think about economics . . . Job = $
try not to think about having to alter you image for a couple hours (for interview)

I like this article . . . excerpt below:
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There is an interesting article by Susan Young on the Inside Bay Area website about an experiment conducted by two teen girls applying for jobs at large, national retailers Abercrombie and Fitch and Hot Topic. One of the girls dressed up in gothic attire and one dressed up in typical teen style of jeans and t-shirt. Both went to these two different stores to ask about employment. The girl with gothic appearance was given the cold shoulder by both stores while the girl in pleasant, “normal” attire was warmly received and provided an interview date on the spot.

The tone of the article suggested that judgment by employers on outward appearances is discriminatory. Whether hiring on appearance is discriminatory or not, it is interesting to note the fact that openness on the part of the employer was improved by the pleasant appearance of the girl dressed in attractive, average clothing. Additionally, since the girls were applying for public-contact, sales-oriented positions, their appearance would have an effect on sales performance. In fact, the article notes several instances of negative reactions by passersby to the gothic-attired girl. Negative reactions by the buying public do not translate into sales for retailers.

This experiment was conducted by high school age girls in a minimum-wage employment setting, but the effects of appearance by job applicants is applicable across all industries and wage levels. How you look makes a difference in the job search process – like it or not. First impressions impact not only the reception you receive by prospective employers but also by people you meet in networking, professional development, and on the job itself.

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