I think being attractive in a guy/gal-next-door kind of way is probably the best. Jennifer Garner/Bradley Cooper types. Attractive, but not seductive or sexy or bombshell-y or striking or stunning - like, boringly cute.

You just want to be as bland and predictable as possible. This is the key. And yes you can be successful if unattractive, but endeavor to be well-groomed and fit (or at least not fat).

I am baffled that people still don't realize how much looks matter in the workplace. Looking the part is half the battle, and I would argue that it is a significant part of being viewed as a professional.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There has been research on this topic and for women, grooming translates into higher pay, not necessarily good looks.

Not sure about men.

What does grooming include?

https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/news/a7043/makeup-affects-career-study/

Anonymous wrote:There has been research on this topic and for women, grooming translates into higher pay, not necessarily good looks.

Not sure about men.

What does grooming include?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I work for a Fortune 500 company. All the female executives look like sorority sisters.

Same here

os this company in Texas by any chance?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We don’t have a single overweight, unattractive person in leadership at the large, publicly-traded company where I work. Everyone is fit and average to above average in looks, but no one is incredibly good looking.

Being unattractive may hurt, as may being too attractive.

Correlation does not equal causation. People in leadership roles are generally disciplined and focused. They tend to stick to a good diet and exercise regimen.

Over a certain age, especially for women, that look is not solely discipline and focus, it's putting a lot of time and money into the salon and anti aging treatments.

That is discipline and focus.

I'm not negative about that stuff, but it's not. The work I do in the gym takes discipline and focus. Paying someone to make my face or hair better doesn't.

Anonymous wrote:Your teeth matter a lot, and it sucks for people like me with a crossbite. I have done orthodontic treatment but because my roots are short, we had to stop before it was fixed. My only other option is a full mouth of veneers which aren't permanent. It would cost 25k, and I would need to have it done every ten or so years. I may do it abroad, where my husband is originally from. So to answer your question, looks do matter. I watched someone move up fast instead of another guy with bad teeth. In US culture, you're expected to smile a lot with your teeth and you're judged by your teeth, unfortunately.

I have a cross bite but don’t think I have bad teeth at all. I’m what way do you think the crossbite is an issue? No one can see it.

There has been research on this topic and for women, grooming translates into higher pay, not necessarily good looks.

Not sure about men.

Most people here are young and don’t remember pre-internet and pre-9/11.

I used to work on Wall Street and literally you could walk into HR and apply for a job, I recall I put my best suit on when young and good looking and 22-28 just walk into HR sweet talk the girls in HR and land an interview.

When a six foot two inch good looking in shape single 26 year old white guy in a fancy suit, carrying a brief case with Wall Street Journal under arm and expensive watch walks into HR with 21-26 year old single ladies out front you are getting interviews.

Today it way less an advantage. I recall at Merril Lunch and American Express got interviews same day. I had that thick fancy paper for resume too and business cards!!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We don’t have a single overweight, unattractive person in leadership at the large, publicly-traded company where I work. Everyone is fit and average to above average in looks, but no one is incredibly good looking.

Being unattractive may hurt, as may being too attractive.

Correlation does not equal causation. People in leadership roles are generally disciplined and focused. They tend to stick to a good diet and exercise regimen.

Over a certain age, especially for women, that look is not solely discipline and focus, it's putting a lot of time and money into the salon and anti aging treatments.

That is discipline and focus.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you get ahead in corporate if you are not good looking?

No biggie if you’re a man. Harder if you’re a woman.

Men just can’t be short.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The key is to be well groomed in a way that’s…inoffensive. Look at Fortune 500 female execs. All shapes and sizes, frankly, and different degrees of natural beauty..but they have tidy, inoffensive haircuts and white teeth.

What is considered to be an offensive haircut??

Too long hair, straggly hair or anything that looks unkempt, etc.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We don’t have a single overweight, unattractive person in leadership at the large, publicly-traded company where I work. Everyone is fit and average to above average in looks, but no one is incredibly good looking.

Being unattractive may hurt, as may being too attractive.

Correlation does not equal causation. People in leadership roles are generally disciplined and focused. They tend to stick to a good diet and exercise regimen.

Over a certain age, especially for women, that look is not solely discipline and focus, it's putting a lot of time and money into the salon and anti aging treatments.

Anonymous wrote:The key is to be well groomed in a way that’s…inoffensive. Look at Fortune 500 female execs. All shapes and sizes, frankly, and different degrees of natural beauty..but they have tidy, inoffensive haircuts and white teeth.

What is considered to be an offensive haircut??

Anonymous wrote:We don’t have a single overweight, unattractive person in leadership at the large, publicly-traded company where I work. Everyone is fit and average to above average in looks, but no one is incredibly good looking.

Being unattractive may hurt, as may being too attractive.

Correlation does not equal causation. People in leadership roles are generally disciplined and focused. They tend to stick to a good diet and exercise regimen.