and in the workplace. 

You should also understand other employment laws that protect people from illegal discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender and age. 

Are there any hiring managers out there who want to take me up on the blindfold challenge during your next rounds of interviews? Let us know how it goes. 

Christy Suerth

Your Neighbor and Career Coach