Interview Myth no. 5: Good-looking people get the job

I suppose if the job was for a drop-dead gorgeous femme fatale type
in a movie, then good looks would certainly help, but for most other
jobs the way you look is not as big a deal as many people make out.
As we’ve already discussed, there will always be an inexperienced
employer who will hire on the basis of superficial factors, but most
employers are smarter than that. The claim that good-looking people
get the job over plain-looking people makes one seriously flawed
assumption—that employers make a habit of putting someone’s
good looks before the interests of their livelihood. All my experience
has taught me the contrary. Most businesses find themselves in
highly competitive environments and employers are only too keenly
aware that a poor hiring decision can prove very costly.
This is not to say that appearance and a bright personality are
not important factors at an interview. It is very important that you
dress appropriately and try your best to demonstrate all your friendly
qualities. Good looks are certainly overrated in interviews, but an
appropriate appearance and a friendly personality are not.