The study, which was conducted between July 25 and August 7, indicates the general consensus that beauty and outer appearances do play an integral role in both job interviews and work environment dynamics. According to the representatives of 1111 Job Bank, 95.83 percent of those interviewed believe that outer appearances do influence job interviews and that prettier or more well-dressed individuals tend to do better.

The study also shows that around 27 percent of workers have stated that they have faced discrimination due to weight or outer physical appearances during interviews or at work, ultimately causing around 48 percent of these people to change their occupations.

Ryan Wu, Chief Operating Officer of 1111 Job Bank, explained this trend, saying “as employees are representing their companies, the employers will definitely look for those who perhaps look the best.”

Wu further emphasized the importance of being well-dressed during an interview or being at work, stating that “while some people may not be able to change their physical appearance, they can definitely still dress up.” He adds that there are three principles that the study shows will help a worker, which include being tidy, professional and appropriately dressed.

The study also reveals that people tend to believe having good looks will be beneficial to their jobs and their working environment. For instance, 56.46 percent of workers believe that there are more opportunities for those who are more beautiful and 47.45 percent stated that prettier people face less consequences if they make mistakes. Also, in terms of work environment dynamics, 49.32 percent of workers believe that people are more willing to help those who are beautiful.

On the other hand, the 1111 Job Bank also demonstrated that workers face many disadvantages if they are not seen as beautiful or well-dressed by their peers or employers. The study found 47.78 percent saying their work is under-appreciated because they don’t look as good; 37.34 percent cited discrimination against their physical appearance and 35.13 percent indicated verbal bullying from their co-workers.

According to the study, the jobs that focus more on outer appearances include sales, customer services and public relations.

The job bank invited three individuals to share their stories on how physical appearance have affected their work. A woman, surnamed Chang, who is a chief of a law firm, lost over 30 kilograms. She said, “I think discrimination against weight definitely exists,” citing the numerous times she was rejected by interviewers while she was in college due to her weight.

Sandy, a saleswoman who does not want to reveal her last name, further expressed the importance of outer appearances for her work, though she added that “being beautiful does not automatically mean you’ll do well; you still need to be hardworking.”

Finally, Awin, an MIS engineer who weighs 120kg, indicated that physical appearances play less a role in his line of work, saying, “companies care more if you complete your job than how you look.” Perhaps this best illustrates that while beauty may help when looking for a job, “you must also have brain, brilliance and (good) behavior,” said Wu, adding “outer appearance is only the first appearance.”