Beauty and Brains Equal Higher Pay

"Beauty is only skin deep." "It's what's inside that counts." "Pretty is as pretty does." Since childhood, our well-intentioned teachers and family members have taught us that lipstick and hair curlers will only get us so far. To be successful, we have to excel in school, graduate with honors, and find employment at a good company, right? Well, a new study appearing in the Journal of Applied Psychology challenges this mindset and asserts that when it comes to job success, it pays to be beautiful.

In fact, according to Timothy Judge, PhD, a management professor at the University of Florida and lead author of the study, confident and attractive job candidates have an edge over their competitors. Not only do these genetically blessed people impress prospective employers with their confidence, they also report higher salaries. "Little is known about why there are income disparities between the good-looking and the not-so-good looking," says Judge. "We've found that, even after accounting for intelligence, a person's feeling of self-worth is enhanced by how attractive they are; and this, in turn, results in higher pay."

The Face of Success

Examining 191 people between the ages of 25 and 75, the researchers interviewed subjects three times over an 18-month period, which began in 1995. Study participants were asked about their salaries, their financial and educational anxieties, and whether they were satisfied with their current or past accomplishments. The researchers then took their pictures and tested their intelligence and cognition. To measure how much physical beauty affects success, several of the researchers evaluated each participant's attractiveness level relative to their age and sex.

After averaging each person's score, the researchers noted an undeniable pattern: The prettier someone was, the more educated, rich and confident they were. Still, Judge cautions, don't discount the importance of intelligence. Although beauty plays a strong role in success, intelligence matters more in regard to job compensation. "We can be somewhat heartened by the fact that the effects of general intelligence on income were stronger than those of facial attractiveness," he says. But if someone's both beautiful and intelligent? Jackpot!

Beauty Lessons

Let's face it: People always judge others based on their appearances. For instance, suppose you're hiring for a secretarial position and you're presented with two job candidates. One woman is dressed to the nines and screams "corporate chic." The other woman, although highly qualified, personifies "dowdy" and looks like Ugly Betty's long-lost twin. Most likely, the first lady's appearance will give her an advantage over her competition. Whether this seems bias and judgmental is irrelevant; the fact is that appearance does matter.

Fortunately, you don't have to wear a size two or undergo a cosmetic procedure to be attractive. Although some people are innately beautiful (Gisele Bündchen: I'm calling you out!), others need to put a little effort into their appearance.

So, look in the mirror and determine whether your style needs updating. Would a new haircut or fresh makeup boost your confidence? Do you wear clothes that make the most of your figure or hide it? Closely examine your appearance and try to find ways to update your look. Although I can't promise that your salary will increase, your self-confidence surely will. After all, even though it's what's inside that ultimately counts, someone with a fabulous work ethic or skill set may be overlooked for a job if their exterior doesn't showcase it.

Up for Discussion

Are you surprised by this study? Or, does it just validate what you already know: that it pays to be beautiful? Please share your reactions to this research with the OfficeArrow community.

Also, do you need tips on how to boost your professional wardrobe? Check out this great article.