The Look: The Powerful Connection of Beauty and Success

The Look: The Powerful Connection of Beauty and Success
In The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus, Christopher Marlowe described Helen as having a “face that launched a thousand ships” (13.88). Many scholars agree the Helen to whom he was referring was the legendary Helen of Troy, believed to be the most beautiful woman in the world. Would history remember Helen so well had she been a woman of average looks? That is doubtful. Throughout history, one can find many stories of the accomplishments of beautiful people. This powerful connection between beauty and success is as evident today as in the days of Helen. Those aiming to maximize their opportunities and achievements in life would do well to learn and take advantage of this vital concept.
While many are not born with classic beauty, anyone can significantly improve his or her appearance. Ambitious people around the world take extraordinary steps to improve their physical appearance, sometimes even utilizing surgical procedures. Although surgery is an extreme example, a person has a number of proven methods available to create his or her best look. Understanding and exploiting the powerful connection of beauty and success through proper dental care, dressing for success, and staying physically fit will dramatically increase anyone’s opportunities for achievement in career as well as personal life.
Many strongly disagree with this notion. Some experts believe that an individual’s character and personal accomplishments are much more valuable to his or her success than looks. They believe that time and money utilized in the pursuit of physical beauty is wasted. Without a doubt, character, education, and experience are essential to anyone in life and career. Physical beauty does little to guarantee success except in a few specialized career fields. A person’s mind is his or her most powerful tool in creating true success. Nevertheless, to have the opportunity to create that success, the individual must first get the chance. Volumes of research prove that attractive people get more of those chances that do ordinary-looking people. Looks are crucial to the overall equation.
Searching the internet for a connection between a winning smile and business success will provide hundreds of references, opinions, and suggestions. Many of these search results will be from dental clinics offering much data on the benefits of beautiful teeth to the modern businessperson. Cosmetic dentistry specialists, once used primarily by entertainment industry professionals, are now popular with people from all occupations. This branch of dentistry goes beyond basic dental health and straightening of teeth. Such treatments as the whitening of teeth, the installation of ceramic veneers to the front of the teeth, and the replacement of much of an individual tooth with a dental cap can totally transform a person’s smile. The result is a smile with bright, beautiful teeth that can significantly improve that vital first impression.
Some traditional businesspeople argue that a pretty smile will not make one a better accountant or more accomplished airline pilot. While that is true, it is necessary to understand what is happening in the highly competitive world of American business. Noted economist Daniel Hamermesh of the University of Texas wrote extensively on the power of beauty in his book, Beauty Pays: Why Attractive People Are More Successful. He notes, “The beautiful man or woman earns more than the above-average, and the homely earn less than the plain.” (48) Hamermesh’s work shows that while good looks are essential to both genders, women do appear to be examined more closely. He writes, “Ratings of women’s looks were more extreme than ratings of men’s: More were rated as plain or homely, more were rated as strikingly beautiful or above-average, and fewer were rated as possessing average looks.” (29) Looking into the future, Hamermesh sees beauty becoming even more powerful. He makes this prediction:
“Given people’s remarkable willingness and ability to make narrow distinctions among themselves, it is quite possible, with an increase in average beauty and greater homogeneity in looks, that the penalty for being just slightly worse-looking than other people might increase over time.” (176)
Given the clear power of beauty in the business world, spending some time with the dentist seems to be a smart investment. That dazzling new smile could very well be the key to a better job, an important promotion, and more money. When combined with the proven health benefits of a healthy mouth, overhauling your smile becomes the perfect place to start your transformation.
A number of popular sayings exist concerning the idea of dressing for success. The quote, “dress for the job you want, not the job you have,” is used so often that some have grown tired of hearing it, and others make fun of it. Nevertheless, the idea has merit. Dressing well is an easy way to show superiors that one respects the job and takes it seriously. In the case of a job that requires the wearing of a uniform, keeping it clean and in good condition will help anyone stand out from those who wear dirty or tattered uniforms. It is beneficial to exercise restraint while creating a look for work. If working as a mailroom clerk, dressing like a CEO is not appropriate and could harm a person’s chances for upward mobility. The key is to look better than the rest of the office, but remain within the norms for the position. Hearing the boss say, “I can always count on you to look professional,” is a good indicator that the look is right.
Creating a good look is vital to making an excellent first impression when interviewing for a new position. Executive coach Shel Leanne provides this guidance, “It is always best to call a representative in human resources to ask how you should dress, to ensure you are not underdressing." (5) She further adds, “If you have to choose between overdressing and underdressing, it is generally better to overdress. Underdressing sends the message [I am taking this interview casually; it is not very important to me.]” (5) Some experts recommend thoroughly preparing the outfit the night before so that the pre-interview preparations go smoothly. Great clothes combined with a good night’s sleep will ensure one is ready to put his or her best face forward to any prospective employer.
While many will debate the significance of dressing well, the number of people who will argue the importance of physical fitness is dropping. Obesity is a serious problem in the United States and businesses are starting to realize that a healthier workforce can markedly increase the efficiency and financial well-being of a company. Physically fit candidates are now more attractive than ever to businesses that want to control health-related costs. Additionally, many decision-makers feel thinner, fitter employees present a more positive image for the company. The result is that many heavier people, or “people of size,” are experiencing difficulty finding success in the business world.
Experts have compiled many stories of people experiencing discrimination based on size and perceived physical fitness. In his book, Fat Politics: The Real Story behind America’s Obesity Epidemic, University of Chicago professor Eric Oliver introduces Jennifer Portnick, a “friendly, smart, energetic, and attractive” aerobics instructor (60). He describes her classes as “often filled to capacity” and apparently “popular with her students.” Nevertheless, the Jazzercise aerobics company rejected Jennifer’s application to teach for one of its studios. Oliver wrote, “They rejected her for one reason only – Jennifer, at 5’8” and 240 pounds, did not conform to the “image” of a Jazzercise employee, which was supposed to be very thin.” (60) He goes on to say, “Like many other Americans, Jennifer was denied a job simply because of her weight.” (60) There are many critics of size discrimination as well as much data to suggest that the thinnest, most physically fit candidate is not necessarily the best candidate for a particular job. It is clear, however, that losing weight and getting into better shape will greatly enhance an individual’s prospects for success.
Most people of size have personal stories of open, and often cruel, discrimination. Oliver wrote, “At work, fat people have trouble finding jobs, and they are evaluated more negatively, are less likely to be promoted, and are paid less than their thin colleagues.” (60) Oliver frequently uses harsh language, but phrases like “fat people” accurately convey the negative view of overweight and obese individuals shared by many in this country. Oliver says, “Size-based discrimination (or fatism, if you will) is one of the last bastions of socially acceptable bias in American life.” (60) For example, the airline industry has made headlines in recent years by requiring some obese passengers to purchase two seats rather that one. In this increasingly health-conscious country, overweight and obese people will continue to find success in business and personal life difficult to achieve.
Critics of the importance of beauty in the business world argue that the age-old adage that “beauty is only skin deep” holds much value to decision-makers. Evidence, however, overwhelmingly shows that an individual’s appearance is key to gaining opportunities for success. Psychologists Elaine Hatfield and Susan Sprecher suggest an even deeper reason to create the best appearance possible. They cite evidence that suggests a link between beauty and perceived stability. Hatfield and Sprecher note, “It seems very difficult for people to believe that good-looking clients are really disturbed and need professional help. They have no trouble at all imagining that homely men and women are in trouble.” (Cash et al qtd. in 70) While the evidence they present comes from experiments dealing with psychotherapy, it suggests that people often connect much more meaning to physical beauty than is typically discussed. Often, these deeper connections are made subconsciously, yet still affect how people relate to each other. Some business coaches suggest that a first impression is formed within the first ten seconds of meeting someone for the first time. The successful individual is the one who understands all that occurs in that crucial ten seconds and does everything possible to make sure that first impression is outstanding.
Upon seeing his dream woman, and convinced her beauty will provide him with everlasting life, Marlowe’s Faustus exclaims, “Sweet Helen, make me immortal with a kiss.” (13.90) While Faustus is a fictional character, the power of beauty is real. Rather than decry the shallow nature of this power, the successful person uses it to his or her advantage. By creating a dazzling Hollywood smile, dressing as if an image model for the company, and getting into the best physical shape possible, an ordinary-looking man or woman can become a head-turner. Wowing a boss, potential employer, or prospective romantic interest with character and wit is a terrific goal. To make that happen, however, one must get the chance. To learn the lesson of beauty and success, and put it into practice, is to ensure those opportunities occur much more often.
Works Cited
Hamermesh, Daniel S. Beauty Pays: Why Attractive People are More Successful. Princeton, NJ: Princeton UP, 2011. Questia. Web. 5 April 2013.
Hatfield, Elaine, and Susan Sprecher. Mirror, Mirror: The Importance of Looks in Everyday Life. Albany, NY: State University of New York, 1986. Questia. Web. 5 Apr. 2013.
Leanne, Shel. How to Interview like a Top MBA: Job-Winning Strategies from Headhunters, Fortune 100 Recruiters, and Career Counselors. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2004. Questia. Web. 7 Apr. 2013.
Marlowe, Christopher. The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus. The Harvard Classics, vol. 19, pt. 2. ed. Charles Eliot. New York: P.F. Collier & Son, 1914. Bartleby.com. Web. 5 Apr. 2013.
Oliver, J. Eric. Fat Politics: The Real Story behind America 's Obesity Epidemic. New York: Oxford UP, 2006. Questia. Web. 13 Apr. 2013.

Cited: Hamermesh, Daniel S. Beauty Pays: Why Attractive People are More Successful. Princeton, NJ: Princeton UP, 2011. Questia. Web. 5 April 2013. Hatfield, Elaine, and Susan Sprecher. Mirror, Mirror: The Importance of Looks in Everyday Life. Albany, NY: State University of New York, 1986. Questia. Web. 5 Apr. 2013. Leanne, Shel. How to Interview like a Top MBA: Job-Winning Strategies from Headhunters, Fortune 100 Recruiters, and Career Counselors. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2004. Questia. Web. 7 Apr. 2013. Marlowe, Christopher. The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus. The Harvard Classics, vol. 19, pt. 2. ed. Charles Eliot. New York: P.F. Collier & Son, 1914. Bartleby.com. Web. 5 Apr. 2013. Oliver, J. Eric. Fat Politics: The Real Story behind America 's Obesity Epidemic. New York: Oxford UP, 2006. Questia. Web. 13 Apr. 2013.